Make a wish: A Christmas Story...

'Tis the season for wishing and presents. 

Here's a wish for you: gift yourself "A Christmas Story: The Musical" before it ends its season at  The Lunt-Fontaine Theatre on December 30th.

In  "A Christmas Story: The Musical," Jean Shepherd (Dan Lauria) narrates a memory from childhood in which Ralphie (Johnny Rabe) is so desperate to get a "Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun" that his 

pleas tie his tongue.

Photo by Carol Rosegg. Johnny Rabe as Ralphie, Zac Ballard as his brother Randy and Erin Dilly as their mother.

 

His Mother (Erin Dilly) laughs off his Christmas wish with a "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out," a sentiment that is reprised in the taunt his teacher Miss Shields (Caroline O'Connor) delivers in one of Ralphie's many reveries.

In that same Fantasy scene, the youngest little scene-stealer in tapshoes, Luke Spring (age 9) out taps  his elders, including the wonderful Caroline O'Connor. In fact, the prodigious talent on stage in "A Christmas Story: The Musical" comes in all sizes and ages. And Warren Carlyle's brilliant choreography adds sparkle at every turn to "A Christmas Story: The Musical."

Luke Spring and Caroline O'Connor in a scene called "Fantasy 1930s Speakeasy." Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Ralphie's father, The Old Man (John Bolton), cursing a gibberish-load, harbors a wish of his own. His "Major Award" from a crossword contest inspires one of the most memorable of many terrific dance sequences in "A Christmas Story: The Musical."

The Old Man (John Bolton) with his "Major Award." Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Newcomers  Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (music and lyrics) with Joseph Robinette (book) retooled the 1983 film "A Christmas Story" by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark and Shepherd's book "In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash" to give Broadway this generous holiday gift.

Dan Lauria as Jean Shepherd in a photo by Carol Rosegg.

The music in "A Christmas Story: The Musical" is varied and interesting with, just for example a lovely "What a Mother Does" (sung by the lovely Erin Dilly) balanced by the rousing ensemble piece "Ralphie To The Rescue."

Johnny Rabe as Ralphie. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

In a superb cast, each with their own moments in which to shine, John Bolton is the topper on the tree. He is a very funny and gifted man. 

Kristen, the kindergartner in the next seat, enjoyed "A Christmas Story: The Musical" as did her dad. "A Christmas Story: The Musical" has more grit and glory than the usual children's play. Adults and tykes alike will have a rollicking good time.

For more information about "A Christmas Story: The Musical," please visit http://achristmasstorythemusical.com/.