A Christmas Story The Musical

A Christmas Story the Musical at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre located 205 West 46th street. It runs two hours twenty minutes with one intermission. The show closes on December 30, 2012.

The story is based on the 1983 movie American Christmas comedy film based on the short stories and semi fictional anecdotes of author Jean Shepard including material from his books “In God We Trust”, “All Others Pay Cash” and “Wanda Hickeys Night of Golden Memories”.

Erin Dilly was in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (2005). She was nominated for a Tony and Outer Critics Circle Award for this role.

John Rando is the director. He won a Tony and Outer Critics Award in 2002 for “Urinetown the Musical”.

William Berioni is the animal trainer for the show. He won a Tony Award in 2011 for "Exellence in Theatre".

The musical opens as Jean Shepard passes by a Salvation Army bucket and puts money. Jean works at a radio station in New York City. He recalls on his show the Christmas of 1940. He wanted an Official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle, a bee bee gun. Jean tried everything to get his mother (Erin Dilly) and his father (John Bolton) to say yes to the gun.

The story takes place in Indiana at his childhood home. His father was always chased by the neighbors Bumpus Hounds (Pete and Lily) when he would go outside Randy (Zac Ballard) his younger brother has to be coax by his mother to eat. Ralphie (Joe West) aka Jean was picked on by the class bully.

When the furnace would break down his father would curse at it. His dad wins a contest he has entered. His prize is a lamp of a women’s leg with fish net stockings and high heal shoe. He proudly displays it in the front window. Of course his mother is embarrassed.

The musical is about his childhood memories of the things that led up to the Christmas of 1940. Jean adds to the story as it unfolds.

I’m not one for comedies. This is one to see, it is funny and upbeat. Who hasn't had their mouth wash out with soap for using a curse word. Don’t be shocked parents did that.

I don’t know who shines more the adult’s or the children in the cast. They are all great.

Outstanding are John Bolton and Caroline O’Connor. John is hilarious and believable as the father. Caroline is funny and sassy as the teacher.

Best of all was nine year old Luke Spring. He did a tap dance routine with Caroline that will take your breath away. I felt like I had two left feet. He was unbelievable. Did I say nine going on twenty?

Got to go the Bumpus Hounds are after me.

Review by Rozanna Radakovich.

Photos by Annazor.

For candid interview with the cast scroll down to the left side for recent photos. Click on recent photos for this or other shows.