Cessy Newmon
For fans of the 1983 classic comedy film, A CHRISTMAS STORY, hopefully you already have your tickets for Alhambra’s production. If not, the best you can do is their waiting list, since they are sold out!
The show very closely follows the movie’s storyline of young Ralphie Parker (Keegan Carroll) who desperately wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. The story is told as Jean Shepherd (Jonathan Van Dyke) narrates the story through vignettes of Ralphie imagining himself with the rifle, imagining ways to get the rifle, and his fumbles when he actually tries to convince his parents to get him the rifle. While in the movie the narrator is Ralphie’s older self, in the stage adaptation, the character’s name is the book author and co-screenwriter of the story.
The lion’s share of the show, both vocally and acting-wise belongs to Ralphie and Jean, who do a tremendous job in their respective roles. Mr. Carroll is impressive in this role. It is both physically and mentally demanding, especially given that he almost never leaves the stage. Mr. Van Dyke is right there with him, seamlessly leading us through the story.
The main supports for these two are the rest of the Parker family. The Old Man is played by Craig Sherman, the Mother by Jennifer Medure, and Ralphie’s brother, Randy, by Elijah Lawless. Each gets a bit of their own time to shine in the story, and they work well together as a family unit.
There are both an adult and a youth ensemble, and all of the vocalists are wonderful. The costumes are colorful and appropriately retro to the period. The set is predominantly a unit that rolls out with the Parker house interior, and it is very well done. I don’t know where they found all of the “lamps” (and if you know the movie, you’ll know which “lamp” I mean!)! The whole show is a lot of fun, and the conversion from movie to musical works very well.
If you want something special as a Christmas present, you might want to come up with your own hints for tickets to the upcoming season. Recently announced, it looks to be a real treat!
The 2025 Season Lineup:
- January: Laughter and Southern charm in the hilarious “Southern Fried Funeral”
- Spring: Two classic musicals: “West Side Story” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”
- April: The Broadway classic “My Fair Lady”
- Summer: The whimsical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, a family favorite
- Fall: Although the title cannot be officially revealed until February, the Alhambra can say that it will present a heartwarming musical inspired by the remarkable true story of a small town that welcomed planes diverted to Newfoundland on September 11th.
- Fall/Winter: Guests will help solve the mystery in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”
- December: The season concludes with the festive favorite “Elf, the Musical”
A CHRISTMAS STORY is at the Alhambra Theatre, 12000 Beach Blvd., Nov. 21st – Dec. 24th, 2024. Ticket and season ticket prices vary based on show and seating. For reservations and information, go to alhambrajax.com or call (904) 641-1212.
Happy Holidays!
Cessy Newmon
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