The Playhouse at McConnellstown
The Playhouse at McConnellstown Brings Back Holiday Favorite “A Christmas Story”
Be sure to drink your Ovaltine and turn down the furnace damper. The Playhouse at McConnellstown is proud to welcome “A Christmas Story” back to its stage. Make sure to set your decoder pins for opening night on November 16.
Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas—a Red Ryder BB gun. However, he is not sure he will ever make it to Christmas. Whenever he tells someone how much he wants his beloved “oiled blue steel beauty,” someone always responds with, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Even a department store Santa Claus tells him the same thing.
The days leading up to Christmas are filled with valiant daydreams and spontaneous encounters with the local bully. Ralphie’s old man displays his prize winnings proudly in the front window even though the leg lamp sets Mrs. Parker’s teeth on edge. Filled with quirky and lovable characters, this zany and heartfelt holiday classic is as delightful as the biggest, shiniest present under any tree.
The 1983 motion picture version of “A Christmas Story” is based on Jean Shepherd’s book, “In God We Trust—All Others Pay Cash.” The play adaptation is written by Philip Grecian.
Ralphie Parker is played by Evan Bilich. He is joined by Ryan Dibble as Randy, Katie Dickey as Mother, and Jason Solomon as the Old Man. George Baumer narrates the production as Ralph.
Elias Powell and Jacik Hess are Flick and Schwartz. Mason Patterson is the yellow-eyed Scut Farkas; Adelyn Frazier Yoder is Helen; and Leah Solomon is Esther Jane. Simone Bilich is Black Bart. Jennifer Powell is Miss Shields, and Kyle Williams plays various roles including the Department Store Santa.
The ensemble includes Lyndsi Bracco, Laura Colvin, Rowan Dickey, Brianna Sipes, Michael Cantrell, Nora Roth, Catherine Weld, Rosemary Plane, Robyn Bracco, Jennifer Catanese, and Stephanie Swan.
Jeanne Nagurny directs this production with assistance by Don Dietz. Hunter “Radar” McVey is the stage manager, Lily Wise is the assistant stage manager and Jennifer Catanese serves as production assistant. Lighting is designed by Keith Sutton with technical production by Barbara Hughes. Costumes are by Jeanne Nagurny. Set design is by Don Dietz with sound design by Rick Brown.
The stage crew includes, Addisyn Bracco, Kathryn Colvin, Heather Kelly, Andrew Solomon, Brayden Wood, and Sophia Wood.
“It’s an American classic performed on the stage,” remarked Williams. “You couldn’t ask for anything better.”
“You’ll shoot your eye out…if you miss the chance to really get into the Christmas spirit,” added Baumer.
“A Christmas Story” will continue on November 17th, 23rd, 24th, and 30th and December 1st at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee showings are November 18th, 25th, and December 2nd at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for regular admission and $13 for seniors (age 60 and older) and students (age 6 and older). For reservations call 814-627.0311. Please try to make reservations as soon as possible as The Playhouse holiday show is a popular event. Seats are already selling faster than footballs and Tinker toys.
The Playhouse is located at 11680 Raystown Rd, Huntingdon, PA, five miles South of Huntingdon Borough on Rt. 26 in the Village of McConnellstown. For more information, please check the website at www.littletheater.com, like us on Facebook (The Playhouse at McConnellstown), or follow us on Twitter @LittleTheater.