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By Dena Wood
The Times 

'A Christmas Story' Hits the Liberty Stage

 

Dena Wood

Ralphie proudly displays his Red Ryder BB Gun during a dream sequence.

Directors say challenging music and a hilarious script are a delight

DAYTON – Theater fans will be in for a treat as they enjoy the exploits of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, as he pines for his one Christmas wish – a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle – in this years' Touchet Valley Arts Council's fifteenth annual fall musical. "A Christmas Story: The Musical," begins Thurs., Nov. 17 on the historic Liberty Theater stage.

Co-directors Brenda Henderson and Mike Ferrians teamed up once again to direct the musical version of this well-loved holiday tale.

Lead director Henderson said she was immediately intrigued when she came across the musical, which is relatively new.

"Because it's a new musical, it hasn't had the same exposure of traditional musicals like the Wizard of Oz. I have a feeling it will become more popular over the next few years. The music is a bit of a challenge, but the script is hilarious! I still laugh at lines that I've heard over and over," she said.

"Expect to be delighted with the enormity of music and amazed at the thought of how much time and hard work it takes for a small community theater to pull off such a thing. It's unfamiliar music to most people because the stage version is only four years old. Also, expect to laugh and be proud of the kids," Ferrians added.

The production, written by Joseph Robinette, captures the nostalgia and innocence of the movie, which is set in the 1940s, while adding upbeat musical numbers written by Pasek and Paul that will have the audience's feet tapping along with the cast.

"The musical closely mirrors the television version. However, the musical has the added element of catchy, upbeat songs. I am hopeful the audience will be leaving singing along to 'Ralphie to the Rescue!'" Henderson said.

Henderson said the star-studded main character cast include community favorites such as Chuck Reeves, Elizabeth Arebalos-Jagelski, Mike Ferrians, Jordan and Janae Helm, along with Sherri Huwe and Jim Edwards.

"We welcome new faces such as Claire Valente and her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Balef, Stone Cummings, Cayle Davis, Denise Lane, and my husband, Tony Henderson! A few other familiar faces include Jack McCaw, Roz Edwards, Angi and Laney Crow, Janet Ihle, Savannah McFarland, Tracy and MaKenna Barron and several others. These and others in the production are sure to make you laugh. And yes, Yancy Yost is back to give you a chuckle or two," Henderson said.

Henderson said the most frequent question she has been asked is whether the play has a leg lamp.

"Yes, we have a leg lamp! We also have a slide for "Up on Santa's Lap," she said.

Farrians is impressed by the set work completed by the "Saturday crew," led by Norm Passmore.

"They did a great job of constructing sets in three dimensions instead of the usual two. There's some depth to the staging because of it," he said.

"Mary Luce still performs costuming magic, with the help of her crew. You'll enjoy Santa's elves and the leg lamp dancers, played by Mia Owen, Melanie Lane, Rebecca Smith, and Sagelyn Kilts, with the excellent choreography of Tracy Barron and Julia Mead," Ferrians added.

Henderson said that it really takes an entire community to put a production like this together. Desks and a pair of vintage chaps and a jacket were borrowed from the Blue Mountain Heritage Society; Columbia County Fire District #3 loaned an old firefighter axe, helmet, jacket and pants; Wa-Hi provided the vintage microphone; and Susan Richter came through with Ralphie glasses. Mike Luce constructed the breakable lamp.

Both directors agree that the show is one the audience is sure to enjoy.

Dena Wood

Ralphie extolls the virtues of the Red Ryder.

"I'm excited about how great the kids have done with this show. I think everyone will be very proud of them. The show will be a lot of fun to do," Ferrians said.

"This production is sure to have you laughing. It's been a fun journey and I'm excited for our community to see it. Thank you Touchet Valley for supporting the arts," Henderson said.

"A Christmas Story: The Musical" opens at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov.17, and runs through Dec. 10. Opening night is Family Night, when all seats are $10. Tickets for the remaining performances are $12-$20, depending on seat selection.

Performance schedules, information, and online ticketing links can be found at http://www.libertytheater.org. To contact the theater by phone, call (509) 382-1380.

 

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