JOYful Rendering of a Holiday Classic Live at Goodspeed
By Kiersten Bjork (November 20, 2024)
A Christmas Story, currently playing at The Goodspeed, is a joyful rendering of a holiday classic just in time for the kickoff to the “most wonderful time of the year”. A Christmas Story is based on the motion picture of the same name, and features a book by Joseph Robinette, music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and orchestrations by Ryan O’Connell. With catchy songs, fun dance numbers, a strong company featuring an impressive number of talented children, and even two live dogs who steal the show, A Christmas Story is just the right way to celebrate the magic of the season.
A Christmas Story follows young Ralphie Parker in his endeavor to receive a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas. However, convincing his parents that this is the perfect gift for him proves more difficult than imagined when they, his schoolteacher, and even the department store Santa Claus inform him that with such a gift he would “shoot his eye out!” What ensues is a charming and humorous adventure about family, being a kid, and the joys of Christmas, all wrapped up in a clever score and sprinkled with holiday magic. At Goodspeed, A Christmas Story features direction by Hunter Foster, music supervision by Adam Souza, music direction by Andrew Smithson and associate music director David Robinson, and choreography by Mara Newberry Greer.
A Christmas Story, currently playing at The Goodspeed, is a joyful rendering of a holiday classic just in time for the kickoff to the “most wonderful time of the year”. A Christmas Story is based on the motion picture of the same name, and features a book by Joseph Robinette, music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and orchestrations by Ryan O’Connell. With catchy songs, fun dance numbers, a strong company featuring an impressive number of talented children, and even two live dogs who steal the show, A Christmas Story is just the right way to celebrate the magic of the season.
A Christmas Story follows young Ralphie Parker in his endeavor to receive a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas. However, convincing his parents that this is the perfect gift for him proves more difficult than imagined when they, his schoolteacher, and even the department store Santa Claus inform him that with such a gift he would “shoot his eye out!” What ensues is a charming and humorous adventure about family, being a kid, and the joys of Christmas, all wrapped up in a clever score and sprinkled with holiday magic. At Goodspeed, A Christmas Story features direction by Hunter Foster, music supervision by Adam Souza, music direction by Andrew Smithson and associate music director David Robinson, and choreography by Mara Newberry Greer.
The cast of A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski)
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Jim Stanek, Camilo Velasquez Escamilla, Jenn Gambatese and Christopher Riley in
A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski) |
John Scherer plays Jean Shepherd, the narrator of the piece who recounts Ralphie’s tale to the audience as the story unfolds. Scherer brings such warmth to Shepherd, delivering a touching, genuine performance. His voice and delivery of Ralphie’s adventures are perfect for a storyteller – he draws you in, promising excitement and delight on a cold winter’s night, and what unfolds feels reminiscent of sitting around the hearth, the audience welcomed into the tale as if they were part of the family.
Ralphie Parker himself is played by Christopher Riley. Riley is a real standout as the young protagonist, particularly because he is young. I was consistently impressed by Riley’s talent, control, and precision. Ralphie carries a large portion of the show, and Riley handles that role like a pro, from vocal skill to the confident energy he brings to each and every scene. I look forward to seeing what Riley goes on to do in the future – he’s certainly got some star power!
Ralphie’s mother is portrayed by Jenn Gambatese, who fills the role well. She balances the hardworking, dependable feel of the mother with a vibrancy that shines through in moments such as the battle of wills surrounding the infamous leg lamp. Gambatese has several lovely songs – “What a Mother Does’ and “Just Like That” in particular – where she leans into the character beautifully.
Jim Stanek plays Ralphie’s “Old Man,” providing much of the comedic relief in the show. From being chased across the stage by his two live canine co-stars, to the gibberish swearing up and down, Stanek brings out the comedy of the character, mixed in with the somewhat gruff, rough-around-the-edges attitude that Ralphie’s Old Man has at times. I particularly enjoyed the banter between Stanek and Gambatese over the leg lamp.
Randy, Ralphie’s little brother, is played by Camilo Velasquez Escamilla. Escamilla is cute as little Randy, refusing to eat his dinner and hiding in the cabinets, though sometimes does speak a bit too fast to understand some of his lines. He plays off of Riley well, and the two portray a great sibling relationship, from “did not/did too” back and forths to schoolyard struggles.
Ralphie Parker himself is played by Christopher Riley. Riley is a real standout as the young protagonist, particularly because he is young. I was consistently impressed by Riley’s talent, control, and precision. Ralphie carries a large portion of the show, and Riley handles that role like a pro, from vocal skill to the confident energy he brings to each and every scene. I look forward to seeing what Riley goes on to do in the future – he’s certainly got some star power!
Ralphie’s mother is portrayed by Jenn Gambatese, who fills the role well. She balances the hardworking, dependable feel of the mother with a vibrancy that shines through in moments such as the battle of wills surrounding the infamous leg lamp. Gambatese has several lovely songs – “What a Mother Does’ and “Just Like That” in particular – where she leans into the character beautifully.
Jim Stanek plays Ralphie’s “Old Man,” providing much of the comedic relief in the show. From being chased across the stage by his two live canine co-stars, to the gibberish swearing up and down, Stanek brings out the comedy of the character, mixed in with the somewhat gruff, rough-around-the-edges attitude that Ralphie’s Old Man has at times. I particularly enjoyed the banter between Stanek and Gambatese over the leg lamp.
Randy, Ralphie’s little brother, is played by Camilo Velasquez Escamilla. Escamilla is cute as little Randy, refusing to eat his dinner and hiding in the cabinets, though sometimes does speak a bit too fast to understand some of his lines. He plays off of Riley well, and the two portray a great sibling relationship, from “did not/did too” back and forths to schoolyard struggles.
Camilo Velasquez Escamilla and Jenn Gambatese in A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski)
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Camilo Velasquez Escamilla, Jenn Gambatese, Christopher Riley, Jim Stanek, and John Scherer in A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski)
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Rashidra Scott does a wonderful job as Miss Shields. One of my favorite numbers in the show is “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, in which Scott gives an all-out performance vocally while also tap dancing and working with an ensemble of children. Her classroom manner is strict and sharp when needed, before flipping around completely in Ralphie’s daydream sequences, showcasing her versatility.
Schwartz and Flick, Ralphie’s friends, are played by Gabriel Lafazan and Oliver Logue, respectively. Like Riley, I was impressed by the professional quality that these young performers possess – the ensemble of kids across the board is quite talented. Lafazan and Logue are fun and silly while also being grounded and focused when needed. Other young performers include Jack Casey as bully Scut Farkus and Zeke Bernier as his crony, Grover Dill. Casey brings out the rough and tough energy needed for the big kid bully that Farkus is to Ralphie and friends, while Bernier steals the show with his dynamic facial expressions, movements, and acting choices.
Ian Knauer gets a feature as Santa, really nailing it as both the nagging, bell-ringing big man for the Salvation Army, as well as the tired department store Santa facing an endless line of children and begging for his shift to end. Kyle Caress also gets a chance to shine in the featured Waiter track at the end of the show, which was quite fun.
Rounding out the company are Jenniellen Beattie, Sy Chounchaisit, Marjorie Failoni (Dance Captain), Thomas Goldbach V, Laura Guley, Treston J. Henderson, Gavin Holwitt, Addie James, Izzy Pike, and Jesse Swimm. Tommy Betz and Paris Martino serve as the swings for the production. And we can’t forget the canine stars Gus and Jethro who steal the audience’s hearts as the Bumpus Hounds, with animal direction from William Berloni.
Schwartz and Flick, Ralphie’s friends, are played by Gabriel Lafazan and Oliver Logue, respectively. Like Riley, I was impressed by the professional quality that these young performers possess – the ensemble of kids across the board is quite talented. Lafazan and Logue are fun and silly while also being grounded and focused when needed. Other young performers include Jack Casey as bully Scut Farkus and Zeke Bernier as his crony, Grover Dill. Casey brings out the rough and tough energy needed for the big kid bully that Farkus is to Ralphie and friends, while Bernier steals the show with his dynamic facial expressions, movements, and acting choices.
Ian Knauer gets a feature as Santa, really nailing it as both the nagging, bell-ringing big man for the Salvation Army, as well as the tired department store Santa facing an endless line of children and begging for his shift to end. Kyle Caress also gets a chance to shine in the featured Waiter track at the end of the show, which was quite fun.
Rounding out the company are Jenniellen Beattie, Sy Chounchaisit, Marjorie Failoni (Dance Captain), Thomas Goldbach V, Laura Guley, Treston J. Henderson, Gavin Holwitt, Addie James, Izzy Pike, and Jesse Swimm. Tommy Betz and Paris Martino serve as the swings for the production. And we can’t forget the canine stars Gus and Jethro who steal the audience’s hearts as the Bumpus Hounds, with animal direction from William Berloni.
John Scherer and the cast of A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski)
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Rashidra Scott and the cast of A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski)
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Scenic design by David L. Arsenault is well-suited to the setting of the piece. From the period-style kitchen to the department store Santa display, each scene and piece is crafted with care to best serve the moment, infused with a variety of scenic dressing and prop pieces that give the actors plenty to do, particularly in the Parkers’ kitchen.
Lighting designer Christopher Wong uses light and shadow skillfully to bring out the best of the show. I particularly enjoyed the lighting choices for the daydream sequences, in which pops of color and dramatic shadow are employed to contrast the normally realistic lighting.
Costume designer Nicole V. Moody and hair, wig, and makeup designer J. Jared Janas do an excellent job fitting the characters within the world of the show. From the colorful coats and winter gear of the children to the festive holiday elves, there is a brightness to many of the costumes in the show, interspersed with the somewhat more muted colors for some of the adult characters, though still with colorful hints. The hair and wig styling works well across the board.
Sound design by Jay Hilton is effective, with a great balance between orchestra and vocals. The pit for A Christmas Story is wonderful, really filling out the Pasek and Paul score.
Lighting designer Christopher Wong uses light and shadow skillfully to bring out the best of the show. I particularly enjoyed the lighting choices for the daydream sequences, in which pops of color and dramatic shadow are employed to contrast the normally realistic lighting.
Costume designer Nicole V. Moody and hair, wig, and makeup designer J. Jared Janas do an excellent job fitting the characters within the world of the show. From the colorful coats and winter gear of the children to the festive holiday elves, there is a brightness to many of the costumes in the show, interspersed with the somewhat more muted colors for some of the adult characters, though still with colorful hints. The hair and wig styling works well across the board.
Sound design by Jay Hilton is effective, with a great balance between orchestra and vocals. The pit for A Christmas Story is wonderful, really filling out the Pasek and Paul score.
The cast of A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski)
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The cast of A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals (Diane Sobolewski)
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A Christmas Story is a fun, musical version of the film that has become something of a cult classic over the years. Don’t miss the chance to see it live on stage, performed by a talented company, just in time for the holidays. Experience the production for yourself – see A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Musicals before it closes on December 29!
A Christmas Story runs November 1-December 29, 2024, at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. Tickets are available online at goodspeed.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
A Christmas Story runs November 1-December 29, 2024, at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. Tickets are available online at goodspeed.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.