The typical American family as imagined by humorist Jean Shepherd in the musical comedy ‘A Christmas Story.’ They are (from left) Derekn Geddes as Randy, Celeste Baillio as Mrs. Parker, Stanton Allen as the Old Man and Soren Pederson as Ralphie (Image courtesy of Facebook).
SMITHFIELD – You really need to be a fan of the 1984 film version of A Christmas Story to fully appreciate the on-stage adaptation being offered here by the Four Seasons Theatre Company.
But who isn’t a fan of the funny yet predictable movie?
Based on the childhood memories of humorist Jean Shepherd, the trials and tribulations suffered by the Parker family during the Christmas season of 1940 strike a chord in all of us because they are the stuff of everyday reality.
With apologies to the Hallmark Company, Christmas in real life never really turns out to be a snowy miracle season where everything ends happily ever after.
In reality, the kids are on their best behavior leading up to Christmas until the inevitable meltdown strikes; “major awards” turn out to be white elephants; gifts from an old maid aunt are either ugly sweaters or bunny pajamas; and the much-anticipated “perfect gift” is really as dangerous as everyone predicted.
Shepherd’s recollections ring true in A Christmas Story both on film and on stage because we’ve all been there.
Sam Petersen plays Shepherd in the Four Seasons production, doubling as a narrator. His wry commentary provides much of the musical’s comedy relief.
Under the direction of Kody Rash, young Soren Pederson plays Ralphie Parker, who is obsessed with firing off pointed hints to his parents that what he really wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder carbine action air rifle.
Naturally, everyone – including Ralphie’s parents, his teacher and even a department store Santa – brush off Ralphie’s hints with the sage advice that “you’ll shoot your eye out.”
Stanton Allen and Celeste Baillio portray Ralphie’s parents.
Allen has several amusing running gags – his profane rants, being chased by a neighbor’s dogs and his “major award.”
On the other hand, as explained in her song “What a Mother Does,” Ms. Baillio plays the perfect 1940s wife who is always firmly in charge by letting her husband think he actually rules the roost.
The talented Rachel Duffin Fillingim is Miss Shields, Ralphie’s harried teacher. Her preoccupation with “spelling, punctuation and margins” deflates one of his most desperate hints about the BB gun.
In one of the highlights of the second act, Ms Fillingim leads small chorus of youngsters in a tap dance while singing – what else? – “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out.”
In the end, Ralphie gets his Christmas wish, with predictable results.
As usual in Four Seasons productions, the innovative but cozy set design and construction was accomplished by Lineset Design and Fabrication.
Performances of A Christmas Story will continue at Sky View High School in Smithfield from Dec. 5 to 9.