Hello You Beautiful People,
A word, from our founder:
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of A Christmas Story, The Musical on Broadway.
Insert gushing sounds of glee here.
It. Was. Phenomenal.
From the book, to the music, to the set, to the lights, to the costumes, and of course, the wonderfully talented cast.
When I was invited to the show, I was excited for sure. I mean, who wouldn’t want to attend such an event? Especially since Thanksgiving is just around the corner! But I was also intrigued…would it be possible to turn such a well-known movie into a Broadway hit?
The answer, I assure you, is a resounding yes.
Jean Shepherd is played by the one and only, Dan Lauria. When he stepped foot on the stage, well, the applause was thunderous, and it was well deserved. Jean Shepherd, like in the movie, narrates the story of Ralphie and his quest to get An Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. It is, for Ralphie, a necessity. It is the tool that will allow him to break free of the wimpy kid clan, once and for all. It is his Christmas wish, and he will do anything, anything, to get it. Johnny Rabe, (Ralphie), takes us through this Christmas Story adventure with ease, humor, quick wit, and impressive vocals. He is fantastic.
Ralphie’s parents are played by John Bolton and Erin Dilly. There are many reasons why Curtains, Spamalot, Contact, and Titanic did so well…and I’d venture to say that one huge reason is John Bolton. He’s funny. He’s quick. He takes you into the story and world of the show one hundred and ten percent. As the Old Man, well, he was hysterical. I laughed so hard I cried, as did most of the audience around me. The dynamic and chemistry established by Bolton and Dilly was…perfect. And as for Dilly’s song, “Just Like That”, well, it was my favorite song in the show. It was the perfect blend of musicality and sentiment. It tugged at your heartstrings, yet it wasn’t too cheesy. It made you smile, perhaps it even made you tear up a bit. But, more than anything, it made you truly listen and pay attention to the lyrics. One internalized the story, and that my friends, is a beautiful thing.
The performances of Dan Lauria, Johnny Rabe, John Bolton, Erin Dilly, Zac Ballard, and Caroline O’Connor were absolutely fantastic, but the phenomenon did not stop there. The entire adult and children’s ensemble were also superb, especially the tapping sensation from Virginia, Luke Spring. Luke is only nine, but, I assure you, he is a brilliant hybrid of Fred Astaire and Gregory Hines. The boy is absolutely unbelievable, and what’s even more refreshing is that in person, he’s humble, and polite, and just your typical nine-year old. (Congrats to his parents for managing to keep him grounded.) To the average person, he is amazing. To the former dancers, the present dancers, and the tappers of the world, well, you bow in the presence of such greatness.
Special attention should also be given to Kirsten Wyatt, the most recent recipient of The Gypsy Robe. This is Kirsten’s third time playing an elf on the Broadway stage, (Elf, Shrek, and now, A Christmas Story, The Musical) and perhaps it’s safe to say that she’s just….the essence of magic.
All in all, this was a breath of fresh air. It was light and heart and love all wrapped up in a Christmas bow, delivered to you in the Lunt-Fontanne Theater.
The monologue that Dan Lauria (Jean Shepherd) delivers at the end of this show, well, words will fail to describe the beauty of the piece. It will stay with you long after you leave the theatre, and that my friends, is a beautiful thing. What does he say exactly?
Well, you’ll have to go see the show to find out!
I promise, it’s worth every penny.
XO
Megan
Live, Love, Learn,
The Write Teacher(s)