Enjoy Some Family Fun with Citadel Theatre at A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL

Citadel Theatre is presenting A Christmas Story: The Musical as the second installment of its 14th Season. Directed by Robert D Estrin this musical is based on the story by Jean Shepherd with book byJoseph Robinette, and words and music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The show runs November 18 - December 18, 2016 at Citadel's West Campus Theatre at 300 S Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. The Press Opening is Opening Night, Friday November 18, at 8pm.

A Christmas Story, The Musical is a brilliant rebundling of Ralphie Parker's hilariously desperate quest for a Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200 shot range model air rifle into a musical sure to become every bit the holiday favorite as the movie that preceded it. All of your favorite highlights are here - the Old Man's leg lamp, the tongue-on-a-flagpole, the bunny suit, and all of Ralphie's extravagant daydreams! Bring the whole family to see this holiday classic in a new way with this Tony-nominated Best Musical.

"Our Managing Director, Kevin Sherman, came to me and told me we absolutely had to do this musical at Citadel," says Artistic Director Scott Phelps. "I was a bit nervous about it at first because it is a big loud show and I was initially unsure about our ability to get such an extravagant musical together on our small stage. But, with a recent grant from The Saints, this show became a real possibility for us when we were able to acquire new sound equipment and a new state-of-the-art audio control board. I've now thrown myself headlong into it, as I've been cast by Director Robert D Estrin to play the Jean Shepherd character. Thanks to the success we've had with fundraising, and crucial donations like this audio equipment from The Saints, we don't have to shy away from crowd-pleasing showstoppers like this. The opportunity to work with Bob, who has hit so many home runs for us here at Citadel Theatre, I can just say I think this production will be great gift for North Shore families."

The cast includes: Scott Phelps (Narrator), Chase Peacock (The Old Man),Traci A Cidlik (Mother), Kayla Boye (Miss Shields), Jeff Geddes (Santa), Ryan Carlson and Donovan Martin (Ralphie), Carter Graf (Randy), Asher Ramaly(Schwartz), Jonah Harder (Farkus), Brooke MacDougal and Connor Boyle(Flick), Kevin Amdhal Taylor (Dill), Evelyn Alumbreros (Esther Jane), Sophie Hamill and Leah Johnson (Mary Beth), Ashley MacDougal and Olivia McDevitt (Susie), Julia Novy and Bailey Kapel (Nancy), Cate Gordon (Doris) with Nate Strain, Noah Spiegel-Blum, John Benischek, Alison Stake, Anne Azra, Lindsey Jouett, Felix Mayes and Jennifer Ledesma as the ensemble.

The creative team includes: Bob Estrin (Director), Gina Masland (Music Director/Musician), Jennifer Cupani (Choreographer), Samantha Tink (Stage Manager), Jose Soto (Scenic Designer), Kyle Techintin (Lighting Designer),Janice Gemp (Costume Designer), Bob Boxer (Sound Designer), Jason Clark(Master Carpenter), CatHy Jacobson (Props/Crew), Mike Walsh (Percussionist) and Eric Latto (Bass/Guitar).

A Christmas Story will run November 18 through December 18, 2016 with performances Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Additional matinees have been scheduled for Wednesdays December 7 & 14 at 11am and Saturdays December 10 & 17 at 1pm.

Citadel Theatre (300 S Waukegan Rd) is a 144-seat venue with a thrust stage and comfortable stadium seating. Tickets are available online atwww.CitadelTheatre.org or over the phone by calling the Citadel Theatre box office at 847.735.8554. Tickets are $35 Thursdays and Fridays and matinees, $38 Saturdays and Sundays. Discounts are available for seniors, students, theatre industry professionals and groups.