Jean Shepherd Expert Speaks Before Paper Mill's A CHRISTMAS STORY Tonight

Jean Shepherd historian Steven Glazer will host a 30-minute talk prior to select performances of A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL at Paper Mill Playhouse. Glazer's talk will reveal interesting facts about Ralphie, Randy, Schwartz, Flick, Miss Shields and even the Bumpus hounds.

This talk is a part of Paper Mill Playhouse's Conversation Club series, which invites audience members to learn more about the mainstage production they are about to watch. Glazer will speak at 6:00 p.m. tonight, December 10, 2015 and Thursday, December 17, 2015. The talk will be held in Paper Mill Playhouse's mezzanine and is free to anyone who purchased a ticket to see A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL. Parking fees may apply.

Based on the popular 1983 film, A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL has a book by Joseph Robinette with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL will be directed by Brandon Ivie and choreographed by Mara Newbery Greer. A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL will run eight times a week at the Millburn, New Jersey, theater through January 3, 2016. Paper Mill Playhouse's 2015-2016 Season is proudly sponsored by Investors Bank.

Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL is the hilarious account of Ralphie's desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. Straight from Broadway‚ this musical captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike. Bring the whole family‚ again and again. The holiday movie that the whole world loves comes to musical life.

Tickets are on sale now starting at $32. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of 10 or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. College students can order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.

On Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the Cranford Community Center, Glazer will give an illustrated talk revealing all about Ralphie, Randy, Schwartz, Flick, Miss Shields and the Bumpus hounds. A showing of A Christmas Story will follow the talk. The presentation is co-sponsored by the Cranford Historical Society and the Cranford Public Library. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Paper Mill Playhouse will once again, be a collection point for this year's Jersey Cares Coat Drive. Over the years, Jersey Cares has collected, sorted and distributed more than 500,000 winter coats to New Jersey residents. The donated winter coats benefit at-risk men, women, children, and infants in our area. Each year, Paper Mill Playhouse gladly participates in this worthy cause and will be collecting gently used winter coats from November 25, 2015 through January 3, 2016. Collection of coats will take place in the lobby at Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ.

PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theaters. Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.