A Christmas Story The Musical Launches 2018 National Tour; Full Cast

For the fifth holiday season, Big League Productions' critically acclaimed national tour of A Christmas Story, The Musical, delights in seven cities across the U.S., opening in Orange, TX on November 19, 2018. The tour will also play engagements in Knoxville, TN, Louisville, KY, Charlotte, NC, Dallas, TX, Davenport, IA and Detroit, MI. The heart-warming TONY-nominated Broadway musical brings the classic holiday film vibrantly to life on stage by expanding the movie's iconic moments with breathtaking choreography and joyous songs.

A Christmas Story, The Musical chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle ("You'll shoot your eye out kid!"). An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Chock-full of delightful songs and splashy production numbers, A Christmas Story, The Musical, has proudly taken its place as a perennial holiday classic for the whole family.

Returning to the role of iconic radio personality, Jean Shepherd, is Chris Carsten, a role for which he was praised by The Oklahoman as "excellent," and "outstanding." Michael Norman and Ian Shaw will alternate the role of the young Ralphie Parker, joined by Paul Nobrega, reprising his role as The Old Man, with Briana Gantsweg as Mother, Jasper Davenport as Randy, and Lauren Kent as (Miss) Shields.

Rounding out the cast are Benjamin Barham-Wiese, Seth Black-Diamond, Matthew Brennan, Braeden Brickner, Dean Cestari, Ben Choi-Harris, Kahlia Davis, Hannah Fairman, Erica Jane Hughes, Clementine Kline, Brooke Martino, Wyatt Oswald, Charles Pang, Emily Rhein, Kailyn Rose Sanders, Dan Smith, Kylie Standley, and Maisie Van Vleet.

Hailed by The Associated Press as "a joyous Christmas miracle," The New York Times writes "I was dazzled. You'd have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face." A Christmas Story, The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2012 and was a critical and commercial success. The musical was nominated for three TONY Awards including Best New Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical.

A Christmas Story, The Musical features a festive and nostalgic holiday themed score by award winning composer/lyricist team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (TONY AWARD for Dear Evan Hansen, ACADEMY AWARD for La La Land, GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD for The Greatest Showman), and a comic and heartfelt book by Joseph Robinette, based on the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and the 1983 holiday film favorite. The tour features direction by Matt Lenz staged this season by Michael Rader. TONY Award winner Warren Carlyle's Broadway choreography will be reset for the tour by Brooke Martino. A Christmas Story, The Musical features scenic design by Mike Carnahan, with costume design by Lisa Zinni and Michael McDonald, and lighting design by Charlie Morrison. Casting is by Alison Franck, CSA.

A Christmas Story, The Musical 2017 National Tour Dates:

• Orange, TX November 19 & 20, 2018 Lutcher Theater
• Knoxville, TN November 24 & 25, 2018 Tennessee Theatre
• Louisville, KY November 27 - December 2, 2018 The Kentucky Center
• Charlotte, NC December 4 - 9, 2018 Ovens Auditorium
• Dallas, TX December 12 - 16, 2018 AT&T Performing Arts Center
• Davenport, IA December 18, 2018 Adler Theater
• Detroit, MI December 20 - 22, 2018 Fox Theatre

For more information, visit www.AChristmasStoryOnTour.com.

A Christmas Story, The Musical is produced by Big League Productions, Inc. Led by President and Executive Producer Daniel Sher, Big League is celebrating its 29th season of producing, general managing and booking Broadway musicals and special attractions for touring throughout North America and the world. For more information visit www.bigleague.org.