Theatre at the Center to Present A CHRISTMAS STORY

As the grand finale to their spectacular 25th Anniversary 2015 Season, Theatre at the Center presents the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Story, running November 19 through December 27, with a press opening on Sunday, November 22 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Based on the award-winning film, the play by Phil Grecian tells the story of Ralphie Parker, who longs for a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The source material for the film was the warm and hilarious story collection In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by local Hammond, Indiana native Jean Shepherd. The holiday classic will be directed by Jeff Award-winner Linda Fortunato (Monty Python's Spamalot, A Christmas Carol, 42nd Street at Theatre at the Center).

Set in Northwest Indiana in the 1940's, A Christmas Story chronicles bespectacled nine-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest to get his dream Christmas gift - A Red Ryder BB Gun. But at every turn, the young daydreamer hears those five words that are the bane of his existence: "You'll shoot your eye out!" Despite the skepticism, Ralphie won't be deterred and will do whatever it takes-mounting a hint-dropping, Santa-begging campaign and enduring a slew of calamities-to make sure he receives his prized gift on Christmas morning. A wistful look into middle-class American life and a tribute to the elusive magic of Christmas, A Christmas Story is a heartwarming family tradition.

Starring in A Christmas Story are Nate Becker as "Ralphie" ('Young Will' in Big Fish at Theatre at the Center; Gypsy at Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Jeff Award-winner Rod Thomas as "Ralph" (Little Shop of Horrors and Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings at Theatre at the Center; City of Angels at The Marriott Theatre), John Lister as "Old Man" (The Tempest at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Porgy and Bess at Lyric Opera of Chicago), Susan Gosdick as "Miss Shields" (My Fair Lady at Paramount Theatre), Linda Gillum as "Mother" (The Fox on the Fairway and Leading Ladies at Theatre at the Center), Hannah Clare Horner as "Esther Jane," Ellie Evens as "Helen," AJ Andersen as "Farkas," Charlie Iverson as "Flick," Nolan Moss as "Randy" and Rowan Moxley as "Schwartz". Completing the company of A Christmas Story are Laura Leonardo Ownby, Steve Peebles, Mariah Gordon, Jack Edwards and Cameron Goode.

The production team for A Christmas Story includes Artistic Director William Pullinsi, Stage Manager Matt McMullen, Technical Director and Production Manager Ann Davis, General Manager Richard Friedman, Scenic Designer Jack Magaw, Lighting Designer Shelley Strasser-Holland, Floor Manager Dellie Page, Props Designer Brittney O'Keefe, Sound Designer Barry G. Funderburg, Costume Designer Brenda Winstead, Costume Shop Manager Alice Broughton and Wig Designer Kevin Barthel.

Founded in 1991, the 400-seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and has free parking. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.