Riverside Theatre presents A CHRISTMAS STORY This Holiday Season

Riverside Theatre for Kids, the educational arm of Riverside Theatre, presents the holiday musical, A Christmas Story, The Musical on December 8 & 9 and 15 & 16, 2017.

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd and the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical follows the wintry exploits of a mischievous, bespectacled boy named Ralphie who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas. In the weeks before the big holiday, Ralphie, his friends and his family get into all kinds of situations - including run-ins with a bully with "yellow eyes," a tongue stuck to a flag pole, a bar of soap in the mouth, a garish leg lamp, a major award and a Chinese Christmas dinner.

"This movie was a classic in my house," says Director Kevin Quillinan. "It's a refreshingly realistic look at the holidays from a kid's viewpoint, including his travails with bullies, horsing around with friends, and silly things kids do like daring each other to stick their tongues on frozen flag poles."

Written by the Tony Award-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, A Christmas Story, The Musical had its original Broadway run in November 2012 and was nominated for multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical has become a holiday tradition at theatres around the country.

The Riverside cast includes: Alison Niederpruem (Jean Shepherd), Bryce Roux (Ralphie), Charlotte Nafe (Mother), Carrington Brown (Randy), Angelia DuBois (The Old Man), Kristina Gregg (Schwartz), Emma Fini (Flick), David Calahan (Scut Farkus), Annabella Casares (Grover Dill), Chloe Stepanek (Esther Jane), Daylan Haake (Mary Beth), Bailey Walker (Santa Claus), Nia Poley (Chief Elf), and Cristina Pines ((Miss) Shields).

The ensemble cast includes: Crystal Aparicio, Corinna De Mario, Aileen Diaz, Kelsey Etienne, Wyatt Falardeau, Grace Margaret Haller, Katie Harmody, Kiira Hayes, Rebecca Kaylor, Grace Lamothe, Kendall Lilli Mecca, Holly Ottoson, Kaori Perdomo, Shylin Perdomo, Sarah A. Phillips, Maria Searcy, Kaitlyn Simmons, Jillian Van Dyke, Elexia Watson, and Chantal E. Werner.

Along with Kevin Quillinan, the design team includes: Shivan Patel, Ali Walker, and Kimmy Zerega (Assistant Directors & Choreographers); Anne Shuttlesworth (Music Director); Emily Perry (Scenic Design); Evan Eisenbarth (Costume Design); Sydney Norris (Lighting Design); Richard Blaney (Sound Design); Miranda Cisneros (Props Design); and Jenn Gallo (Stage Manager).

A Christmas Story, The Musical performs December 8 & 9 and 15 & 16, 2017 on the Anne Morton Stage at Riverside Theatre. Tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.

Riverside Theatre's new KIDSPOT activity area will be open one hour after each performance. KIDSPOT is designated for kids 12 and under where kids can participate in a specially designed craft and receive a complimentary snacks included in the price of admission. KIDSPOT is sponsored by Marine Bank and Trust.

Riverside Theatre is located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.