Avon Players to Tell A CHRISTMAS STORY this Holiday Season

For many, the characters are as familiar as old friends at an annual reunion, and the exploits of the Parker clan are as vivid as an oft-told family legend. This holiday season, laugh along with your own near and dear as your favorite moments come to life on Avon Players' stage: the double dog dare that goes awry, the unfortunate pajamas, and the presence of a very distinctive lamp are just some of the reasons why audiences of all ages will enjoy A Christmas Story, running November 24-December 9.

Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Kaden Selvidge) wants only one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder air rifle. He pleads his case before his mother (Joy Oetjens), his "Old Man," (Chris Stepnitz), his teacher (Kirsten Renas), and even a department store Santa only to be rebuffed with the same warning: "You'll shoot your eye out." While on his quest, Ralphie faces legendary neighborhood bully Scut Farkas (Nate Gorman), decodes a secret message from Little Orphan Annie, and learns the consequences of foul language. Meanwhile his father is engaged in two wars, one with the unreliable furnace and another with the neighbors' horde of pesky dogs, and receives "a major award" that his mother cannot abide displaying prominently in the family's front window.

on the semi-autobiographical novels of Jean Shepard's childhood in the 30s and 40s, the 1983 film A Christmas Story (co-scripted and narrated by Shepard) opened to modest box office success. However, the film gained popularity after its home video release and television airings until it became a bona fide holiday staple for many families. Since 1997, a 24-hour marathon of the film has aired annually on networks owned by the Turner Broadcasting System each Christmas.

Tickets for all shows are $18. Call 248.608.9077 for tickets or order online at www.avonplayers.org. Group rates are available by calling the box office. "Like" Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. All seats are reserved.

Photo Credit: Bryan Clifford