MCCC's Kelsey Theatre Stages A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL

With tacky leg lamps, weird department store Santas, and ruined turkey dinners - courtesy of the neighbor's dog - the holiday season commences at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre with "A Christmas Story - The Musical." This festive production is presented by M&M Stage Productions Fridays, Nov. 16 and 30 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 17, 24 and Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Nov. 18, 25 and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night show on Nov. 16.

Adapted from the beloved 1983 film, this delightful musical follows one holiday season in the life of little Ralphie, as he dreams and schemes and pines for only one thing for Christmas - an official Red Ryder carbine action air rifle. Along the way are many endearing moments including bunny suits, a fishnet-clad leg lamp treasured by The Old Man, a.k.a Dad, and the wintry hazards of sticking a warm tongue on a cold metal pole. With its timeless scenes, quirky innocence and nostalgic warmth, this snapshot of life in a small American city will leave the whole family in a merry holiday mood.

The cast stars Kurt Penney of Pennington as the Narrator; Scott Christian Harris of Levittown, Pa., as Ralphie; Elizabeth Rzasa of Ewing as Mother; Stephen Seserko of Woodstown as The Old Man; Braydon Wilson of Yardley, Pa., as Randy; Nicholas Benedetti of Ewing as Schwartz; Christian Korbal of Cinnaminson as Flick; Pam Jorgensen of Hamilton as (Miss) Shields; Zachary Benedetti of Ewing as Scut Farkus; Vincent Matyi of Newtown, Pa., as Grover Dill; and Jay Hahola of New Hope, Pa., as Santa.

Featured as Ralphie's classmates are: Logan Ambs of Newtown, Pa., Amanda Kipila of Manahawkin, Sedona Raphael of Cranbury, Stephanie Renzi of Robbinsville, Jonathan Ronen of Robbinsville, and Katie Smith of Red Bank. The ensemble includes Justin Casler of Hamilton, Noah, Sophia and Thomas Coppolecchia of Bordentown, Amyelisabeth DiIorio of Hamilton, Joann Fulginiti of East Windsor, Sally Graham of Yardley, Pa., Emily Kipila of Manahawkin, Jason Marinko of Hamilton, Patricia Mayer of Hamilton, and Heather Parton of Hamilton.

The production team includes Producers Mike Almstedt and Mike DiIorio, Director Carolyn Anzuini, Musical Director Matt South, Choreographer Laura Ghaffoor, Costumer Louisa Murey, and Lighting Designer: M. Kitty Getlik.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $16 children/students. Tickets may be purchased at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater.

Photo: Scott Christian Harris as Ralphie, Christian Korbal as Flick, and Nicholas Benedetti as Schwartz. Photo by John Maurer.