Lenora Nemetz Returns to Lincoln Park PAC with A CHRISTMAS STORY, Now thru 12/2

Lenora Nemetz returns to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center with "A Christmas Story". This heartwarming play runs tonight, November 30 to December 2 and is the same as the popular film.

Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: "an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time." Between run-ins with his younger brother Randy and having to handle school bully Scut Farkus, and his "toadie" Grover Dill, Ralphie does not know how he will ever survive long enough to get the BB gun for Christmas.

Presented by Liberty Theatre, Lincoln Park's resident professional theatre company, the show marks the second appearance here of Broadway veteran and Pittsburgh's own Lenora Nemetz as Miss Shields. She previously appeared as Aunt Eller with Liberty Theatre in "Oklahoma" in the summer of 2011. A native Pittsburgher, Lenora Nemetz has performed her way across the country for the last three decades, starting with her Broadway debut in "Cabaret." A protégé of Bob Fosse, Nemetz first came to the attention of New York critics when she replaced Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly in Fosse's production of "Chicago." She went on to create the role of Delores Dante in the Broadway production of "Working," winning a Drama Desk Award nomination. She co-starred with Peter Allen in his one man show "Up in One," both on Broadway and in Los Angeles. Filling in for Liza Minnelli, Nemetz co-starred with Chita Rivera as Angel in "The Rink." In 2008 Lenora portrayed Miss Mazeppa and Miss Cratchitt in the Tony award winning revival of Gypsy. She made her New York City opera debut in the role of Gladys in the revival of "The Pajama Game." National tours include "Sweet Charity," "Bye Bye Birdie," and "Some Like it Hot." In Pittsburgh, Nemetz has starred in numerous Civic Light Opera, City Theater, and Public Theater Productions including last year as Sister Robert Anne in Pittsburgh CLO's Nunsense.

Ticket prices are $25, $20 and $15. They may be purchased online www.lppac.org or through the box office, 724.643.9004. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. for Friday and Saturday evening shows, and 2 p.m. for Saturday and Sunday matinees. "A Christmas Story" is directed by Tom Schaller. Schaller is an alumni of Point Park University and American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Principal roles include John Burja as Older Ralph, Tom Bickert as Old Man, Gwyneth Welling Serra as Mother and introducing Scott Sims as Ralphie Parker. Among those returning Lincoln Park alums are a 2007 Lincoln Park graduate, Casey Novak, who performed in Liberty Theatre's "The Odd Couple", "Oklahoma" and last year's "A Christmas Story." "It's nice to be working with people at the same level and it's nice to see that relationships have lasted. I still feel like I'm part of the family," she said. Jimmy Schrecengost and Rosh Raines also return this year. The young actors in the cast include Nicholas Van Horenbeck as Randy, Kegan Spooner as Flick, Mathew Kohlmann as Schwartz, Dominic Skeele as Scut Farcus, Julia Bjurstorm as Ester Jane Alberry, Lauren Ashley Watkinds as Helen Weathers and Sarah Hartenstein, Lauren Eylicio, Nathaniel Turner and Noah Barilaro in the Ensemble.

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center is a regional asset for arts education, cultural events and entertainment productions. The $30 million facility opened in 2006.

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