A Christmas Story 2012

Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, A Christmas Story tells of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree.

This timeless holiday tale began life, of course, in the mind of author, radio host, raconteur, and comic genius Jean Shepherd (1921–99). Based on his childhood in 1930s Indiana, Shepherd spun a series of tales that he either published as short stories, read for his radio audience, or presented live on the college circuit.

These stories were woven together by Shepherd, screenwriter Leigh Brown, and director Bob Clark into a screenplay for the 1983 MGM film A Christmas Story, starring Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, and Melinda Dillon. In its theatrical release, the film’s box office performance was only mediocre, but after Ted Turner purchased the MGM film library in 1986, the film found a new life on cable television. Beginning in the late 1980s and continuing through the 90s until today, A Christmas Story has steadily grown in popularity and now occupies the number one spot on several prominent lists of all-time favorite Christmas movies.

In 2010, this musical theater adaptation of the now-classic story premiered at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, featuring a book by veteran playwright Joseph Robinette and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It’s a refreshing holiday portrait of a simpler time in America that captures every child’s holiday wonder with deliciously wicked wit, a nostalgic eye, and a heart of gold.

A Christmas Story, The Musical! is a Christmas present that audiences of all ages will be sure to embrace and cherish for generations to come.