BWW Reviews: A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL at the FOX

I'd heard of Jean Shepherd's work as an author when I was younger, but my first true exposure to him came in 1983 in a tiny, and mostly empty, movie theater where I sat and watched director Bob Clark's wonderful valentine to the late 1930's and early 1940's, A Christmas Story. I've since seen it go from sleeper to television staple, then to the stage in a theatrical version, and now I've had the opportunity to view it as a musical. I must say, this endearingly hilarious account of young Ralphie Parker and his quest to own a Red Ryder BB Gun (here essayed by either Evan Gray and Colton Maurer, with Cal Alexander as younger brother, Randy) is still funny to me all these years later. The musical, which is currently playing the Fabulous Fox Theatre, is a twinkling Christmas delight, with pleasant and lively numbers that aim to enhance key moments that you'll recall from the original. This is fun for the whole family, and my son and I had a terrific time.

The plot follows the movie (book by Joseph Robinette), complete with Shepherd's narration (here nicely played by Chris Carsten), taking some of the best and most memorable moments that occur during the course of the original film and re-imagining them as cute little musical numbers (courtesy of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who provide the music and lyrics). It might seem a bit more over the top than you remember, but this is tailored more toward parents and their novice children, and seasoned veterans who prefer the film can always seek solace in their holiday re-runs.

Numbers like "A Major Award" (energetically voiced as the Old Man by Christopher Swan) and "What A Mother Does" (a weary, but determined Susannah Jones) offer distinct contrasts in style and staging that I found appealing, and Matt Lenz's direction makes makes good use of the Fox's stage. The Choreography by Jason Sparks is amusing, particularly during "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out", when his Teacher, Mrs. Sheilds (Avital Asuleen) and friends give Ralphie a good razzing.

A Christmas Story: The Musical continues through January 4, 2015 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre