REVIEW: Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Presents a Charming Production of A CHRISTMAS STORY

I distinctly recall the very first time I saw the film version of A Christmas Story (1983). I sat alone in a nearly empty theatre as it unspooled, all the while thinking it deserving of a much better fate. So you can imagine my surprise when it became a cult hit, and then a full-fledged holiday tradition with 24 hour screenings on cable TV. Over the years, Jean Shepherd's personal recollections of his favorite Christmas have actually become an essential component in our festive rites, and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has crafted a wonderfully charming adaptation that's required viewing for the yuletide season.

I'm sure there are still some people out there who haven't seen the movie or even read the book it was based upon, Shepherd's In God We Trust, All Others Must Pay Cash, so I'll sum up the plot as succinctly as I can. It's the days leading up to Christmas during the late 1930's in a small town in Indiana, and young Ralphie has his heart set on one particular present: "an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200 shot, range model air rifle, with the compass on the stock, and this thing that tells time". Of course, the standard response he receives is: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid". But, undeterred, he comes up with a plan to sway his parents, which includes writing a school essay about the merits of this wondrous toy, in the hope that his teacher will see the value in it, and give him a high mark. This is the basic set up, but the story is rich with Shepherd's remembrances of his parents, and the children he grew up with, and that's what really makes it all come together so successfully.

Jeff Talbott is the grown up onstage narrator, and he imbues the elder Ralph with an infectious enthusiasm that swiftly carries the story along. Jonathon Savage is exceptional as his younger incarnation, Ralphie, delivering a fine performance as he acts and, occasionally interacts, with Talbott.

Jeff Gurner amuses as Ralphie's father, affectionately referred to here as "the Old Man". Whether he's battling another clinker in the furnace, trying to outrun the neighbor's vicious hounds, or proudly displaying his "Major Award", he consistently projects a genuine sense of warmth and humor. Marnye Young impresses as Ralphie's mother, maintaining the requisite cheerful facade, but revealing a surprising amount of depth to the characterization as well. Caden Self rounds out the family in fine fashion as Ralphie's younger brother Randy.

An excellent supporting cast includes: Susie Wall as Miss Shields, Ralphie's margin-obsessed teacher; Taylor Edlin as the much put upon Flick; Julia Schweizer as Ralphie's budding love interest, Esther Jane; Jarrett Harkless as Ralphie's buddy, Schwartz; Sarah Koo as the fearless Helen; and Drew Redington as the villainous Scut Farkas.

Director John McCluggage expertly coordinates the actors and the fast-paced action in a manner that never overwhelms the story. The numerous transitions and scene changes that occur throughout are seamlessly executed. Robert Mark Morgan's scenic design perfectly captures the feel of middle America, circa 1938, with a revolving house that allows for numerous changes to take place during its rotation. Lap Chi Chu's lighting scheme expertly fixates the viewer on the scene at hand, while deftly conjuring up the necessary atmosphere. Rusty Wandall's playful sound design also adds to the proceedings.

Philip Grecian's script neatly combines elements from the film, as well as Shepherd's book, and tweaks both to make this story really shine on stage. I was touched and tickled in much the same way as I had been when I watched Bob Clark's original film.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting a brilliant and heart-warming production of A Christmas Story, providing a delightfully hilarious and nostalgic look back at a simpler time in our history.

The Rep's production of A Christmas Story plays through December 27, 2009 at the Loretto-Hilton.