Review: Riverside Center Brings On Nostalgia And Charm With A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL

As a child growing up in the 1970s, I had the shared holiday entertainment experience of my peers: seasonal airings of Christmas TV classics like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," and the other fantasy specials with Frosty the Snowman, and Mrs. Claus. In my house, "The Homecoming" was also a particular favorite, set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and a precursor to the long-running family saga "The Waltons."

Arriving when I was in finishing high school, "The Christmas Story" was a late entry into the holiday classic genre but one that has certainly earned an honored spot in the pantheon of Christmas tales. Based on writer Jean Shepherd's writings and radio reminiscences, "A Christmas Story" has become a touchstone of nostalgia and holiday hilarity for several generations of fans. Shepherd's romanticized memories of Christmas time for a young boy growing up in a small Indiana town in the 1940s speaks to our hearts, while tickling our funny bone. Just mention "triple dog dare" or "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" to someone and expect a continued recitation of dialogue or a smile of recognition.

It was inevitable that the stage would come calling on Ralphie, the Old Man, and the Bumpass tribe. A non-musical adaptation premiered in 2000 and more than 1,000 productions have been done. The musical version first hit the stage in 2009 and made its mark regionally before making it to Broadway in 2012 and 2013.

Making its regional premiere at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL is now ready to aim an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle at audiences through New Year's Eve.

Does it hit a bull's eye or does it ricochet and injure?

I am pleased to report, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL is a pleasant present of laughter and a tuneful adaptation of the beloved modern classic. All the memorable moments we have grown to love are included. The Old Man's colorful language; Randy the little brother's strange eating habits; the local bullies; the triple dog dare, tongue on the frozen flagpole episode; Ralphie in the pink bunny suit; and all of Ralphie's daydream fantasy moments. If you are a fan and you just can't wait to pull out your DVD or sit up all night for the 24 hour TV marathon Christmas day, you can get your fix with some new, clever songs through in for good measure.

Riverside has assembled a charming cast that brings new life to the adventures of Ralphie and his family and friends as they go through their small town life to experience a Christmas of days gone by.

Taking centerstage for much of the play, as in the film, is the stand-in for author Shepherd, young Ralphie, the bespectacled kid with a single wish for Christmas, the famous Red Ryder BB rifle. Marcus Dowd has the stage presence of a performer twice his age and a strong singing voice, both working to his advantage as Ralphie. Dowd's role keeps him onstage for much of the time and this kid handles himself like an old pro. The innocence and awkwardness of a growing boy are conveyed with ease in Dowd's capable hands, along with the "gee-whiz" attitude that comes with the time period.

The Costello to Dowd's Abbott is none other than a pint-sized powerhouse of pizzazz, namely Mitchell Austin who plays Ralphie's kid brother Randy. Austin is one of those natural talents a director dreams about finding: he does not need to act, he just is. And this kid "is" funny, smooth, and possesses the comic timing of a late night comic.

As Ralphie and Randy's idyllic parents, Sheri Hayden and Russell Rinker can take the gold medal. Hayden is a vision of 1940s housewife glamour as Mother, with perfectly coiffed hair and infinite patience towards her children and spouse. Rinker is the iconic and irascible "Old Man," aka Father. He has the rough edges, softened by a big heart that is called for and does the duties with ease. Hayden and Rinker are also gifted singer-actors, shining several times throughout the score. Her "What a Mother Does" and "Just Like That" touch the heart and ears with loveliness; his "Major Award" - the paean to the infamous leg lamp - is a comedic gem.

What would A CHRISTMAS STORY be without the ever-present narrator? The late Shepherd himself was the voice-over in the 1983 film. For the musical adaptation, book writer Joseph Robinette has placed a flesh-and-blood character of Jean Shepherd in to serve as an omniscient storyteller and observer. Riverside Center veteran character man Alan Hoffman takes the stage here as Shepherd, using his expressive voice and charming demeanor to lead the audience through the story.

The score for this musical version is something of a landmark for the composer and lyricist team. A CHRISTMAS STORY is one of the earliest collaborations of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, two up-and-coming figures in today's musical theatre scene. They are currently represented on Broadway by DEAR EVAN HANSEN and the new film musical LA LA LAND, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. For A CHRISTMAS STORY, Pasek and Paul provided songs that work, believe me they do. And there are some winning tunes and witty lyrics, especially "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out," a big jazzy, showbiz fantasy number featuring Ralphie's teacher, Miss Shields, who becomes a tap-dancing, nightclub chanteuse - played with spunk and spark by the talented Vilma Gil. My only caveat is that I am not sure A CHRISTMAS STORY needed to be a musical.

Whether the Christmas classic should or shouldn't have been musicalized, it has been, and Riverside is doing a bang-up job with the material. Director Pierre-Jacque Brault keeps the pace brisk; the musical really perks up when the ensemble of either kids or grown-ups take the stage with the principals. A special mention must go out to associate choreographer Stephanie Wood for creating the rousing tap sequences in the musical numbers such as "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out."

Riverside Center's artistic director Patrick A'Hearn continues to raise the level of production, as well as the food, which was once again excellent. The growing reputation of the shows, as well as a popular title such as A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL spells good news for the Stafford-based theatre, right of of I-95 South: The show has been selling out. So if you want a song or two with your an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle, you'd better get your tickets now.

Follow Jeff Walker on Twitter - @jeffwalker66

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL based on the 1983 film

Running time: 2 hours - 1 intermission.

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts runs November 16 to December 31. For more information or tickets, click HERE

Single Ticket sales, subscriptions/Groups: 540.370.4300.

The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts • 95 Riverside Parkway • Fredericksburg, VA 22406

Photo Credit: RIVERSIDE CENTER

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