Quote of the Day: Either no one will go see this show, or millions of people will. said famous movie reviewers Siskel and Ebert when they first saw the movie A Christmas Story back in 1983. Roger Ebert says, “It’s Norman Rockwell meets Mad Magazine or The National Lampoon…Jean Shepard has a bite to him.” They talk about what makes this show so great, the true emotion that comes from those moments in childhood, the longing for a special gift, despite all the grown-ups saying, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” The brother who won’t eat. The mother who stretches her resources and imagination to get that child to eat, not use cuss words, or dress warm for winter! It is a slice of American life, the regular folks who go about their business, day by day, avoiding the neighborhood dogs and feeling on top of the world for winning a ridiculous leg lamp in a soda pop contest. (You can read more original reviews of the movie, see the review clip from Siskel and Ebert, and learn more fun facts about the show at A Christmas Story House website.)
Jake Goodman in A Christmas Story, the Musical. Photo by Christian Brown
A Christmas Story, the Musical sings with warmth, humor, and nostalgia at The Ordway in St. Paul. When you see a beloved movie come to life on stage, you want it to look and feel the way you remember when you watched the movie. And, this production does it. The addition of singing, dancing, and witty lines and choreography add to the experience. My favorite was the leg lamp dance. Oh, my! All the of children singing, dancing, and acting were marvelous. A standing ovation goes to young Jake Goodman who played Ralphie to a T. A capital T which stands for TERRIFIC! Really, he was the Ralphie you’d imagine with his own great talent and spark. All the parts were so well cast. I also loved Miss Shields, a hoot with larger than life personality.
Dieter Bierbrauer and cast in A Christmas Story, the Musical. Photo by Christian Brown
If you want a fun, family night out with a holiday theme, go to A Christmas Story, the Musical at The Ordway in St. Paul, MN. Before the show, you can walk through Rice Park which is all lit up with holiday lights, including a blue tree! So gorgeous. The lobby is decorated in a vintage style to compliment the show, and when we were there, Lori Dokken played jazzy holiday tunes on the grand piano while people sipped drinks and took photos. Kids of all ages were there, some singing along to the music, many laughing and enjoying time together. This really is a terrific show that leaves you with a bounce in your step and a song in your heart. Playing now through December 28, 2014.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What was on the top of your wish list when you were a child? What are some of your holiday memories?
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