The wonderful wistful world of holiday magic unfolds at The Palace Theatre in 鈥楢 Christmas Story: The Musical鈥�
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What do a leg lamp and a BB gun have in common with Christmas?
If you’re in the know, you understand. If, on the other hand, you find this question intriguing, you just may consider ushering in the holidays with a visit to Greensburg’s Palace Theatre for “A Christmas Story: The Musical” on Dec. 22 and 23.
Either way, you’re guaranteed a good time as you enter the whimsical world of Ralphie and his family as they prepare for the Christmas season. Audiences are sure to get a few laughs along the way as mayhem unfolds when Ralphie, the main character, sets his sights on the ultimate Christmas gift — a Red Ryder BB Gun.
The musical takes place in the 1940s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the old, wonderment for the young and ultimately hitting home for everyone who has ever dreamt of a day when Santa would grant them their greatest wish.
Anthony Marino, co-executive director of Westmoreland Performing Arts, said that the movie version of “A Christmas Story” has become a family tradition in some homes, thanks to an annual marathon where it plays for 24-hours straight on channels like TBS and TNT. Both the film and musical are based on writer and radio-TV personality Jean Shepherd’s semi-autobiographical story.
“It’s a nostalgic journey based on what Christmas used to be — a kind of simple pleasure and wistfulness,” said Marino, who acts as director and narrator.
Renata Marino, co-founder of Westmoreland Performing Arts, said that a lot of work has gone into the musical, which was nominated for three Tony Awards in 2013, including Best Musical.
“There’s a huge cast of children involved between the ages of 8 and 13 and an older teen cast and adults, along with elaborate sets depicting department stores and school and outdoor scenes involving bullies and triple dog dares,” she said.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are the songwriting team responsible for the show’s musical numbers. If their names seem familiar, it’s because Paul and Pasek are the team behind the smash hit Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” and the critically acclaimed films “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.” The libretto is by award-winning writer Joseph Robinette.
The main character Ralphie is played by both Sam Goodman of Greensburg and Nikolai Zevchak of Greensburg. The show also features Kevin O’Leary of Greensburg as the “Old man,” otherwise known as Ralphie’s Dad and Nicole Paluzzi of Latrobe as the frazzled mother who is fond of washing mouths out with soap. Renata Marino plays the role of the no-nonsense teacher Miss Shields, while a number of WPS students fill out the roles as Ralphie’s friends and classmates.
Tony Marino promised a good time would be had by all.
“If you’ve been up late on Christmas Eve or sat around on Christmas Day watching the movie, unable to turn the channel, you will love the musical. It is just as funny and charming, with all your favorite moments from the movie,” said Marino, adding that the musical numbers are particularly memorable, along with the evocative writing of Jean Shepherd.
“It will bring back memories sure to put a lump in your throat and a smile on your face and will be fun for the entire family,” he said.
If you go:
Tickets for the show are being sold through the Palace Theatre box office and can be purchased by visiting their website at https://www.thepalacetheatre.org/events /a-Christmas-story-the-musical/or by calling them at 724-836-8000.