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| First - a confession.
I'm a big movie fan but- despite the multiple airings during the holidays; I've
never seen the film - A Christmas Story. This year, I'll make a
point of watching it thanks to the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and
their delightful stage production of this classic story. Since everyone else is probably familiar with the plot, let me say it revolves around young Ralphie and his obsession with getting a Red Ryder air gun for Christmas. It all takes place - in the stage version - in 1938 in Hohman, Indiana. Ralphie and his friends bring back a wave of nostalgia for those of us growing up in a simpler and more wide-eyed wonderment of the holidays. Older Ralph serves as the narrator looking back on this one particular Christmas. Jeff Talbott is perfect in the role. He relates the actual happenings and the "dream" sequences of his younger self without getting in the way. He disappears into the background but is always that calm presence unfolding the story. The youngsters in this production are remarkable. Jonathan Savage as Ralphie is the right on the mark. He really moves the action along and never falters in his patent response to what he wants for Christmas. Taylor Edlin delights as the hapless Flick who, among other things, gets his tongue stuck on the frozen lamppost. Caden Self, Jarrett Harkless, Julia Schweizer, Sarah Koo and Drew Redington round out the brilliant cast of young ones. Marnye Young and Jeff Gurner are solid as Ralphies parents and Susie Wall turns in a great performance as the teacher with a true fetish for margins. It's all wrapped up in warmth and holiday spirit by director John McCluggage. This stage adaptation by Philip Grecian is based on the film written in part and based on the memories and books of the late, great Jean Shepherd. Tired of the same holiday fare on stage in town? The Rep's A Christmas Story will give you and the kids something new to enjoy and embrace for the season. And believe me; I'll be watching at least one of the multiple viewings of the film this year. This is Steve Allen with a look at theatre in St. Louis for CLASSIC99. |
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