A Christmas Story2004

December 1 - 19, 2004

Written by Philip Grecian
Directed by David Nairn

The beloved Christmas movie classic now on stage.

Humourist Jean Shepherd's memoir of growing up in the mid-west of the 1940's follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Goldblatt's Department Store.

Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story © 1983 Turner Entertainment Co., Distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Rob Clark and on the Book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd

Starring
Ian Downie
Linda Goranson
Robin Schisler
Jamie Williams
with Bryan Alderdice
Nicole Jedrzejko
Scott Mitchnick
Aidan O'Brien
David O'Dwyer
Colin Simmons
Cheyanne Vandervoort
Matteo Zamaria

Articles and Reviews

Kids Steal the Show in Holiday Farce

The Orangeville Banner
December 3, 2004

Last night, I dreamed that I found a legendary official Red Ryder 200 shot carbine action range model air rifle with a compass and this thing that tells time built right into the stock under my Christmas tree.

It was truly magical.

But seeing that I have no interest in BB guns -- and not really even an idea of what most of that description means -- I figured my dream must have stemmed from the infectious nature of Theatre Orangeville's production of the favourite holiday farce, A Christmas Story.

Adapted from the 1983 film, A Christmas Story, the play tells the tale of nine-year-old Ralphie and his desperate and not always so subtle pursuit of a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas -- all despite the jeering reminders from parents, teachers and even the man in red himself, that, "You'll shoot your eye out." Watching the series of comical and satirical episodes ensue to the narration of an older Ralph -- eloquent Ian Downie -- unfold live, onstage, is an adventure everyone should experience at least once.

Although there was not a bad performance in the house, the highlight of the show was watching the exceptional talent of the eight young people on stage.

And by exceptional, I mean I wouldn't be surprised to see many of these kids on the silver screen someday -- especially 12-year old David O'Dwyer.

This kid is a natural -- and I'm not even sure he realises his potential. He takes on the role of Ralphie's friend Flick effortlessly and heartily, delivering a meaningful performance of professional calibre. From the southern accents to the glib expressions, O'Dwyer is the catalyst for many laughs and shines under the spotlight.

As does Jamie Williams as Ralphie's Old Man, my personal favourite character in the classic story. Williams brings a new perspective to the easily excited and just as easily exasperated 1930's father.

He combines just the right amount of enthusiasm and sarcasm to pull off this role and completely wins the audience over with his guttural "Ha Ha's" and expressive delivery.

For comparison's sake, I'll tell you that you'll experience all of the favourite funny episodes from the feature film -- the Old Man's prize lamp, the flying lug nuts and the triple dog dare to stick a tongue on a frozen pole.

But this play offers so much more than that; it brings the story to new heights and inspires new laughs.

The set created for the play is unbelievable -- you really have to see it for yourself. How set and props designer, Allan Wilbee, combines the home, the school, the street, the mall and the Christmas tree lot is absolutely masterful.

Never-seen-before scenes are added to the live production and weave naturally into the story we all know and love.

You won't shoot your eye out -- but you'll definitely bust a gut laughing during Theatre Orangeville's production of the family holiday farce, A Christmas Story.