December 15-28, 2017
at Patchogue Theatre
"Just as much fun as the movie, if not more."
Kristin Weyer, The Theatre Guide
“You’ll shoot your eye out!” This classic line has entertained audiences for decades. Ever since the motion picture A Christmas Story was released in 1983, it has been a Christmas favorite for many. A Christmas Story: The Musical is just as much fun, if not more. With a book by Joseph Robinette, who faithfully follows the original, and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, you’ll find yourself enjoying both favorite moments and new delights.
Its 1940, and all Ralphie Parker (James Bernard) wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun. That’s not so much to ask is it? The problem lies in convincing his parents (Jennifer Hope Willis, Benjamin Howes), or anyone else who might be able to help, how much he really needs one. He has one month in which to accomplish this, all the while juggling friends, bullies, school and the infamous leg lamp. Can he do it? Well, he’s certainly going to try his best. Directed by Joe Minutillo, A Christmas Story: The Musical will make you smile, laugh and root for Ralphie the whole way through.
The cast of this show does a wonderful job. Jean Shepherd, our story’s narrator, is perfectly portrayed by James Lloyd Reynolds. His debonair and charming persona win you over from his first scene, and his fabulous characterization keeps you enthralled the entire way through. James Bernard is great as Ralphie. His vocal abilities are stunning for one so young, and every note is a pleasure to hear. Mother is played by lovely Jennifer Hope Willis whose beautiful voice and gentle kindness bring her character touchingly to life. Ralphie’s short-tempered father is played by the immensely talented Benjamin Howes. His impressive vocals, amusing characterization and physical comedy are a treat, especially during the number “A Major Award”. The kids in this cast are wonderful. Jarod Hirsch is adorable as Ralphie’s brother Randy, and the singing and dancing ability shown by them all is inspiring. Not to be forgotten is the fabulous portrayal of Miss Shields by Holly Ann Butler. Her hilarious character shines especially bright during her song “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”, culminating in a marvelous tap routine with the kids’ ensemble.
Gateway certainly lives up to “bringing Broadway to Long Island”, as this production boasts the original set and costumes from the 2012 Broadway run. Designed by Walt Spangler this impressive set consists of multiple rolling pieces, snowy backdrop and clever arrangement. With great props, and time period appropriate costuming by Elizabeth Hope Clancy the visual effect was complete.
A Christmas Story: The Musical is a delightful evening for the whole family. Whether you are young or old, there is something in this show for you to enjoy. A magical look at the ordinary lives of a family at Christmas.
"Ralphie and the gang elevate season cheer"
Linda Leuzzi, Long Island Advance
When adult theater pros have their roles down pat, a musical can be transforming. But when young actors, some stage veterans, some new to the craft, give it their convincing all with vivacity and great timing, the experience is a game-changer.
The Gateway’s “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” which opened Friday night at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, was just that, immersing its audience with such rousing, funny holiday spirit you could almost hear Ebenezer Scrooge in the literary ether shouting, “Bravo!”
James Bernard, playing 9-year-old Ralphie, who dreams of getting a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot air rifle with a compass and something that tells time for Christmas, is the talented genius portraying a young lower-middle-income Indiana boy in 1940. As a guileless, earnest good kid, his transitions from reality to fantasy are absolutely seamless. “Ralphie to the Rescue,” the number that captures what many young boys dream of, to be the hero — in this case, the rootin’ tootin’ cowboy who saves the day for his teacher, classmates and family from bank robbers, villains with explosives and even young drunks — forges a reminiscent bond with the audience.
The whole cast whoops it up in this one — saloon and pioneer country dancers, mom and dad in late-1800s settler clothing, dance-hall girls flipping flirty barroom skirts and everyone expertly high-stepping it — as Bernard, dressed in white Stetson, fringed vest and chaps, belts his song wielding his Red Ryder across the stage like Luke Skywalker’s light saber.
But the adult characters hold their own, too. The Old Man, played by Benjamin Howes, an Aussie, has the looks and similar gorgeous tenor voice of Jack Cassidy, the handsome leading man in the original movie of “Oklahoma!” He gets the “ahh, finally!” emotion across in “A Major Award,” a dad who works hard for his family, is crazy for crossword puzzle contests and finally wins a prize, a leg lamp. He leaps across the stage with neighbors and a chorus line of other leg lamps, projecting the sweetness of recognition finally bestowed on a regular Joe. Holly Ann Butler, who played Rizzo in Gateway’s “Grease,” is a tap-dancing wonder as Miss Shields in the 1930s speakeasy scene, stunning Ralphie scared, who was hoping his composition about the Red Ryder would get an A. Butler admonishes Ralphie, Broadway-diva style: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Mother, played by Jennifer Hope Wills, whose last Gateway appearance was the luminous Eliza in “My Fair Lady,” holds the family together and reminds us again of her beautiful soprano voice. Fun, gospel-sounding emphasis is popped in by the great ensemble.
The semi-autobiographical story originated from radio personality Jean Shepherd, who grew up in Hammond, Ind.; James Lloyd Reynolds plays Shepherd as the narrator, the older Ralphie, who moves the musical along with the lyrical, descriptive, storytelling comments Shepherd was known for.
But back to ’wow, those kids!’
Adorable 8-year-old Marty Timlin from Yaphank plays a great sidekick to bully Scut Farcus in real-life Burke Brickner, a wonderful, menacing meanie in a coonskin cap. Aidan Passaro, Flick, who gets his tongue stuck on a frigid flagpole but keeps singing and totes his injured, bandaged tongue back to the classroom, is hilarious. Jarod Hirsh emotes Ralphie’s young brother with convincing sweetness and Ray Zerner is the typical boy wiseacre Schwartz, who triple-dog-dares Flick.
Timlin, Passaro and Zerner are three of the nine Gateway Acting Class students featured.
The set, a two-story 1940s house with starry skies, a classroom, jazz club and schoolyard, a Higbee’s Department Store, a drunk Santa and elves and even an old Oldsmobile thrown in, are from the Broadway stage, as well as the costumes; the orchestra, led by Broadway and chamber music director Hosun Moon, pumps the musical’s score full-tilt, enhancing the production numbers and adding fun sound effects like the clop of horses hooves.
The musical takes place in 1940 Homan, Ind., a tough, economic time when people were homeless, families were on relief programs, and gratefulness was expressed for basics like a warm house, a good meal, family love and safety, where kids played with simple toys, and mothers yelled at their children if a neighbor complained.
The kids in the audience on opening night were all leaning forward, enthralled with this heartfelt holiday production. Don’t miss it.
Oh heck, we triple-dog-dare you.
""A Christmas Story, the Musical’ Brings a Classic Holiday Film to the Stage"
Gen Horsburgh, Dan's Papers
The holidays are upon us, the hustle and bustle in full swing. Our favorite holiday movies are gracing our TV screens, none so favored in my home as A Christmas Story. The one where little Ralphie wishes with all his might for a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun.
Under the direction of Joe Minutillo, the Gateway Playhouse brings this quirky musical to the beautifully renovated Patchogue Theatre this holiday season.
The 1983 motion picture A Christmas Story became an instant classic. In the movie we are privy to Ralphie’s thoughts, and so I was curious how that would be incorporated into a live musical performance. A Christmas Story, the Musical is set in the 1940s, and radio host Jean Shepherd launches into a semi-autobiographical Christmas story about a boy named Ralphie and his family. Shepherd becomes the voice in Ralphie’s head and his performance is brilliant and compelling. James Lloyd Reynolds, who we last saw as Julian Marsh in Gateway’s 42nd Street, does a fantastic job leading us through the story.
The phrase, “You’ll shoot your eye out” torments poor Ralphie, who despairs over never receiving his prized Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun once his mother throws down that phrase. There’s a tap dance scene with Ralphie’s teacher, Miss Shields (Holly Ann Butler) and it is both hilarious and impressive, with many of the child actors joining the scene, making it a truly delightful spectacle.
Gateway is known for acquiring Broadway-caliber talent and this show is no different. Ralphie is played by James Bernard, an extraordinarily talented 12-year-old who has an remarkable resume, which includes shows like The Sound of Music and To Kill a Mockingbird. Once you hear him sing, it’s clear the kid belongs onstage.
The Old Man, Ralphie’s dad, is played by Benjamin Howes and he portrays the disgruntled, foul-mouthed father to hilarious perfection. His big dance scene with all the leg lamps was so much fun—again with the incredibly talented child actors joining in the fray to the audiences delight. Mother is played by Jennifer Hope Wills, who brings grace to the role. With a songbird voice and a maternal aura, she embodies the role of a wife and mother in the 1940s. Jarod Hirsch plays Ralphie’s little brother Randy, and his portrayal of the character is spot on. You can’t help but laugh out loud as Mother stuffs poor Randy into his snow suit and sends him off to school.
All of your favorite moments from the film are there—the bunny suit, Flick’s unfortunate triple dog dare—with new musical numbers from the brilliant minds of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, recent award winners for their work on Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen and the Oscar-winning film La La Land.
Gateway’s reputation for bringing Broadway to Long Island is no amateur endeavor—the set for A Christmas Story, the Musical is straight from the Broadway production, with many massive moving parts, clever costumes and props, and a cast that is extraordinarily talented.
Whether you are a fan of the movie or not, A Christmas Story, the Musical is hysterical, musical fun for the entire family to enjoy together during the holiday season. The heartwarming message is loud and clear as Shepherd chokes up during his final lines of the show. Beyond all the fuss and materialism that surrounds Christmas, in the end it’s not about what is under the tree, but rather, who is gathered around it with you.
