REVIEW: A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL - FULL OF HEART AND HILARITY
Cast of A Christmas Story: The Musical (l to r)
Bottom Row-Shakeil Rollock, Nicole Norsworthy, Edward Robinson, AudreyBriskin, Carleigh Helik, Nathan Van Elslander, Sofie Greenspoon, Clara Jetté, Miaka Milea,Henry Tiller
Top Row-Andrew McAllister, Dharma Bizier, Karen Burthwright, Lee Siegel, Hailey Balaz
A Christmas Story, the holiday comedy film by Canadian director Bob Clark, was likely an annual watch in your home as it was in mine. It has enough adult humour, child charm and quotability within it to make it a solid family favourite. Like with most screen to stage adaptations lately, there’s a lingering hesitation: will it translate well? Why does this need to be a musical? How will these classic moments be staged?
Well, gather the creative minds of composers Pasek and Paul whose involvement in hits such as La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen and even the 2022 Christmas movie musical Spirited made these productions enormously successful and the care and precision of the Theatre Aquarius production team and set those hesitations aside because not only does A Christmas Story translate well to the stage, it may even be improved by becoming a musical. It relishes in its cute corniness and is equal parts wholesome and sentimental without being overbearing. All the requirements for a family-friendly seasonal outing at the theatre.
The score from Pasek and Paul is peppy and is full of catchy lyrics and beautiful melodies. The songs add something the film missed out on by strengthening the characters such as Mom (a heartfelt performance from Jamie McRoberts) who gets two solos which not only showcase her internal struggles being a mother and the pressures of making Christmas special but also allow her to characterize her love and devotion to her family through song. There’s also an endearing second act song between brothers Ralphie and Randy that reveals how much they care about their parents which you don’t get in the film version. These songs are all well timed within the narrative, enhancing and propelling the story forward. Standout moments include Counting Down to Christmas, Major Award, You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Up on Santa’s Lap and Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana.
The musical is helmed by Mark Crawford who has a very demanding role playing the narrator Jean Shepherd (who wrote the original story and screenplay) and incorporating himself in every scene reliving the past and engaging the audience in the present. Sometimes this is distracting but overall, the staging of this omniscient figure works well. When there are small transitional moments that go array on stage, Crawford covers it with knowing glances and good-natured ad libs making the audience laugh and carry on.
The young actors within this show are outstanding talents. Finn Kirk as Ralphie has an enormous undertaking here and excels with his unexpectedly powerful vocals and authenticity as the beloved boy who just wants a BB gun for Christmas. He is aided by the phenomenal youth ensemble, who, rumour has it, only had 2.5 weeks to learn the brilliant, period specific choreography by Robin Calvert. It is truly wonderful seeing Theatre Aquarius nurturing all this talent and allowing opportunities for young actors to take on lead roles and captivate the audience so effectively.
Calvert’s choreography carries the spirit of the 1940’s in every movement (including some wonderful nods to jazz, tap and ballet) and is performed enthusiastically, allowing each child and adult ensemble member to have a moment to shine. There is a stunning tap dance number lead by Dharma Bizier as stuffy teacher turned speakeasy fantasy floozy that ended with thunderous applause and deservedly so.
Almost all of the memorable moments you hope to see from the film version are incorporated well throughout allowing audiences familiar with the film to laugh loudly and whisper the iconic lines under their breath. One in particular is the reveal of the Old Man’s “major award.” Adam Brazier is perfectly cast here as Ralphie and Randy’s dad and his performance is hilarious from the moment he enters cursing to the showstopping number about his aforementioned fra-gee-lee prize. He matches this hilarity and high energy with some very believable moments of tenderness toward his wife and children. Bravo.
There is a deep sentimentality with A Christmas Story. It reminds us of simpler times and it is a holiday classic that warms the heart and thankfully, and perhaps surprisingly, translates well to the stage. It borrows from the film but also stands on its own as a solid holiday musical which is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are going quickly and Santa is almost here. Don’t miss it.
All photography by Dahlia Katz
