If the phrase "You'll shoot your eye out, kid" brings back childhood memories, you might enjoy Capital City Production's latest nostalgic dinner show.
CCP presents "A Christmas Story: The Musical!" at 6:30 p.m. tonight through SaturdayDec. 4 along with Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18. There will also be matinee shows SaturdayDec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. The cost is $38 for the show and dinner provided by Argyle Catering.
"A Christmas Story: The Musical" is the stage version of the 1983 film "A Christmas Story," which was based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Jean Shepard of the same name. It takes place in the 1940s in Indiana as told through the narrator, Ralphie, who is dreaming of a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. It sets the stage of a glittery Americana, with his mother, the old man, his brother Randy, and a slew of best friends with whom Ralphie battles dreaded bullies, Farcus and Flick, and survives school with Miss Shields as their teacher.
The award-winning musical presents a vibrant deep-dive into the classic story, sticking closely to the original material - leg lamps and all.
"It pretty much follows the roadmap of the movie," director Rob Crouse said. "I think the authors were so aware it was a beloved movie, they didn't want to tamper with it. I think the musical numbers really enhance the story."
It's no surprise the musical has become Capital City Production's 10th sold-out performance this year - its source material has been beloved for many years, reaching 40 million people during its annual 24 hour TV special.
"A Christmas Story: The Musical!" is something both adults and children can relate to, Crouse said. For those who grew up with the film, the 40s-inspired costumes and props transport them back to their own childhood. The next generation can also understand the seemingly larger-than-life challenges Ralphie faces. This is what attracted many of the young actors to be a part of the production, he said.
"A bunch of (the children) decided to do the show because they had seen the movie and really relate to the story," he said. "A lot of these kids have not done a big stage musical, so we've started out with the basics, telling them what 'stage right' is, teaching them the basics of theater."
Audiences can expect to see all of the familiar moments from the film, with a little more room for the fantastic thanks to the musical aspect.
"A Major Award" becomes a leggy musical number celebrating Ralphie's dad's prized win of a leg lamp; Ralphie croons about the "Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun" in a number of the same name. "Up on Santa's Lap" features the grandiose slide on which children are booted down once visiting with Santa, and the main character dramatically rescues Miss Shields in "Ralphie To The Rescue."
"When You're a Wimp" has been a favorite for Crouse to direct as he shared his own childhood stories of woe with the cast to help them relate to the number - he added the cast has definitely caught on, despite tighter rehearsal time due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Crouse credited Don Otto as a great narrator, and the chemistry between Jack Bundy (who plays young Ralphie) and Carson Crain (who plays Randy) has been terrific in their roles as brothers. Natalie Bessette shines as the mother in numbers like "What a Mother Does."
With all of this, Crouse said the young cast brings "an abundance of cuteness" to the stage and heart-warming joy to the show.
"It's amazing to me these little kids understand (the plot) so well and are able to portray that on state," he said. "People are really going to be impressed with what they do."
"A Christmas Story: The Musical!" is appropriate for all ages, with no profanity or suggestive situations - although "fudge" does slip a few times.
"People that loved the movie are really going to fall in love with the musical," Crouse said.
CCP no longer requires mask wearing for guests, but hand sanitizer will be available throughout the theater, and temperatures will be taken at the door. Spaces are also sprayed and disinfected between performances.
Although the show is sold out, there are occasional openings in seating; call the box office at 573-681-9612 or email [email protected] to see if seats become available. There are now paper tickets issued, which will be scanned in before entering the auditorium, and seats are assigned by the patron at the time of purchase.