A Christmas Story: The Musical - CM Performing Arts Center | 12.7.24

CM Performing Arts Center is currently producing the holiday classic "A Christmas Story: The Musical" from December 7th to December 22nd – and what a spectacle it is! I was super jazzed to see the show to begin with because "A Christmas Story" is probably my favorite Christmas movie (who hasn't watched the 24 hour extravaganza on Christmas Eve?!) but with a cast as stacked as this, I was in the parking lot *early*! The musical basically mirrors the movie with all the iconic moments you'd hope for – from Flick's tongue getting stuck on the pole in the schoolyard to Santa's iconic HO HO HO as Ralphie slides back down the slide – and this crew nailed each, delivering nostalgia and warmth throughout.

I had the pleasure of seeing the RED cast on opening night, with Brady Schumacher starring as Ralphie. Schumacher captured the innocence and stubbornness of Ralphie perfectly and you’re quickly endeared towards him. Ralphie’s parents are played by Mary Caulfield & Ryan Nolin and they clearly understood the assignment. Playing the Old Man (as he’s regularly referred) is a bit of a challenge, I’d say; he is a bit rough around the edges but has a way about him that you can see the love he has for his family. Nolin tows this line beautifully and the scene of opening gifts on Christmas morning is the best example. This scene felt like it was ripped straight from the movie and brings a smile to your face - even with that, Nolin’s brightest moment came during his number in Act 1 with “A Major Award”!

Ryan Nolin and Company in "A Major Award"

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

First off, I had no idea that we could find so many leg lamps! I need somebody from the theater to let me know where these were found because I need one and I need to gift 20.

“A Major Award” seemingly comes out of nowhere! Yes, we know the story and we were all waiting to hear “FRA-GEE-LAY” but this number was exploding with comedy & energy. Caulfield was equally fantastic, capturing the gentle nature of the Mother while also landing her comedic moments subtly - which also harkened back to the movie. Playing the role of Ralphie’s brother Randy was Ethan Sepela, who delivered laugh after laugh! From the scene where he can’t put his arms down to showing us how the piggies eat, I couldn’t stop smiling. 

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Thankfully, the laughs didn’t stop there! Schwartz and Flick were played by Bennett Schneider and John Edwards respectively and I loved them both. Needless to say, one of their best moments was navigating through the scene outside the school during recess when Flick’s tongue gets stuck on the flag pole! This scene (and honestly the entire show really) is narrated fantastically by CM Veteran James O’Connor in the role of Jean Shepherd. This was my favorite role I’ve seen O’Connor in and I guarantee it will be one of yours too! He was forward & serious when he needed to be and amusing when it called for it - but even just the inflection in which he spoke tapped into the nostalgia of this story. Absolutely wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about him!

James O'Connor

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Rebecca Olivieri returns as the iconic Miss Shields and she plays her wonderfully. Act 2’s “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” is an absolute delight! To be fair, the *entire* cast was delightful. This is one of the most talented ensembles I have seen in some time (kids AND adults) and it is on full display during the Act 1 Finale. In terms of the set - I absolutely loved it. There was *so much detail* and it was so fun to fully explore the depth of The Parker’s house, right down to the damper in the kitchen for the furnace! Kudos to set designer John Mazzarella for paying attention to these “little” things that us Christmas Story superfans expect! Much credit is also due to Director/Choreographer Kevin Burns -

(he really loves wearing multiple hats, doesn’t he?!)

for understanding and delivering the warmth and charm of this story that we love and congratulations to the entire cast and crew of “A Christmas Story” for another home run at CM Performing Arts Center!

“A Christmas Story” runs until Sunday, December 22nd and tickets can be purchased in person, by calling the box office, or via their website at www.cmpac.com.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Cast:

Jean Shepherd - James O’Connor

Ralphie - Brady Schumacher/Jackson Rodin

Mother - Mary Caulfield

Old Man - Ryan Nolin

Randy - Ethan Sepela/Owen Westervelt

Schwartz - Bennett Schneider/Brady Goldman

Flick - John Edwards

Esther Jane - Layla Turnier

Mary Beth - Sadie Mathers

Scut Farkus - Jake Cooney/Maddox Marino

Grover Dill - Jax Segal

Other Children - Pepper Coleman, Colbie Gravano, Kendel Gravano

Miss Shields - Rebecca Olivieri

Fantasy Villain - Matthew W. Surico

Delivery Men - Anderson Ross, KEvin Todd

Policeman - Anderson Ross

Fireman - Peter Rudilosso

Doctor - KEvin Todd

Nurse - Dea Ahlgrim

Flick’s Mother - Cara Coleman

Miss Schwartz - Christina O’Shea

Santa Claus - Matthew W. Surico

Chief Elves - Dea Ahlgrim, Peter Rudilosso

Nancy - Guiliana Patnaude

Goggles Kid - Cole Pepey

Ensemble - Stacy Kappel+, Michele Segal, Julia Villani

+ Dance Captain

Creative Team:

Director/Choreographer - Kevin Burns

Music Director - Matthew W. Surico

Stage Manager - Will Brennan

Assistant Stage Manager - Anna Moceri

Scenic Designer - John Mazzarella

Costume/Wig Designer - Chakira-Iliana Doherty

Lighting Designer - Keith Jones

Sound Designer - Evan Lettieri

Props Designer - Kristi Kahen