By VERONIQUE DUPREY
A Seat on the Aisle
On Friday night, I had the pleasure of starting my Christmas show season by attending A Christmas Story The Musical at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre (BTCT).
A disclaimer: while the movie has been part of many families’ holiday viewing traditions, it never made it to our family’s rotation, and I have also managed to miss the related stage play productions thus far. Therefore, I cannot compare this production to anything else.
The story revolves around Ralphie Parker and his family as they prepare for Christmas in Hohman, Ind. This slice of Americana takes us back to a moment in time when schoolyard fights and dog-dares were normal, boys wished for guns (especially a certain BB gun), mothers were full-time homemakers, and fathers knew best, even if they didn’t. Oh, and a leg-shaped lamp is involved.
This is a big Broadway-style production. Director Emily Rogge Tzucker reprises her directorial role for this production and clearly loves her material. She is aided with choregraphy by Kasey Walker Lewellyn.
Ralphie (Preston Blair, right) isn’t pleased with his Christmas gift as Mother (Mikayla Koharchik) looks on. (Photo provided by Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre)
BTCT makes excellent use of their array of technical tools to magically transport us from one setting to another: two-story house, revolving stage, scenery dropped down by fly system, full-size car rolled on and off, even a slide-out of a department store! The sheer quantity and variety of well-designed costumes is a wonder, and the large cast, especially the ensemble, flawlessly executes their numerous quick changes. The live orchestra also contributes greatly to the wondrous atmosphere.
The large cast of children delights and entertains as it reminds us of simpler childhoods. Most young actors are involved in classes with BTCT, and their training pays off in the clean dances and lovely harmonies of their many musical numbers. “Somewhere in Indiana” stood out for musicality and emotion. Preston Blair as Ralphie believably portrays the yearnings and daydreams of a young boy of yesteryear with good range, although a few of his lines were hard to understand, perhaps due to mike issues.
In the adult cast, Mikayla Koharchik as the mother impresses with her vocal skills and tenderness; David Wood as an adult Ralphie engages us and tugs at our heartstrings; Parrish Williams as the father reveals a deep longing for recognition, and Gretta Hambrook as Ms. Shields shines especially in “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out.” They are supported throughout by a very solid ensemble. One last mention: I thoroughly enjoyed the tap number and must give kudos to the male tap soloist.
Bottom line: A high-quality Christmas production for the whole family! Visit the Parkers with anyone who enjoys musicals, and be reminded of how the best memories are of the moments spent together and the love shared.
Be aware that the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is in full swing and the area is crowded; allow plenty of time to secure parking. The production runs through Dec. 27 at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Carter Green, Carmel. Details and tickets are available at: secure.thecenterpresents.org/14896/14956.
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