Chattanooga Theatre Centre"A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL"Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.When: 7 p.m. tonight and Dec. 19; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Dec. 20-21; 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and Dec. 21-22.Admission: $25, $12.50.Information: www.theatrecentre.com or 423-267-8534.
It is beginning to look and sound a lot like Christmas with the Chattanooga Theatre Centre's production of "A Christmas Story: The Musical." The stage version of the classic movie captures the energy and magical whimsy of the holiday season with its heartwarming story of family.
Director Scott Dunlap, musical director George Quick and choreographer Lindsay Fussell produce a family entertainment event combining narrative, song and dance.
As the audience is transported back to the 1940s, musician Benj Pasek and lyricist Justin Paul's musical adaptation of Jean Shepherd's original story creates a new experience with an old favorite. The cast of 30 deals with a variety of musical numbers highlighting their diverse talent. From the leg lamp dancing scene to the "Ralphie to the Rescue" slow-motion favorite, the uptempo show never flags in energy. The production features lots of clever scenery and costume changes that add to the spirit of the performance.
The talented cast includes three outstanding performers: Cannon Hunt as the young Ralphie Parker and Benjamin Brown as his younger brother, Randy; both are so much fun to watch. They are just little pros, easily handling vocals and dance numbers throughout the challenging two-act show.
Scott Shaw is perfect as "The Old Man," Ralphie's father. Trying to fill the difficult shoes left behind by actor Darren McGavin, who everyone remembers from the movie, Shaw lives up to the challenge.
As the holiday season engulfs us, it is worth the time to see the wonderful story of the Red Ryder BB gun.