By Lynda Edwards
Staff Writer
When “A Christmas Story” debuted 31 years ago, movie critics dismissed it for a hodgepodge plot of ordinary and weird incidents that the Parker family – especially 9-year-old Ralphie – encounter at Christmas.
That is exactly what audiences have loved about the film all these years. Everyone wants a family like the Parkers. They clearly love each other and fling themselves into life, making even small tasks like buying a tree or dining in a Chinese restaurant (after dogs eat the Christmas feast) into a wonderful adventure.
If you go> What: “A Christmas Story, The Musical.”> When: Dec. 5-23; showtimes vary.> Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.> Admission: $25 adults, $23 students.> Phone: 423-267-8534.> Website: www.TheatreCentre.com.Showtimes and special events> Dec. 5: 8 p.m. curtain; opening-night gala at 7 p.m.> Dec. 6: 2:30 and 8 p.m.> Dec. 11: 7 p.m.; captioned for deaf and hard-of-hearing> Dec. 12: 8 p.m.; talk-back session follows> Dec. 13: 2:30 and 8 p.m.> Dec. 14: 2:30 p.m.> Dec. 18: 7 p.m.> Dec. 19: 8 p.m. Girls Night Out> Dec. 20: 2:30 and 8 p.m.> Dec. 21: 2:30 p.m.> Dec. 22: 7 p.m.> Dec. 23: 7 p.m.