Review: Go See “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” I Triple-Dog-Dare You.

Most musicals set during Christmas have a sort of feel-good, lovable energy from the get-go. When you combine the loveable cheesiness that is innate in musicals and the giddiness of Christmas spirit, it’s sort of inevitable. But throw in a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun, a leg-shaped lamp, pink bunny pajamas, and a tongue stuck to a flagpole, and you’ve got the feel-good musical of the holiday season.

Set in 1940s Indiana and based on the 1983 film “A Christmas Story,” director Matt Lenz’s musical follows young Ralphie Parker (Blake Burnham in this performance) and his dream of getting a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas. However, he quickly learns there is more to getting what he wants than just accidentally leaving the ad open on the kitchen table.

Chris Carsten as Jean Shepherd and Colton Maurer as Ralphie

Ralphie’s plight is narrated by the charming radio DJ Jean Shepherd (Chris Carsten) as he reminisces about a Christmas from his childhood back in Indiana. As Ralphie drops hint after hint in an effort to get the present of his dreams, the production’s musical numbers become the center of attention. Each number is set up as a sort of dream sequence inside the performer’s head, rather than the traditional method of using music to move the plot along. This proves to be a very effective tactic and makes for a high energy production with an even higher entertainment value in a roaring display of flashy lights and colors.

Burnham shines as the scheming Ralphie, but his number “Ralphie to the Rescue!” stands above the rest as the dynamic children’s ensemble steals the show. Serving as a manifestation of childhood fantasy, Ralphie’s classmates become the “good guys” in his dream world as he runs around in a glittery, fringy jacket and fuzzy chaps to save his poor teacher Miss Shields (Sierra Wells) from the evil, bank robbing adults (who are their own brand of charming) and hobby-horse-riding cowboys. Of course, no such musical would be complete without an elaborate tap number. Fortunately, “A Christmas Story” gives us not one, but two, such routines, thanks to this group of incredibly talented kids.

Avital Ausileen as Miss Shields and Evan Gray as Ralphie

Each one of the production’s catchy musical numbers is bigger and better than the last, and just when you think you can’t laugh any harder, out comes a kick line made up of lamps. Much to the dismay of his wife (Briana Gantsweg as Mother), Ralphie’s father, known throughout the production as The Old Man (Sam Hartley), wins a lamp in the shape of a woman’s leg. His excitement manifests in the jazzy number “A Major Award,” and while the whole idea of lamp-ography (lamp choreography) is rather ridiculous, it is visually very entertaining. Hartley’s velvety voice makes for a dazzling addition to this laugh out loud sequence, and when backed by a full ensemble that thankfully takes the stage for nearly every musical moment, the result is a constant stream of over-the-top fun and cheeky (or in this case, leggy) energy.

Act II is just as action packed as it’s earlier counterpart, and opens with an unfortunate triple-dog-dare to lick a frozen flagpole. As Flick (Ryan Umbarila) spends several minutes singing with his tongue out, this energetic group of children once again steals the show with all the polish of adults while still maintaining their loveable charm. Unfortunately, this makes the character of Mother particularly blah. Nothing against Gantsweg, as she sounds lovely with the material she is given, but her character’s sole purpose is to be a tender-hearted housewife. Practical for the time period I suppose, but is it really necessary to give her two songs that add nothing to the plot and offer no real entertainment value?

Christopher Swan as The Old Man and the cast

Thankfully, what the production lacks in Mother’s character oomph, it makes up for in costume pizazz. I would argue that costume designer Elizabeth Hope Clancy is the entire reason this absurd production works. Without her, it would be impossible to distinguish the real from the dream world, and she certainly rises to the occasion. As kids run around dressed as 1920s mobsters, flappers, and fishnetted leg-lamps, Clancy’s costumes help spin the tales Shepherd and Burnham so emphatically sing about.

Christian Dell’Edera as Flick and the cast

Admittedly, there were a few technical elements slightly amiss throughout the production. There were a few sound missteps and prop mishaps, but nothing terribly jarring enough to distract you from this catchy, lovable musical. With just enough subtle humor to keep adults entertained, this colorful musical has something for everyone. And if plot, music, and costumes aren’t enough, perhaps the two darling dogs used onstage as the Bumpus Hounds (Reba and Jethro) will be enough to convince you to see this heartwarming production.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” will run at The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore through December 23, 2021 for four performances only.

All photo credit to Gary Emord Netzley