The non-AEA production, directed by Matt Lenz (based on the original John Rando staging), is set to play Owensboro, KY (Nov. 14); Appleton, WI (Nov. 18-23); Memphis, TN (Nov. 25-30); Dallas, TX (Dec. 2-14); and St. Louis, MO (Dec. 16-Jan. 2, 2015). Big League Productions, Inc. presents the tour.
A Christmas Story has a Tony-nominated score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with a book by Joseph Robinette. The score includes such songs as "Red Ryder," "Ralphie to the Rescue," "A Major Award" and "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out."
Jason Sparks recreates the Broadway choreography by Warren Carlyle.
The cast also features Max Thayer as Jean Shepherd, Christopher Swan as The Old Man, Susannah Jones as Mother, Cal Alexander as little brother Randy and Avital Asuleen as Miss Shields. The ensemble includes Andrew Berlin, Christian Dell’Edera, Elizabeth Flanagan, Cole Hagen, Tierney Lee Howard, Seth Judice, Maria Knasel, Rico Lebron, Allison Maldonado, Lea Mancarella, Brooke Martino, Johnny Marx, Michael McClure, Deanna Ott, Charles Pang, Ellie Poon, Brandon Szep, Chris Van Vleet and Danny Wilfred.
The tour reflects new design concepts by Mike Carnahan, Lisa Zinni and Charlie Morrison based on the work of Broadway designers Walt Spangler (scenic), Elizabeth Hope Clancy (costumes) and Howell Binkley (lighting). Here's how it's billed: "A Christmas Story, The Musical chronicles young Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle ('You’ll shoot your eye out kid!'). An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Chock-full of delightful songs and splashy production numbers, with a heartwarming story set in the heartland of America, A Christmas Story, The Musical, has proudly taken its place as a perennial holiday classic for the whole family."
Visit achristmasstoryontour.com.
