Adapting a beloved story to be suitable for stage is always a risk. Nuanced plot points can give way to flashy dance numbers. Contributing characters might fade into the chorus. Directors are tempted to condense scenes to make space for touches of their own.
Somehow, even though “A Christmas Story” has gone from novel to film to musical, it continues to win over audiences, the latest being those who visit Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre this holiday season.
It’s the 1940s in the fictional small town of Hohman, Indiana. Christmas is just around the corner, and one little boy has his eye on the ultimate present: a Red Ryder BB gun. With every adult in his life scoffing at his request with the same refrain — “You’ll shoot your eye out!” — Ralphie (Ben Kistner) is determined to convince them all they’re wrong and claim his prize come Christmas Day.
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All the most memorable moments of Jean Shepherd’s story are preserved in its musical adaptation. Ralphie will have his foul mouth washed out with soap, the neighbor’s hounds will escape with the turkey, and rest assured, little brother Randy (Fender Brokamp) won’t be able to put his arms once wrapped in his snowsuit.
Lovers of the movie will be especially pleased with the work of costume-designer Jill Kelly Howe, who nailed all the iconic looks, from Ralphie’s bunny suit to the signature stocking cap of his buddy, Flick (Jack Clark).
The narrator (Eddie Curry) ushers the story along with expert timing as he details Ralphie’s thoughts, giving the audience a peek inside the signature character’s motivations.
Many of the scenes depend on Ralphie’s comedic timing — quick freezes while the narrator shares what’s going on in his head. The moments their characters intersect are among the show’s highlights.
Ben Kistner as Ralphie doesn’t disappoint. The seventh-grader strikes the balance so many young actors struggle to achieve: He’s cute without overdoing it, with just the right amount of youthful awkwardness to remind us of our own painful moments we had as kids.
A small ensemble brings the nostalgia of this beloved story to life, doubling as waiters, shoppers and more. The musical numbers don’t add much to the show overall but do their part to keep the plot moving.
As for the dancing, hold on for “A major award,” when Ralphie’s dad (Don Farrell, a Beef & Boards regular just made for this role) wins a unique lamp shaped like a lady’s lovely thigh. When it comes to musical numbers, this one tops the rest, with each member of the ensemble carrying their own female leg turned illuminated window fixture.
“A Christmas Story” runs through Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. And with the venue’s new online ticketing platform, seats are going fast.
We are all Ralphie — a child enchanted by the unique magic of the holidays. Go spend Christmas with him.
