The classic holiday favorite “A Christmas Story” is live on stage at Theatre 29. It opened last Friday to an enthusiastic full house. Reporter Rebecca Havely offers this review of the Christmas classic…
The ensemble cast of “A Christmas Story” is full of extremely talented young actors. Rory O’Brien is perfectly cast as the bespectacled young Ralphie Parker. The kid who dreams of getting a BB gun for Christmas. His little brother, Randy, is played by kindergartner Ryan Kidd. It’s so impressive to see such a little guy perform so well. Jesse Scheckler is intimidating as the school bully. Adonai Patu is exceptional as Ralphie’s little buddy Flick. Bella Oden, Irene Harlan and Nicholas Ornelas-Perez shine in their roles as Ralphie’s school chums. The other young talents include: Christopher and Mathew Ornelas-Perez, Katie O’Brien, and Grace Prograis. Ethan Flores narrates the entire play as the grown-up version of Ralphie. Gary Daigneault portrays Ralphie’s muttering yet good-hearted “old man,” and Cindy Ross his stern yet fair Mom. Analisa Pilecki is amusing as the school teacher especially when Ralphie’s elaborate daydreams are brought to life. After a decade of directing Halloween Haunts, Eric Ross makes his mainstage directorial debut. The special effects and nostalgic set he and Tom Highfill designed are perfect touches. You’ll leave the theater and want to rush home to put up the Christmas tree after this classic holiday favorite.
“A Christmas Story” runs weekends through December 17. Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. with 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees on November 27 and December 11. Tickets are $8 to $15 and are available online at theatre29.org or by calling the Theatre 29 box office at 760-361-4151. “A Christmas Story” is appropriate for all ages.
