Align Entertainment presents the hilarious holiday classic A Christmas Story: The Musical from November 2–17, 2018, at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby. The multi-Ovation Award-winning producers have assembled a talented cast of local stars and young up-and-comers for the heartfelt Broadway adaptation of Jean Shepherd and Bob Clark’s 1983 film. The musical is set to an infectiously delightful score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (creators of La La Land and The Greatest Showman), and follows the story of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, who wants nothing more for Christmas than an official Red Ryder Carbine Action BB gun. The story is a celebration of childhood and imaginative discovery, a triumphant family-friendly experience that will hit home with anyone who ever desperately wanted a toy during the holidays.
“A Christmas Story is a quirky holiday classic about a wholesome family founded on unconditional love,” says director and co-producer Chad Matchette. “Generations have been drawn to the young protagonist, Ralphie, who is at the crux of childhood. His innocence and persistence remind us of a quieter and perhaps less-complicated era. It’s no surprise that this iconic tale was adapted into a musical. Through its utterly timeless score and evergreen optimistic message, our astonishing cast of triple-threat talents will set the stage with a festive reminder of the magic found in pursuing our dreams — big or small.”
The 1983 film A Christmas Story was inspired by semi-fictional tales in Jean Shepherd’s 1966 book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, combined with elements from his 1971 book Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories. The musical adaptation offers a delightful journey into the world of Ralphie, an adventurous young dreamer in 1940’s America on a quest to receive the ultimate Christmas gift: the official BB gun of the heroic, baddie-defeating cowboy, Red Ryder. Foiled at every turn, Ralphie remains adamant in his plotting and planning to acquire his coveted gift come Christmas Day. Updated for the stage, the musical adaptation contains fresh surprises for fans of the film, while continuing to revisit its iconic scenes, including trips to Higbee’s downtown window displays, shopping for Christmas trees, and life lessons learned along the way (and, naturally, the leg lamp). The insightful coming-of-age tale presents a cheery, yet honest narrative of youth — and the common themes it shares with adulthood.
The musical comedy premiered on Broadway in 2012, receiving three Tony Award nominations. The work’s enchanting songs include: “It All Comes Down to Christmas,” “Ralphie to the Rescue!” and the energetic “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” From upbeat jazzy numbers to poignant ballads, the spirited score is carried by a diverse ensemble of youngsters and grown ups accompanied by a live 12-piece orchestra. Ranging in age from 9 to 55, the company represents a brilliant cross section of Vancouver’s brightest local talent.
Align Entertainment presents A Christmas Story: The Musical
Dates: November 2–17, 2018
Preview: November 2
Opening Night: November 3
Ticket Prices: Regular: $29–$42
Special Preview Pricing: $20
Thrifty Thursdays: $25
Address: Michael J. Fox Theatre 7373 Macpherson Ave Burnaby, BC V5J 2B7
Tickets: alignentertainment.ca/tickets or www.vtixonline.com
Website: alignentertainment.ca
Image by Emily Cooper
