By Megan Holley
Centerpoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville, Utah is a community theatre that produces family friendly shows that are fun for all ages, and their current production A Christmas Story is filled with humor, Christmas cheer, and clever musical numbers. During the holiday season, when you first walk into the theatre lobby, you are greeted with top quality live holiday music. In this particular show, there are 20 kids from Centerpoint Theatre’s Academy, and these kids can dance, sing, and act. It sets the tone for a fun-filled night. Director Jim Christian creates a show where all the kids stay in character the entire time and all singers are in fine form. These singers got us right in the mood for Christmas.
As A Christmas Story begins, author Jean Shepherd (Scott W. Butler/Darin J Beardall) starts the narration over the radio, and the story is acted out as he speaks. You get transported from the radio studio to a small town in Indiana, where you meet Ralphie (Soren Ray/McGuire Bingham) a young elementary kid who wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Jean and Ralphie sing “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” and I got goosebumps from the harmonies.
The story mostly takes place at the Parker home, where Ralphie’s family: Mother (Jessica Love/Mollee Steele), Frank (Juston LeBaron/Mark Gurney), Randy (Sam Akerlow/Ross Leo Clemens), and Ralphie act and react like a mostly happy family would. After Mother helps Frank complete a crossword puzzle, they get a telegram in the mail about winning a prize from the crossword puzzle contest. In the package comes the surprising and hilarious infamous leg lamp.
Because Ralphie has not been able to convince his parents to let Santa give him a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, and his teacher Miss Shields (Bailee DeYoung/ Kacee Neff) assigns the class a paper about what they want for Christmas, he immediately knows exactly what to write. As soon as you think the story is over, their neighbor’s dog runs onstage (yes, it’s a real dog!!) and runs off with their turkey, so instead, they go out to eat for dinner, where Randy finally finds something he likes to eat.
Christian always directs shows that are always on a professional level, and this show no different. His casting choices create a beautiful tribute to a family-friendly, whimsical musical. Choreographer Jessica Merrill brilliantly choreographs this show. She adds deeper meaning to the song “Act 1 Finale”–the dancers are zombie like to represent Ralphie’s loss–no Red Ryder BB Gun for him. Tammis Boam spares no effort as the costume designer for this show. She ensures every costume fits the show perfectly from the 1940’s snow suit, to the Christmas present Ralphie gets from his aunt.
Set Designer JD Madsen is incredibly smart with the set of this show. Ralphie and Randy spend most of the show onstage, costumes changes are done behind set pieces. My favorite staging was when Randy goes into a cabinet under the sink and Mother talks to him while he’s in there. Madsen creates a picture perfect 1940s house, from the wallpaper colors and designs to the vintage kitchen floor. It really pulls you into the time period nicely. Lighting Designer Graham Whipple plays into the scenes, lighting matches the mood. Sound Designer Jay Clark constantly ensures that the music is not overpowering the actors. I liked the blending of track and voices.
I cannot emphasize this enough, if you want amazing theatre, run to see A Christmas Story at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville. Be prepared to laugh with Ralphie and his family as you get into the Christmas spirit.
Centerpoint Legacy Theatre presents A Christmas Story by Joseph Robinette, with music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark.
Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, 525 N 400 W, Centerville, UT 84014
Nov 19 – Dec 23, 2021, 7:30 PM, Saturday Matinee 2:30 PM
Tickets: $18 – $30
Contact: 801-298-1302
Centerpoint Legacy Theatre Facebook Page
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