Review by Angela Eckhardt, Front Row Reviewers
“It all comes down to Christmas” and you won’t want to miss A Christmas Story at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem this season. A Christmas Story is the perfect choice to mark the 90th Christmas for SCERA, an amazing legacy of sharing the arts with Utah Valley and beyond.
I’m not sure that there is a human on the planet who hasn’t seen the film A Christmas Story. This well-loved classic is one of the most viewed (and quoted) Christmas movies for several generations of holiday movie lovers. I was intrigued (and a little skeptical) to learn that the film had been made into a musical–but it far exceeded my expectations, and I loved it more than the movie in so many ways. I should have never doubted, the music for the show was written by the team of Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), so it was bound to be amazing.
The fact that this is a SCERA production should also have been a clue that I would love it. I am always impressed with the talent showcased at the SCERA Center for the Arts, and this is no exception. Every person involved in this production, from the cast to the many people behind the scenes, play their role to perfection. Director Kurt Elison brings an amazing cast and crew together to create a production that is the perfect addition to your holiday season.
The set is always the first thing to catch my eye. The main set is the Parker family home, lovingly decorated and ready for Christmas. I loved all of the details, but my favorite part was the Christmas lights-complete with icicles that hang along the roof line. Zippy Hellewell and his team of carpenters and artists masterfully set the stage in a way that makes us feel like we were joining the Parkers for family dinner, and helps the audience feel right at home. The projection screen (lighting/sound director Chase Elison) makes it easy to set the scene for the other locations, and though simple, brings just the right feeling to each location. The family car brought a smile to my face, and makes the “scene connecting conversations” so much fun.
Deborah Bowman and Kelsey Seaver and their team’s costumes add to each scene without overwhelming the simple story being told. My favorite costumes were the sparkliest of the night and include several different sizes of leg lamps that choreographer Jenna Cunningham expertly weaves into a kickline for the full company number “A Major Award”. The choreography throughout adds to the excitement and joy of the show.
A Christmas Story requires many youth roles in the main cast, and the SCERA delivers. This talented group of young people is one of the most impressive part of the night. Mitt Harris sings and dances through the role of Ralphie like a seasoned pro. I especially enjoyed his fantasy “Ralphie to the Rescue” scenes. He is the perfect balance of the innocence of youth and the awkwardness of growing up with an added bonus of strong vocals and a tap dancing scene or two. Jackson Seaver is the perfect little brother Randy, hiding under the table worrying about Ralphie. However, Seaver’s run past his parents after seeing Santa was my favorite, a LOL moment. A big shout out to Ty Poulson and Elijah Colledge, Schwartz and Flick respectively, who bring the iconic “Triple Dog Dare” scene to life and are always there to help Ralphie rescue whoever is in need. These two young men, along with many other talented members of the ensemble, are what make the Rescue Ralphie scenes (as well as the school yard, Santa, and Higbee’s department store numbers) so much fun to watch. Each member of the cast play their part with excitement and skill. The song “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” is so fun and spotlighted the whole incredible cast.
Ed Eyestone is back as Jean Shepherd/Narrator, and brings such a comforting, entertaining, and humorous aspect to this story. (Think hot chocolate with spicy cinnamon in it. All delicious!) Ralphie’s mother, played by Emily Hawkes (also Music Director with Kelsey Mariner Thompson), is the epitome of her song describes: “What a Mother Does.” She supports and guides each cast member as the story takes shape, helping each of the characters along. She brings love and a genuine sensitivity to each aspect of her role, especially the broken lamp scene. Her relationship with The Old Man (played by Mark Buffington) has the same genuine feel. Buffington as the Old Man is softer and more present without taking away from the “Old Man” role that is important to the story. He sings and dances through a lot of feelings in a way that helps us understand his hope of being a winner, and his eventual joy at the delivery of his Major Award. Hawkes and Buffington are a big part of why I loved the play a lot more than the movie, as they make the family seem more real and connected. “Before the Old Man Comes Home” highlights the family chemistry that the two create and its end is the most powerful part of the show.
Ralphie Parker and his family and friends have become a part of our Christmas experience. If you are a big fan of the movie A Christmas Story, this musical at the SCERA will help you love the story even more.
SCERA Center for the Arts presents A Christmas Story, music and lyrics written by Pasek and Paul, book by Joseph Robinette.
SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S State St, Orem, UT 84058
December 1-16, 2023 Mon, Tues, Thursday-Saturday 7:30 PM
Tickets: Child (3-11)/Senior (65+) $12, Adult $14
Contact: 801-225-2787
SCERA Facebook Page
Photos by Rachael Gibson.
Rated PG
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