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Regional Reviews: Phoenix A Christmas Story, The Musical Also see Gil's reviews of Topdog/Underdog and Lea Salonga: Stage, Screen & Everything in Between
The musical follows the same basic plot as the classic movie. Ralphie wants nothing more than a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB gun for Christmas, and he spends the days leading up to the holiday trying every tactic possible to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa himself that it is the ideal gift. However, they all tell him the same thing: "You'll shoot your eye out." Along the way, he navigates bullies, school assignments, family quirks, and his own vivid imagination, all while Jean Shepherd narrates the semi-autobiographical story as the older version of Ralphie looking back on one unforgettable Christmas. The stage adaptation remains faithful to the 1983 film while ensuring the humor and heart, as well as the zany comical moments, are intact. Iconic scenes from the film, including the tongue on the flagpole, the pink bunny suit, and the infamous leg lamp, are recreated on stage with loving detail, and while there was voiceover narration in the movie, the stage adaptation wisely makes Shephard a character who looks back on memories of the past while also taking part in some of the action of the plot. The musical numbers are by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who won multiple awards for their songs and scores for Dear Evan Hansen, and the films La La Land (lyrics only) and The Greatest Showman shortly after this show debuted on Broadway in 2012. Their work on A Christmas Story adds energy and insight, giving characters bigger emotional moments and letting the story breathe in ways the film cannot, while the book by Joseph Robinette ensures the memorable moments from the film as well as the heart and humor present in Shephard's characters are always front and center. The cast is excellent. Jackson Beeson is a standout as Ralphie, with a warm and rich singing voice that fills the theater with youthful energy. His comic timing is great, landing jokes with natural ease, and his stage presence is polished and confident. His charm and sincerity make Ralphie's journey both heartfelt and hilarious. As Jean Shepherd, Andy Meyers provides a steady and nostalgic guide through the story, blending warmth, humor, and reflection. The supporting cast members also shine. As the Old Man, Ralphie and Randy's father, Rob Watson balances bluster with lovable awkwardness, while Jill Tieskoetter brings gentle strength and warmth as Mother. Watson and Tieskoetter have rich singing voices and create lovable, realistic characters. Sarah Ann Cleeland is a comedic delight with a brassy singing voice as Miss Shields, especially during the showy fantasy sequences, including the toe-tapping "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out," and Grayson Troub Randy nails the exasperation and wide-eyed wonder as the adorable Randy. (AJ Riddle and Randy Riddle alternate performances with Beeson and Troub, respectively, as Ralphie and Randy). The entire ensemble shines throughout as parents in the community, department store holiday employees, and zany characters in the many fantasy sequences. The members of the large youth ensemble, also double cast, create a fun group of Ralphie's friends and classmates and are incorporated well into the scenes and ensemble numbers. Two adorable dogs, Leo and Jacks, take the stage for a couple of comical moments as the Bumpus hounds who live next door and constantly torment the Old Man. Kiel Klaphake's direction is confident, clear, and full of warmth, guiding the show with a perfect blend of humor and heart, and the staging highlights both the intimate family moments and the big comedic scenes and songs. Kurtis Overby's choreography is lively, humorous, and danced well by the large ensemble with virtually every large production number blossoming into a showstopper. Visually, the production is a treat. Clifton Chadick's large two-story house set is great, and the staging and use of it and the other scenic elements allows scenes to flow smoothly, providing an immediate sense of the Parker family home and the other locations in the musical. Colorful, vibrant media designs by Chris Ignacio shift the story from classroom to department store to snowy streets, while Lorraine Barker's period costumes create a warm sense of nostalgia that enhances the holiday mood. A Christmas Story, The Musical at Arizona Broadway Theatre is a heartfelt and joyous holiday production that honors the film while also creating a festive, fun, and uplifting theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. A Christmas Story, The Musical runs through December 28, 2025, at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane, Peoria AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.azbroadway.org or call 623-776-8400. Director: Kiel Klaphake Cast: (in order of appearance):
Jean Shepherd/Narrator: Andy Meyers |
