Directed by Marla Maresca

SYNOPSIS
A young boy named Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. However, he is not sure he will ever make it to Christmas, between his brother Randy and the school bully Scut Farkus. Whenever he tells someone how much he wants it, he/she tells him that he will shoot his eye out and refuses to get it for him. Even a department store Santa Claus tells him the same thing. After Ralphie gets a C+, he gets teased again by Scut. In response, Ralphie beats him very badly while cursing loudly. However, his parents do not get mad at him, and on Christmas morning, he gets the BB gun, since his father had one at that age. When he goes to try it out, the bullet ricochets and knocks off his glasses, which he accidentally steps upon while looking for them. He makes up a story about an icicle, and his parents believe him. In the end, a horde of dogs come in and steal the Christmas turkey, so his family goes out for “Chinese turkey,” or duck.

Performance Dates & Times

December 3-5, 7-10, and 17-19. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinees will be at 2:30 pm.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will begin on Monday, October 11th.
October – Sundays, 2-4, Mondays 6:30-8:30, Tuesdays 6:30-8:30, and Thursdays 6:30-8:30
First three weeks of November – Sunday, 2-5, Monday 6-9, Tuesday 6-9, Wednesday 6-9, Thursday 6-9
Week of Thanksgiving – Sunday 2-5, Monday 6-9, Tuesday 6-9
Tech week begins Sunday, November 28 – all actors must be present

Character Descriptions:

As suggested by the script, some roles play multiple parts. The director is considering expanding the cast allowing those roles to be played by individual actors. Note: Actors cast in those roles would help with set changes and be used as extras in other scenes.

Children/ Youth- The age listed in the script is a suggestion. Don’t let that stop you from auditioning if you can play the age / look the part. Let the director decide if you are right for the role!

Ralph – the narrator of the piece, he is Ralphie as an adult looking back on his Christmas memories. Ralph also plays Cowboy, Christmas Tree lot owner, delivery man and voice of a neighbor. (The Christmas Tree lot owner and Delivery Man may be made into separate roles)

Ralphie – Ralph’s younger self. He should be charismatic and determined. Ralphie dreams and plots to ensure he gets the perfect Christmas gift.

Randy – (his little brother) – Randy doesn’t like to eat, makes messes, and is a little shy.

Mother – mother is one patient parent. She knows how to handle almost every situation even if it’s something she doesn’t agree with.

Old Man – The Parker family’s beleaguered patriarch is a good-hearted father who is cantankerous and grumpy most of the time.

Miss Shields – Ralphie’s teacher. She also voices Mrs. Schwartz.

Flick – (friend and classmate of Ralphie)- usually the victim of Scuts abuse, also takes the infamous frozen flagpole licking triple dog dare. May play desperado as well.

Schwartz – (friend and classmate of Ralphie). The first person Ralphie thinks of when uttering a non-child word. May also play desperado.

Scut Farkas – the schoolyard bully who routinely torments Ralphie and his friends. Also may play Black Bart.

Ester Jane – (friend and classmate of Ralphie). Ester Jane seems to have a particular interest in Ralphie.

Helen Weathers – (friend and classmate of Ralphie). Helen is something of a child prodigy.

Santa Claus- The overworked, overtired department store Santa.