A Christmas Story: The Musical!

Ho, ho, but no matter. Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which the entire kid year revolved. – Ralphie Parker, "A Christmas Story"

It's that time of year again…time for visits to Santa, stockings hung by the chimney with care, and warm family gatherings. For Chicagoans, however, there is one more thing to look forward to: in addition to other countless plays being featured in Broadway in Chicago, A Christmas Story: The Musical! is concluding its run this year at the legendary Chicago Theater.

This play chronicles the story of Ralphie Parker, a 9-year-old growing up in post-Depression Hammond, Indiana. For Christmas of 1940, all little Ralphie wants is an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model BB rifle with a compass on the stock. However, everyone is convinced that he'll shoot his eye out. He eventually receives his Christmas wish only to…shoot himself in the eye.

For lovers of this iconic film, this new musical is surely a Christmas wish come true. Produced by Peter Billingsley, who portrayed young Ralphie in the original movie, this play follows the same storyline and contains many of the same scenes as the film, including a rousing dance number with the "Leg Lamp."

"It follows the same story, and we certainly…there are obviously a lot of fans of the movie, so there's a responsibility to have certain iconic scenes from the film in this. Like, when the flagpole flies out, people start to know what's happening," said Billingsley in a recent interview on Fox Chicago. "When the 'Fragile' crate arrives, you know, people get a sense of what's next. And the Chinese restaurant, and stuff. It follows that—it follows the same story."

With this being a musical, of course, some changes were necessary, but these were minimal. "Obviously, it's a musical," continued Billingsley, "so we're going to do a lot of song and dance. But it lends itself well because the format of the movie, […] there were a lot of fantasy sequences, and as I kinda look back at it now as a film maker, it's kinda out there a little bit, which was fun. So it really fits itself nicely into breaking into song and dance."

Clarke Hallum plays the role of Ralphie, and delivers a high-intensity, energetic performance in which he acts, dances and sings his way into the hearts of the audience. John Bolton plays Ralphie's "Old Man", and practically steals the show with his acting and "Major Award" number; and Anne Allgood is Ralphie's mother, and will bring tears to your eyes.

If you are looking for the perfect holiday gift, it isn't too late! A Christmas Story: The Musical! runs at The Chicago Theatre until December 30. Tickets range from $35 to $79, and VIP tickets are available. For the true A Christmas Story aficionado, there is merchandise available, including a pink bunny suit, and various leg lamp memorabilia.

So head on out to the Windy City and see just one of its many attractions. This experience will define your holiday season, and you will create happy, laughter-filled memories with your loved ones. Happy holidays!