The Musical A Christmas Story
Music & Lyrics by BENJ PASEK & JUSTIN PAUL
Book by
JOSEPH ROBINETTE
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd. Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment. Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Producer
SCERA
Adam J. Robertson
President & CEO
Director
Kurt Elison
Music Director
Emily Hawkes
Choreographer
Rebecca Boberg
Production Stage Manager
Katie Jeffreys
Costume Designer
Kelsey Seaver
Hair & Makeup Designer
Kelsey Seaver
Scenic Designer
Zippy Hellewell
Lighting Designer
Master Electrician
Chase Elison
Projection Designer
Chase Elison
Properties Designer
Paige Wright
Sound Designer
Audio Engineer
Chase Elison
Scene Shop Manager
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Supervisor
Ethan Harrison
Prop Shop Manager
Karen Peck
Carpenters
Zippy Hellewell
Ethan Harrison
Colin Ohran
Maverik Higbee
Scenic Artists
Faith Sage
Brighton Aland
Madi Fontana
Olivia Kleven
Stitchers
Kelsey Seaver
Deborah Bowman
Bird Dozhier
Costume Shop Staff
Crysta Lamb
Costume Shop Volunteer
Ryan Hadlock
Electricians
Crysta Lamb
Story Anderson
Sound Assistant
Alathia Burnside
Deck Crew
Ethan Harrison
Followspots
Story Anderson
Benjamin Wilson
Props Assistants
Paige Wright
Madi Fontana
Kids Dance Captain
Ty Poulson
Performance Tracks Right On Cue Services
This project is supported by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
Cast of Characters
Jean Shepherd / Narrator .....................................................................................
The Old Man ......................................................................................................
Ralphie Parker ...................................................................................................
Schwartz .............................................................................................................
Flick .........................................................................................................................
Esther Jane .........................................................................................................
Mary Beth......................................................................................................
Nancy ...................................................................................................
Scut Farkus ............................................................................................................
ADULT ENSEMBLE ..........................
KIRK BAXTER, MARK BUFFINGTON, PENNY BUFFINGTON
CAM BRONSON, CAPRI GALLACHER, KOURTNEY KERN
EMILY MASHBURN, JOB SIMON, CHAD TAYLOR GRACE WEBB, PAIGE WOOD
CLASSROOM CHILDREN ......................
IAN EVANS, ALLISON FARNSWORTH, ELEANOR KERN
ADRIE KIDD, TENNESY KRAMER, ANDREW LAUDIE
TYSON RUSSELL, JAMES STRONG
CHILDREN ENSEMBLE ................................
COLM BAXTER, JONATHAN DEVEY, MAX HARPER
SALOON CAN-CAN GIRLS ........................................
ALLISON FARNSWORTH, ELEANOR KERN
ADRIE KIDD, TENNESEY KRAMER
Photo by Rachael Gibson
Scenes & Musical Numbers
ACT I
Prologue: The Radio Station in NYC
Scene 1: The Parker Home/Higbee’s Department Store
It All Comes Down to Christmas ...................................................................... Full Company Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun ............................................... Ralphie, Jean Shepherd It All Comes Down to Christmas (Reprise) ..................................................... Full Company
Scene 2: The Parker Home The Genius on Cleveland Street ........................................................ The Old Man, Mother
Scene 3: The Path When You’re A Wimp........ Ralphie, Randy, Classroom Children, Children’s Ensemble
Scene 4: The Classroom Ralphie to the Rescue! ..........................................................................................
Scene 5: The Parker Home What a Mother Does Mother A Major Award .....................................................................................................
Scene 6: The Parker Home
Scene 7: The Road Parker Family Sing-along ................................... Ralphie, Randy, Mother, The Old Man
Scene 8: The Parker Home
ACT II
Scene 1: The Schoolyard/Classroom
Scene 2: Fantasy Speakeasy
To The Nightclub Farcus, Dill, Children’s Ensemble You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out ..................... Farcus, Dill, Children’s Ensemble, Miss Shields
Scene 3: The Path
Scene 4: The Parker Home
Just Like That .....................................................................................................................Mother Red Ryder (Reprise #1) | At Higbee’s ....................................................... Ralphie, Ensemble
Scene 5: Higbee’s Department Store
Up On Santa’s Lap ............................................................................................... Full Company
Scene 6: The Parker Home
Before The Old Man Comes Home ........................ Ralphie, Randy, Mother, The Old Man
Scene 7: Ralphie and Randy’s Bedroom
Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana Ralphie, Randy, Children’s Ensemble
Scene 8: The Parker Home/A Chinese Restaurant
Christmas Morning ................................................................................... Ralphie and Randy Ralphie to the Rescue (Reprise #2) ................................................. Ralphie and Ensemble
A Christmas Story ................................................................................................ Full Company Bows ....................................................................................................................... Full Company
Show Notes
Amongst such classic holiday movies as White Christmas, A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful Life, we discover how the little sleeper of a movie, A Christmas Story, went from a low-budget fluke to an American tradition. The 1983 movie about nine-year old Ralphie Parker's thwarted desire for a forbidden Christmas present, an official Red Ryder Carbine BB Gun, was a new kind of holiday movie. It acknowledged the commercialism, the disappointments, the hurt feelings, and all around bad luck that, in reality, often define the Christmas season. In other words, what Christmas was like in real families, told with a blast of satire, realism, and sense of nostalgia, all narrated by the real life comedic radio personality and writer, Jean Shepherd, recalled through the eyes of nine-year old Ralphie.
Add the fun, witty, and charming music and lyrics of Pasek & Paul (the composing team behind The Greatest Showman, La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen, James and The Giant Peach and more) and A Christmas Story continues to be one of our most beloved, humourous, familiar, cozy, sentimental holiday shows of both screen and stage.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MOVIE
1) The director, Bob Clark, auditioned 8,000 kids for the role of Ralphie, beginning with the 12-year old Peter Billingsley, who was already one of the most successful child actors in commercials in NY in the 70's. Clark shied away at first, thinking Peter perfect for the role but too obvious a choice. They auditioned actors in California and in a couple of other countries before they went back to their first choice. Clark later admitted, "He walked in and he had us from the beginning."
2) While the story takes place in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the movie was filmed in two locations: Cleveland, Ohio for the exterior shots, and Toronto, Canada for the interior shots. However, there was no snow in Cleveland that year during production. Therefore, snow had to hauled in from ski resorts hundreds of miles away with additional trucks of snow standing by along with a concoction of falling snow made out of potato flakes, shredded vinyl or firefighter's foam.
Photo by Rachael Gibson
3) The narrator, Jean Shepherd, makes a cameo appearance in the movie as a stern older man scolding Ralphie for breaking into the long line to see Santa at Higbee's Department Store.
4) To get Flick's tongue to stick to the pole they built a plastic pole and drilled a tiny hole in it that sucked in air so Flick's tongue would actually stick.
5) Director Bob Clark didn't let the Ralphie and Randy actors see the famous leg lamp until the camera was rolling and it was lifted from the Fragile (Fra-gee-lay) crate. Ralphie's raptured reaction as his hand glides up the lamp’s fishnet leg was totally real.
6) Located at 3159 W 11th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, you can visit the actual Parker house from A Christmas Story. Superfan Brain Jones bought the house for $150,000 on eBay in 2005. He spent $350,000 to restore the inside and the outside to look exactly how it did in the movie. In 2006, A Christmas Story house opened as a museum with costumes and props actually used during production.
7) The weird goggles kid in line to see Santa at Higbee's Department Store wasn't an actor. He was just an extra on set. Bob Clark thought he was really weird so he put the kid in the movie.
8) In 2009, the musical based on A Christmas Story, with music and lyrics by noted songwriting team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, premiered at Kansas City Repertory Theater, Missouri, eventually making its way to Broadway in 2012.
With regards to the movie, Peter Billingsley. who played Ralphie said, “I don’t know if it was the first, but it certainly was one of the best embodiments of a real family. There’s tension, there’s some anxiety in the household, there’s very much a sibling battle, there’s a mother trying to hold things together and hold her place, there’s probably financial trouble, the father’s do-it-yourself aspect of the household: nothing is sourced out—he’s going to handle it! Yet through all that, there’s a genuine sense of love and protection within the house, and yet the words ‘I love you’ are never uttered in the movie. Still [one of the last shots] is just that simple gesture touching the mother for the first time in the movie. And in that moment it says all you need to know about that relationship...it tells you how that guy loves her, he’s there for her, and that’s it.” Billingsley also emphasizes that the one person who comes through with the Red Ryder BB gun is the father, the one person Ralphie never asked! The Old Man just knew instinctively what his son wanted.
Photos by Rachael Gibson
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
REBECCA BOBERG
(Choreographer)
Rebecca is thrilled to have been able to choreograph A Christmas Story! Recent credits include Crazy for You and Mary Poppins at the SCERA Shell, Big Fish at SCERA Center for the Arts, and Newsies at Lehi Arts Center. She currently serves as the Dance Education Director and Volunteer Coordinator at SCERA. Rebecca is grateful for the support of her husband, Mitchell, and their son, Banks, as well as the talented cast and production team, especially Kurt, Emily and Katie. “Enjoy the show, and thank you for supporting the arts!”
JAMES “JEB” BUFFINGTON
(Randy Parker) Jeb is so excited to return for his second year in A Christmas Story and his fourth show here at SCERA where he also appeared in Fiddler on the Roof and Big Fish. Some of his favorite roles have included Gavroche in Les Miserables, Chip in Beauty and the Beast and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. Jeb is 9 years old and has been in the Spanish Immersion Program at his school since 1st grade. He is so thankful for his family, friends and his elementary school “family” that has shown up to support him show after show. He’s also excited to share the stage again with his big sister and dad.
CORDELIA DIETHER
(Miss Shields) Cordelia is so excited to be back on the SCERA stage. SCERA has a special place in her heart, as she spent much of her time in high school here as part of their award winning team Acting Up. She also enjoys teaching tap dance at the SCERA every Thursday. She is a junior
in Human Resource Management at BYU’s Marriott School of Business. This is her first year in A Christmas Story, and she is so excited to be part of this tradition at SCERA and to add a bit more Christmas spirit to your holiday season.
CHASE ELISON
(Lighting & Sound Designer) Chase has been involved in theater since he was 11 in SCERA’s Oliver. At age 15, he began working at the Lehi Arts Center, where he has run and designed countless productions in lighting and audio. Chase currently serves as SCERA’s Sound and Lighting Manager, and has designed lighting for many of SCERA’s Theatre for Young Audiences productions, most recently for James and The Giant Peach. “I dedicate my work to my grandparents Jerry & Barbara. They introduced me to theater and music at a young age. My grandma taught me piano for many years, and I had the honor of working with my grandpa for several productions here at SCERA. Love and miss you guys, Ya done good!’”
KURT ELISON
(Director) Kurt has been on the stage since he was just a little kid, and is so excited to be back directing this show with another great cast and crew. Back in the 80s when A Christmas Story came out, Kurt would sit in the theater all day long watching the movie over and over. Since the musical came out, it has been one of his favorites. This past year, Kurt has been busy building sets at the Lehi Arts Center, and directing Fiddler on the Roof at the SCERA Shell. SCERA holds a special place in his heart, as Kurt has played many roles at SCERA and has loved being able to work with his family here. He would like to thank his family, especially his wife Kathi for supporting him. He dedicates this show to his late parents who inspired so many.
ED EYESTONE
(Jean Shepherd / Narrator) A Christmas Story is becoming a Christmas tradition as Ed once again takes on the semi-biographical role of Jean Shepherd. Ed is the head track and field and men's cross country coach at BYU. He has done color commentary for ESPN, Fox Sports and NBC, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the Chicago, New York and Boston marathons. He thanks his wife Lynn and daughters for their support and getting him back into theater after a 30-year break. Thanks also to his granddaughters, whose favorite Christmas song is "Ralphie to the Rescue!"
ALLISON FARNSWORTH
(Nancy) Allison could not be more excited to return for a second time in A Christmas Story at SCERA. Last year was such an amazing experience and she couldn’t pass up the chance to audition again. When Allison was just a baby, her dad worked building sets for SCERA. Being on this stage and performing this show has personal significance on multiple levels. Allison has been performing on stage since she was 4 years old and is currently training in MDT and Dance with Utah COPA.
CASSIDY GUNDERSON
(Mother) After a 10-year hiatus, Cassidy is thrilled to be back on stage in A Christmas Story! Her theatrical journey has included memorable roles such as Eponine in Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor , and Sandy in Grease. She’s also entertained audiences across Europe, performed on Royal Caribbean cruises, was Miss Idaho 2012 and was even a featured performer at Disney World——though her biggest fan club might just be her husband and kids! She’s grateful to her family for supporting her passion for theater (and tolerating all the belting in the living room).
BRYAN HARPER
(The Old Man) Bryan is beyond excited to be back at SCERA as part of this beloved annual production of A Christmas Story! It’s hard to believe it was so many years ago, but one of his first roles was playing Winthrop in The Music Man at SCERA. Bryan’s favorite credits around Utah include roles in Arsenic and Old Lace, Oliver!, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, She Loves Me, Guys and Dolls, State Fair, and A Christmas Carol. Bryan enjoys traveling, golfing and generally any time he can get with his family. Thanks to Kurt, Becca, Emily, and Katie for trusting me with this role and putting together a great show! And thanks to Wendy, Jack, and Max, who definitely deserve more than a little credit for any “major awards” in my life. I love you!
JACK HARPER
(Scut Farkus) Jack is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story again - this time with his dad, Bryan, and brother, Max! Jack’s recent credits include roles in Oliver!, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dear Edwina, Shrek, and The Sound of Music at Sundance. Jack also performs as a COPA company member in American Fork. When not performing, Jack loves baseball, basketball and skiing and has a lot of fun on the Student Council. Thanks to Kurt, Becca, Emily, and Katie for all of your support and for making this the best show ever! Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Max for being my biggest fans!
EMILY HAWKES
(Music Director) Emily is excited to be back at SCERA music directing this delightful show with this amazing production team! Some favorite music direction credits include Hadestown, Anastasia, and Seussical (American Fork High School), Bright Star and Into the Woods (Lehi Arts), Les Miserables (BYU’s Broadway Bootcamp), and Newsies Jr. (HCTO). Emily has a Bachelor’s of Music in Choral Music Education from BYU and
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
also stays busy as a performer. Some recent roles include Mother in A Christmas Story, Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins, and Mrs. Bucket in Willy Wonka (SCERA), Mrs. Hopkins in My Fair Lady, and Mrs. Squires in The Music Man (HCTO). “All my love to Team Hawkes!”
ZIPPY HELLEWELL
(Scenic Designer / Scene Shop Manager) Zippy graduated from UVU with an AA in Theatre Arts. He has been doing theater since 5th grade when he was in his elementary school's production of Guys and Dolls Jr. and has loved it ever since. Zippy started off acting, but he also found his love for backstage along the way. He started working in technical theater in junior high and high school, as well as some classes at UVU. He’s spent the past years at SCERA working on sets and backstage, and designed the set for The Play That Goes Wrong, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper and last year’s production of A Christmas Story: The Musical
KATIE JEFFREYS
(Production Stage Manager) Katie is thrilled to be stage-managing A Christmas Story! This marks her fourth year with the show, and she has enjoyed every moment with the cast. Katie has been involved in technical theater and with SCERA since she was 11, a place she lovingly calls her second home. Over the last year, she’s also had the joy of stage managing Crazy for You (SCERA), Daddy Long Legs (Lehi Art Center), and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Lehi Arts Center). She’s loved every second, even the challenging moments! She is deeply grateful to Kurt, Becca, Emily, and the amazing cast for this wonderful opportunity. Katie also extends heartfelt thanks to her partner for always encouraging her to take on challenges, and to her real and tech families for their unwavering support. “Love you all!”
HUNTER JONES
(Schwartz) Hunter is so excited to be back at SCERA! Hunter’s credits include: Mary Poppins (Michael Banks) at SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, Newsies (Les) with Draper Historic Theater, Aladdin (Aladdin) with Ridge View Elementary, Footloose Jr. (Ren) with Fields & Co. Productions, Frozen Jr. (Sven) and Cinderella (Mouse) with Herriman Arts. Hunter is thrilled to be Schwartz in A Christmas Story! He is part of Rise Up Children’s Choir and loves to sing, act, tumble, play sports and to be with his friends and family. Hunter would like to thank Kurt, Emily and Becca for this wonderful opportunity! Special thanks to Hunter’s family and friends for always supporting him! @hunterjones music.
LIAM KAUFMAN
(Ralphie Parker) Liam is so excited to be making his SCERA debut in A Christmas Story! He most recently played Jacey Squires in The Music Man at Mountain Ridge Junior High, and other recent credits include Turkey Boy/Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (HCTO), Donny in BYU's production of Hattie's Echo, Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Utah Valley Players), Johnathan in A Christmas Carol (ACT), and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. When Liam is not acting, he is playing the guitar, playing golf, or trying to survive having four sisters.
ELEANOR KERN
(Esther Jane) Ella is excited to be making her SCERA debut and is so grateful for this opportunity! Some of her favorite past productions include Freaky Friday at Hale Center Theater (Student/ Eensemble), Seussical at Murray Amphitheater (Jojo), Frozen at Timpanogos Youth Theater
Now Showing
A partnership with the James & Andrea Clarke Family will allow us to make continued improvements to SCERA Center for the Arts – the first was a complete repainting of the outside of our unique historic venue! The Clarke Grand Theatre is clean, comfortable and elegant – and with a giant 40' x 20' screen, 733 seats and incredible digital projection and sound – our presentation of your favorite feature films is the best around! And, with the best ticket and concession prices in town, we hope you'll support your local independent theatre, where proceeds go back into the community to support SCERA's charitable non-profit artistic mission!
(Anna), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Kensington Theater (Ollie), and The Sound of Music at Herriman High School (Gretl). She has loved this experience and wants to thank her mom for everything.
TENNESY KRAMER
(Mary Beth) Tennesy is thrilled to be back at SCERA for her third year in A Christmas Story. Her love for performing began at a young age through dance and mini musicals. At four years old she saw her first SCERA production and exclaimed, “I’m going to be on that stage one day!” She has since brought her talents to life in many productions, her favorites at SCERA being Ensemble in A Christmas Story, Kate in Annie Jr., and Pearl in Finding Nemo Jr. When not in musicals, she spends her time outside, playing with her little sister and doing competitive dance with The Dance Academy. This musical holds a special place in her heart and she is incredibly grateful to the directors for their continued support and friendship.
KAREN PECK
(Prop Shop Manager) Just last month, Karen joined the SCERA Family as the new Prop Shop Manager. Karen has an extensive design background, from interior architecture and design to event and theatrical design. Originally from Idaho, she has made Orem her home and is excited to bring her experience and talent to SCERA’s live theatre productions and special events.
TY POULSON
(Flick / Kids Dance Captain)
Ty is so grateful to be in A Christmas Story again this year at SCERA! When he is not singing, dancing, or acting,
Ty enjoys baking, being outside, or hanging out with his friends. Favorite roles include: Young Abel in Children of Eden in NYC, Nigel in Matilda, and of
course Flick and Schwartz in A Christmas Story. Ty is in 6th grade and trains in music, dance, and theater at Utah COPA. He wants to thank them for their dedication in helping him learn and grow as a performer. Much love and gratitude to his family for all their support and a HUGE thank you to Kurt Elison, SCERA, the entire cast, production team, and crew for this fun opportunity.
KELSEY SEAVER
(Costume Designer)
Kelsey is grateful for the opportunity to design and work in the SCERA Costume Shop for the last seventeen years. Some favorite shows she has designed are Bright Star, Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, The Addams Family, A Christmas Story, Seven Brides, The Little Mermaid, My Fair Lady, Seussical, Shrek, Aida, Beauty and the Beast and many others too numerous to mention. "Thanks to my family for their support, and my husband and three great kids that put up with late nights!"
FINN SIMON
(Grover Dill) Finn is appearing in his first production at SCERA. He is 11 years old and has been performing in Lehi since he was 8 years old. Finn loves reading, riding rollercoasters, eating pancakes, and keeping everyone on their toes with his mischievous sense of humor.
PAIGE WRIGHT
(Props Designer) Paige loves to spend her time building snowmen and making elephants. She enjoys sewing stuffed animals and designing and creating costumes. She has certifications in interior carpentry and scaffolding so that she doesn't break a leg when she's working on green-ifying sets. She's excited to be living her dream as a prop designer, creating wonders for the actors and audiences.
SCERA TEAM
SCERA Board of Directors
Nancy Hale (Chair)
Jerry Loveland (Past Chair)
Jeanette Herbert (Chair Elect)
Bryan Pope (Secretary)
Abbie Scott
Dave McCann
Delynn Rodeback
Jason Craddock
Karyln Norton
SCERA President & CEO
Marketing/Development
Adam J. Robertson
Operations Manager
Marketing/Development
April Berlin
Administrative Services Manager
Lesa Pulham
Guest Services Manager
Shelly Sackett
Production Manager
Administrative Assistant
Danielle Berry
Project & Volunteer Coordinator
Rebecca Boberg
Brandon Fugal
Bryan Farris
Craig Werner
Cynthia Gambill
Glen Overton
Jim Brickman
Composer/Entertainer
Ashly Delgrosso-Costa
Professional Dancer
Crystal Gayle
Entertainer
Rentals & Special Events
Coordinator
Brodee Ripple
Costume Shop Manager
Kelsey Seaver
Costume Shop Staff
Deborah Bowman
Crysta Lamb
Bird Dozhier
Scene Shop Manager
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Supervisor
Ethan Harrison
Scene Shop Staff
Faith Sage
Brighton Aland
Madi Fontana
Olivia Kleven
Colin Ohran
Maverick Higbee
Prop Shop Manager
Karen Peck
Prop Shop Assistants
Madi Fontana
Paige Wright
Sound & Lighting Manager
Chase Elison
PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COUNCIL
Greg Olsen
Greg Reed
James Clarke
Heather Osmond
Jeanette Bennett
Jennifer Durrant
Jim Evans
Mary Robinson
Laurie Stokes
Rita Wright
NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Gary Herbert
Former Utah Governor
Michael McLean
Composer/Entertainer
Box Office Staff
Melanie Holdaway
Tiffany Swank
Kirstin Millard
Jeanette Smith
Lydia Evans
Asst. House Managers
Dahl Jenkins
Quin Swallow
Jakob Ellinger
Courtney Varney
Facilities Staff
Natacia Buckner
Skyler Grant
Makay Anderson
Luke Ellingson
Graphic Design
Stephanie Bird
April Berlin
Photographers
Rachael Gibson
Derick Wolsleger
Freelance Writer
Charlene Winters
Concessions/Ushers
SCERA Volunteers
scera.org/volunteer
Sam Cardon
Terri Lindorf
Will Fowlke
Yevon Romney
Michael Martin Murphy
Entertainer
Alan Osmond
Producer/Entertainer
Ben Vereen
Broadway Star
