Finding the kitsch in Christmas
Let the "Scrooge" fans have their "Bah, humbugs." For me, nothing says "holidays" more than "You'll shoot your eye out!"
Theater Wit's production of the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" strikes the right tone as both cynical and sarcastic and yet tender and heartfelt.
Ralphie Parker (Matthew Levy) wants a BB gun for Christmas. More specifically, he wants "an official, Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot range model, air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time." It's a line that Levy delivers quicker and quicker with each delivery (eight times before I stopped counting). Levy shows a level of maturity in his acting craft not usually seen in young actors.
Of course, Ralphie has more than his share of obstacles standing in his way from achieving the ultimate Christmas gift. His mother (played with gentle humor by Heather Townsend) is, of course, concerned that he will shoot his eye out. That sentiment is echoed by his gruff teacher (Molly Reynolds, whose strict teacher-poised-on-the-edge-of-a-nervous-breakdown reminded me of at least three teachers from my own childhood). Ralphie's Old Man (Scott Kennedy, who comes across a bit less gruff than his film counterpart) remains both aloof and oblivious despite a mountain of BB gun advertisements addressed to him in the mailbox.
As the narrator (and the adult Ralph), Doug Mackechnie sometimes tells us more than the script shows us, but there is no mistaking his character's sense of both wonder and nostalgia.
The other child actors are charming. Jack Mulopulos, as best friend (and tongue-stuck-to-the-pole victim) Flick, bares an uncanny resemblance to his film counterpart and is given a funny catchphrase not featured in the film. Christian Klepac, as Ralphie's other friend Schwartz, is also believable as the trio's instigator. Sam Johnston seems to relish his role as the bully Scut Farkus.
Maggie McPherson and Patience Blessing (as Ralphie's first love interest and the brainy girl whose ahead of her time, respectively) also help to expand on things merely hinted in the film. Ralphie's little brother Randy, Charlie Bazzell, has one of the best lines in the show (and it is repeated as often as Ralphie's BB gun line). I won't ruin it here, but suffice to say his dire warning comes to hilarious fruition at the top of the second act.
All the iconic scenes from the film are either faithfully re-created or embellished (the tacky leg lamp is given more importance here as a pre-feminism battle of the sexes, and it works). The set by Courtney O'Neill features a fully fleshed out suburban home, circa 1940 (complete with ugly wallpaper), and, yes, a fishnet-stocking leg lamp. Director James Pelton pulls some truthful performances out of his child actors, though the first act pacing could be tweaked a bit.
The show manages to capture the spirit of the season without the use of actual spirits. Take that, Scrooge.
When: Through Dec. 30
Where: Theatre Building, 1225 W. Belmont
Tickets: $20-$30
Phone: (773) 327-5252