A Christmas Story: Simon Fickinger is Santa and Rhyeden Chatriand is Randy in MCT's production.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Community Series brings A Christmas Story, The Musical to the stage live, Dec. 5-22, 2024, featuring the characters who are etched into the minds of anyone who loves a good, cocoa-worthy holiday story.
Set in 1940s Indiana, the Broadway version of the heartwarming film received three Tony Award nominations in 2013. The heart of the story centers on Ralphie (Grady Chatriand), who has his heart set on a Red Ryder BB Gun, while his father (Tim Stoops) is equally obsessed with a contest to win a “Major Award.” Meanwhile, even-tempered Mother (Molly Baylor) and brother Randy (played by Grady’s real-life brother Rhyeden Chatriand) navigate the perils and joys of Christmas with them.
Director Mike Morelli (MCT Executive Director) says he’s really excited about his artistic team of Gregory Boris (Music Director) and Colleen Rosbarsky (Choreographer).
“Greg has done great work with the cast on blending the show’s harmonies and Colleen’s choreography is just wonderful,” Morelli said.
He also lauds the cast of 35, includes a number of children, who Morelli describes as “absolutely very strong and full of energy.” The cadre of young actors “know their music, their blocking and it’s been such a joy to work with them”
Some of Morelli’s previous directorial projects include The Hobbit and 1940’s Radio Hour; he was also co-producer of My Grandpa’s Fiddle (on PBS).
When asked how the musical compares with the 1983 film, Morelli describes the musical as “so much sweeter and more tender.”
“It takes the iconic story and then develops the characters in such a way that make them even more endearing,” he adds.
Five individual families and also nine actors make their MCT Community debut, contributing the “community” aspect of this production.
Performances for this three-week run begin Dec. 5 with Premiere Night and continue through Dec. 22 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts; showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays.
For more information, visit www.MCTinc.org, or call 406-728-7529, noon to 5 p.m. weekdays.