Saturday, September 29 at 10am, Children 12 years and younger
Sunday, September 30 at 7pm, Males and Females, 13 years and older
Monday, October 1 at 7pm, Males and Females, 13 years and older
A Christmas Story: The Musical Character Breakdown
Large performing cast of all ages needed to be:
Elves, Delivery Men, Townspeople (Men and Women) Prairie Ensemble: Villain, Bankrobbers, Escaped Prisoner, Mrs. Schwartz, Flick’s Mom, Nancy’s Mother, Bartender, Policeman Fireman, Doctor, Nurse, Waiter (All adults need to sing and be comfortable with some dancing. Strong dancers needed)
Principal Characters:
JEAN SHEPHERD/NARRATOR:
Late 40s to early 50s. A charismatic storyteller with a dynamic speaking voice, who can draw an audience in to the world of the play. Radio personality. He (like his younger self) has a twinkle in his eye. An actor with presence and spark. A good-natured curmudgeon. Midwestern.
THE OLD MAN (Husband/Father):
Late 30s-40s. He has a good heart, but it is buried under a rough exterior. He’s not the perfect father by any means – he is happiest when he’s tinkering in the basement. He usually expects the worst, but is secretly a dreamer. A devoted husband/father, who loves his family but does not feel the need to show it. Actor must be comfortable working with kids. VOICE: high baritone or tenor, must sing to a high G.
MOTHER:
30s-40s. She is more in charge than she would ever let anyone know. Warm but tough. Strong willed, straight forward, no nonsense, likable, midwestern – a kind of every-mom. VOICE: contemporary mezzo with a strong mix, sings low G to high Db.
MISS SHIELDS:
Mid 20’s – 40’s. Soprano 1. She is Ralphie’s elementary school teacher. Perhaps a little boring looking at first – ah but underneath! Great with comedy. Character woman. An actress with a flexible voice who is comfortable singing both legit and contemporary Broadway. Great mover and comfortable with tap. VOICE: Fierce belter and vocal stylist.
RALPHIE:
9-12 (to play 9, going on 10) A regular kid – cute but not overly handsome, not precious. He wouldn’t be lost in a crowd, but he wouldn’t stand out either. Bright, but not precocious; the boy next door. Ralphie above all is a dreamer. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage. Must be an excellent singer and able to carry a show. VOICE: Boy’s unchanged voice. High belter, low F# to high D. Being able to tap dance is a big plus.
RANDY:
8-9. Ralphie’s younger brother. Can be a bit awkward and offbeat; admires his big brother, Ralphie, but won’t admit it. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage. VOICE: Boy’s unchanged voice. High belter, low F# to high C#. Must be able to tap.
SCUT FARCUS:
12-14. Must be 5’ or shorter. The classic bully; tough, perhaps taller than the other kids; there’s nothing about him you want to like. He’s that kid you always made sure to avoid in school. Gruff character voice. Must be able to tap.
Additional Roles for Children: Schwartz Flick, Esther Jane, Mary Beth, Nancy, Goggles Kid Can-Can Girls, Can-Can Girlfriend, Waiter’s Daughter, Kid Ensemble (All kids need to sing and dance, tap preferred)
About the Show:
Nine year old Ralphie Parker wants one thing for Christmas, and one thing only: An Official Red Ryder Range Model Carbine Action BB Gun. There’s only one problem: everyone else is convinced he’ll shoot his eye out! Undeterred, he begins his saga of convincing all the necessary players, from his sweet but protective Mother, to his straightlaced teacher, Miss Shields, all the way to Santa Claus himself, that he needs that gun for the protection of his loved ones, and maybe even a little cowboy glory to call his own. Ralphie’s vivid imagination conjures up several showstopping numbers, from “Ralphie to The Rescue” in which he defeats every foe a young boy can think of (robbers, mustache twirling villains, and of course, the school bully), to the thrilling tap routine performed by a gun moll-esque Miss Shields, who sheds her sweater set and romance novel for a glittery red gown and a whole lot of moxie. And Ralphie’s not the only one with dreams of grandeur. His old man is just as set on a goal of his own, namely, winning a prize in the $50,000 Great Figures of World Literature Contest. His dreams come true when he wins a major award from the competition in the form of a garish, fishnet stocking clad leg lamp, which horrifies his wife but brings him unadulterated joy. Filled with quirky and lovable characters, this zany, heartfelt, and nostalgic musical is as delightful as the biggest, shiniest present under the tree on Christmas morning.