All photos by Gene Schilling Deck the halls and pass the meatloaf – Windsor Light Music Theatre unwrapped an early Christmas gift that sparkles brighter than the Old Man’s leg lamp! Their production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” transforms the Chrysler Theatre into a winter wonderland where childhood dreams and family foibles collide in a heartwarming spectacle that has audiences grinning from ear to ear. Under Matthew Dumouchel’s playful direction, this musical adaptation captures all the quirky charm of the beloved film while adding enough theatrical razzle-dazzle to fill Santa’s sleigh twice over.
The show’s beating heart lies in its perfectly-cast ensemble, led by the charismatic Clinton Anderson as Jean Shepherd, who guides us through this nostalgic wonderland with the warmth of a favorite uncle sharing stories by the fireplace. Christopher Dawson and James Fleming alternate as young Ralphie, each bringing their own brand of wide-eyed determination to the boy who dreams of finding a Red Ryder BB gun under the tree. Kara Kootstra radiates maternal wisdom as Mother, while Jason Andrew turns The Old Man’s furnace battles and “fra-gee-lay” moments into comic gold. Jimmy Morvay steals scenes as the bundle-wrapped Randy, and Kathy Roberts brings delightful severity to Miss Shields, especially in her fantasy tap number.
The production soars on the strength of its ensemble work, with standouts like Annelise Olivito (Schwartz) and Hayley Pinske (Esther Jane) leading a talented youth brigade through numbers like “When You’re a Wimp” and “Ralphie to the Rescue.” The adult ensemble, including Alex Alejandria and Rose Barton, transforms from neighbors to cowboys to leg lamp chorus members with the speed of Santa’s reindeer, while the specialized dance teams (featuring Adam Beckett, Dayna Cornwall, and Marissa Dodich) kick the show’s big numbers into high gear.
Diana Cuckovic’s choreography turns every fantasy sequence into a holiday treat, while Nicholas Morvay’s musical direction ensures the score sparkles like fresh snow. The show’s technical elements work holiday magic, from the fully-realized Parker home (complete with temperamental furnace) to the collection of scene-stealing leg lamps that would make the Old Man proud.
The production’s two knockout numbers come in the form of “A Major Award” and “Sticky Situation,” each transformed into full-scale Broadway spectacles that would make Busby Berkeley proud. The leg lamp celebration features a precision-drilled corps of dancers (Adam Beckett, Dayna Cornwall, Marissa Dodich, and company) executing intricate choreography with the infamous illuminated prize, while the flagpole sequence explodes into a show-stopping extravaganza with tap dancers Dayna Cornwall, Marissa Dodich, and Mario Muscedere leading an ensemble that turns playground peril into pure theatrical magic. Both numbers showcase Diana Cuckovic’s inventive choreography, with the full company deploying everything from kick lines to complex formation changes that fill every inch of the Chrysler Theatre stage.
Even the four-legged cast members get into the spirit, with Morty the Bullmastiff and Marcus the Heinz 57 bringing controlled chaos to the Bumpus hounds’ turkey-stealing shenanigans. The production numbers pop with energy, particularly the show-stopping “A Major Award” and the hilarious “Sticky Situation” at the flagpole.
This yuletide treat served up more fun than a triple-dog-dare and twice the heart of any department store Santa. WLMT has created a holiday celebration that reminds us why we fell in love with Ralphie’s story in the first place – and why live theater still makes the season bright.
