NOSTALGIA LOADED —
AND EYE SAFETY ENSURED

The 1983 film A Christmas Story may not have been universally crowned a “classic” when it premiered, its near-universal popularity and nostalgic look back at Christmas in 1940 have long since earned it that status. San Diego Musical Theatre brings back the musical version in which we meet the iconic mid-century family: the hardworking, somewhat-grumpy Father; the sweet and steady Mom; whiny little brother Randy; and our hero, nine-year-old Ralphie, whose holiday mission centers almost entirely on acquiring that coveted Red Ryder BB gun.

The musical cleverly frames Ralphie’s memories through the onstage presence of his older self (Steve Gunderson, reprising his 2019 role), perched stage left for the entire show. Gunderson supplies the internal monologue behind Ralphie’s exaggerated expressions. It’s a charming dynamic that lets us see young Ralphie’s world from both inside and out.

Because so many people hold the film in affectionate reverence, any major reinterpretation would risk a rash of “That’s not how I remember it!” reactions. Wisely, book writer Joseph Robinette keeps the storytelling surprisingly close to the movie, even while allowing room for songs and dances. In turn, director Kristen Chandler resists pushing the humor too broadly. The Parkers remain believable — quirky, yes, but recognizably human — which is key to why the story continues to resonate.

As for Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s songs, they occasionally fall into the trap of “Hmm…it’s a musical, so we probably need a song here so we better make something up” — “The Genius of Cleveland Street” comes to mind. That said, they mostly succeed — with clever lyrics, strong character moments, and some lovely dance numbers, particularly “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out,” which starts with a Guys and Dolls vibe before bursting into a grand tap routine. Jill Gorrie’s choreography delights in this second-act number, particularly when Shirley Johnston as schoolteacher Miss Shields excels during her star turn in the fantasy montage. The pinnacle of Act I is “Ralphie to the Rescue,” the lad’s daydream brought to life.

Andrew Gorman strikes the right balance of sweetness and mischief, and he carries that blend confidently through his vocals — he comes across a bit older than the Peter Billingsley we remember from the film, yet that actually heightens Ralphie’s believability. Meghan O’Brien Lowery bounces from overbearing to heart-tugging at the drop of a hat, particularly in “Just Like That,” where she builds empathy for Mother. Understudy Cameron Blankenship (in for Adam Cooley) does a top-notch job of being the low-status Father, striving for almost anything to hang his hat on.

A standout surprise is Shayan Naderi, whose portrayal blends Randy’s youthful exuberance with an unusually strong ability to harmonize onstage — a skill well beyond most child actors. More than once, his vocal blend stands out.

One frustration in previous years with SDMT shows was that I often missed half the lyrics because the live band overwhelmed the vocals (such as during Ralphie’s big opening number “It All Comes Down to Christmas” in the 2019 version). Happily, the use of recorded music at SDMT’s current stage — under music supervisor Valerie McElroy and sound designer Jordan Gray — turns out to be a blessing; the balance is perfect, and not a word is missed.

The cast is large and includes many minors as Ralphie’s classmates, but they are well-cast, and SDMT gets the most out of these young performers — even showcasing a rather stunning tap solo by one of the girls. At times, the production edges toward a high-end youth show, yet it’s executed so well that it only enhances the holiday charm. It’s a highly family-friendly program, with the possible exception being the father’s “foul mouth,” humorously swapped for “frigger-fracking, son-of-a-beeswax”-style substitutes we adults recognize all too well.

If the film already stirs your Christmas spirit, this musical interpretation makes for a warmly nostalgic outing. It’s good holiday fun… and far safer than a Red Ryder BB gun.

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

photos by Gary Payne

A Christmas Story
San Diego Musical Theatre
SDMT STAGE, 4650 Mercury Street, San Diego
Wed-Sat at 7; Sat and Sun at 2; Mon at 7 (Dec 8); Wed at 2 (Dec 10, 17, 24); dark Dec. 25
ends on Dec 28, 2025
for tickets, call 858.560.5740 or visit SDMT

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦