Auditions for 'A Christmas Story' this weekend
SOAP LAKE — Auditions are scheduled for Friday and Saturday for the Masquers production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” Auditions are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the theater, 322 East Main St., Soap Lake.
The play is the musical adaptation of the 1983 movie that has become a holiday classic, although it wasn’t a big hit when it was released. It’s the story of Ralphie, a kid in the late 1940s Midwest who really wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. And he wants it even though all the adults assure him he’ll shoot his eye out if gets it.
But it’s a long way to Christmas, and in between there’s the great Scut Farkas affair, the Old Man and his perpetual wars with the furnace and the neighbor dogs, mouths washed out with soap and – of course – the immortal Battle of the Lamp.
The Masquers production opens Nov. 17, with rehearsals beginning Sept. 5. The first read-through will be Aug. 29. Clifford and Stacey Bresee are the directors; the Bresees directed the 2016 production of “The Little Mermaid.”
Actors and actresses must be able to sing to audition for “A Christmas Story,” according to information from Masquers. Roles are available for all ages, children from 6 years of age up to adults. And there is chorus – in fact there are two, one for kids, one for adults.
Actors and actresses should come prepared to sing one verse and chorus of their favorite Christmas song, and read a few lines with the director. One audition is allowed per person.
The company will kick off its 2017-18 season with the annual membership gala, scheduled for Aug. 26 at the theater. Social hour is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m.
The program features a preview of the upcoming season, recognition of Masquers members, the annual membership drive – and a Nefarious Deed.
Alas, there will be an Untimely Demise. There will be Suspects and Tearful Denials and Shocking Surprises, Detectival Cogitation and the Dramatic Unmasking of the Bad Guy. (Or Bad Girl.)
Admission is free. The company will be selling season tickets and memberships during the evening.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.