Masquers names 'A Christmas Story' cast

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will present “A Christmas Story: The Musical” opening Nov. 17, with performances weekends through Dec.17. Directors Stacey and Clifford Bresee announced the cast this week.

The theater is located at 322 East Main Ave., Soap Lake.

The musical is based on the 1983 movie about Ralphie and his brother Randy, his Old Man, his Mom and the ups and downs of the life of a kid in the late-1940s Midwest. The movie didn’t do well at the time it was released, but it has since become a classic.

It’s almost Christmas and Ralphie is desperately seeking a way to get the Holy Grail of gifts, a Red Ryder BB gun. But along with the struggle to be good enough to catch Santa’s eye, Ralphie and his buddies Flick and Schwartz must navigate the treacherous waters of Warren G. Harding Elementary. And in the meantime the Old Man and Mom are engaged in the epic Battle of the Lamp.

The movie was based on the memoir of writer Jean Shepherd, who was the narrator. In the Masquers production the narrator is voiced by Evan Sperline.

Cody Stutzman plays Ralphie; Justin Rowland was cast as the Old Man. Holly Peterson will play Mom. Calvin Becker plays Randy.

Flick and Schwartz are played by Ryan Smith and Carson Raybon. Teacher Miss Shields will be played by Jessica Hogge.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There is no show the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Auditions for the company’s production of “Barefoot in the Park” are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at the theater. “Parts are available for adults ages 18 to 80,” according to the audition announcement. Audition materials will be provided.

“No experience necessary, but make sure to bring a great attitude,” the announcement read. Rowland will direct the Masquers production, which opens in February.

“Barefoot in the Park” is a Neil Simon classic and premiered on Broadway in 1963. It’s the story of newlyweds, a happy-go-lucky girl and her more reserved husband. In the half-century since its premiere, the play has been revived, adapted and become a favorite of theater companies.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.