One Paragraph Review: “A Christmas Story” Brings Classic Movie to Life on Downtown Stage

Town bully Scut Farkus (Reid Patrick Tomasson, right) takes a swing at Ralphie, (Michael Harp) in A Christmas Story – The Musical. Aurora’s Paramount Theatre has turned one of the most iconic holiday movies ever into a larger-than-life musical comedy blockbuster. Photo credit: Liz Lauren

“A Christmas Story” at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora does not disappoint. That’s probably all you need to know, but I’ll go further. As a fan of the iconic holiday movie, I was excited to see it performed on the Paramount stage, but equally curious how they would pull it off. Not only did first-time Paramount director Nick Bowling pull it off (without shooting anyone’s eye out), but seeing “A Christmas Story – The Musical” at the Paramount is arguably a great introduction to the next generation of fans. In other words, it rivals the movie that much. The stage version takes the movie’s many funny and memorable moments and brings them to life, and gives them plenty of dimension. A favorite number is “Ralphie to the Rescue” in the middle of the first act. Michael Harp as Ralphie and Ericka Mac as Miss Shields are tons of fun, and the ensemble cast is outstanding (as always in Paramount shows). Michael Accardo as the dad and Dannie Smith as the mom add lots of humanity as well as laughs to the show. And it wouldn’t be “A Christmas Story” without a job well done by Philip Earl Johnson, who narrates throughout. The Paramount’s “A Christmas Story – The Musical” is a holiday treat for both die-hard fans and newbies.

“A Christmas Story – The Musical” runs through January 3, 2016. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or 630.896.6666.