Calliope Auditions: A Christmas Story, the Musical

A Christmas Story: the Musical, by Joseph Robinette, is based upon the motion picture "A Christmas Story," distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.

A CHRISTMAS STORY: The Musical

Based on the perennial holiday movie favorite, and from the songwriting team behind the smash-Broadway hit, DEAR EVAN HANSEN and the film LA LA LAND, we bring you the hilarious musical, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL. This now-classic story follows bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle (“You’ll shoot your eye out kid!”). An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.

The Characters

Narrator/Jean Shepherd: (Age: to play 40’s-60’s) The actual Jean Shepherd is the author of the books that this story is based on, as well as the voice of the narrator in the 1983 film. He is a warm, charismatic, and engaging storyteller. An omniscient, good-natured curmudgeon with a deadpan sense of humor. Jean focuses the action, keeps the story moving, and holds the audience’s attention with his presence and spark. This is a non-singing role.

Ralphie: (Age: to play 9-12) He is a bright, winsome, mischievous, and cute kid. The type that you wouldn’t mind having as a neighbor. Ralphie’s imagination tends to run wild at times as he dreams of the Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun he desires for Christmas. Vocal range: F#3 to D5

The Old-Man: (Age: to play 30’s to 40’s) Ralphie’s father is a gruff and grumbly individual. However, inside he has a good heart and love for his family. More than willing to wear his frustrations on his sleeves, he is not above reveling in a little showmanship. Vocal range: B♭2 to G4

Mother: (Age: to play 30’s to 40’s) Ralphie’s mother is the force that keeps the household together. She keeps a calm exterior despite the struggles that are thrown her way constantly by her husband and two children. Vibrant, warm, and affable, but she is no pushover. Vocal range: G3 to D♭5

Randy: (Age: to play 8-9) Ralphie’s younger brother. He is cute, cuddly, and lovable, but also whiny. He revels in being the baby of the family to his advantage. He looks up to his brother despite not seeing eye to eye with him at times. Vocal range: F#3 to D5

Miss Shields: (Age: to play 30’s-50’s) Ralphie’s 5th grade teacher, a stereotypical 1940s educator. She is prim, proper, stern when necessary, though warm and even humorous when the situation merits it. Must be able to tap dance or be willing to learn. Vocal range: F#3 to D5

Santa: (Age: to play 30’s-60’s) The Santa Claus at Higbee's Department Store is ill-tempered, slightly inebriated and very unhappy with his job--nothing like the "Jolly Old Elf" of the Christmas stories. Vocal range: B♭2 to F4

Scut Farkus: (Age: to play 12-15) This truant is a year or two older than Ralphie and is a textbook example of a schoolyard bully. Scut is loud, obnoxious and intimidating.

Grover Dill: (Age: to play 10-12) Grover is Farkus's toady and is always at his side. Younger and smaller than Farkus, Grover idolizes Farkus and delights assisting him with his dastardly deeds.

Kids: The Kids' Ensemble is heavily featured throughout the show. This group contains various classmates and supporting parts. Including but not limited to: Flick, Schwartz, Mary Beth, Nancy, and Esther Jane. Ages 8 and up.

Adult Ensemble: In addition to the kids’ ensemble, the adult ensemble will play a major role in bringing this show to life. We are seeking a diverse group to fill out the various side characters, elves, and townspeople that populated 1940s small town Indiana.

Last updated on 16 October, 2024, subject to change.

©2024 Calliope Productions, Inc.