Family Fun with Citadel Theatre at A Christmas Story: The Musical

Citadel Theatre is presenting A Christmas Story: The Musical  as the second installment of its 14th Season. Directed by Robert D Estrin  this musical is based on the story by  Jean Shepherd with book byJoseph Robinette, and words and music by  Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The show runs  November 18 – December 18, 2016  at Citadel’s West Campus Theatre at 300 S Waukegan Road, Lake Forest.  The Press Opening is Opening Night, Friday November 18, at 8pm .

A Christmas Story, The Musical is a brilliant rebundling of Ralphie Parker’s hilariously desperate quest for a Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200 shot range model air rifle into a musical sure to become every bit the holiday favorite as the movie that preceded it. All of your favorite highlights are here – the Old Man’s leg lamp, the tongue-on-a-flagpole, the bunny suit, and all of Ralphie’s extravagant daydreams! Bring the whole family to see this holiday classic in a new way with this Tony-nominated Best Musical.

“Our Managing Director, Kevin Sherman, came to me and told me we absolutely had to do this musical at Citadel,” says Artistic Director Scott Phelps. “I was a bit nervous about it at first because it is a big loud show and I was initially unsure about our ability to get such an extravagant musical together on our small stage. But, with a recent grant from The Saints, this show became a real possibility for us when we were able to acquire new sound equipment and a new state-of-the-art audio control board. I’ve now thrown myself headlong into it, as I’ve been cast by Director Robert D Estrin to play the Jean Shepherd character. Thanks to the success we’ve had with fundraising, and crucial donations like this audio equipment from The Saints, we don’t have to shy away from crowd-pleasing showstoppers like this. The opportunity to work with Bob, who has hit so many home runs for us here at Citadel Theatre, I can just say I think this production will be great gift for North Shore families.”

The cast includes: Scott Phelps (Narrator), Chase Peacock (The Old Man),Traci A Cidlik (Mother), Kayla Boye (Miss Shields), Jeff Geddes (Santa),Ryan Carlson and Donovan Martin (Ralphie), Carter Graf (Randy), Asher Ramaly (Schwartz), Jonah Harder (Farkus), Brooke MacDougal and Connor Boyle (Flick), Kevin Amdhal Taylor (Dill), Evelyn Alumbreros (Esther Jane),Sophie Hamill and Leah Johnson (Mary Beth), Ashley MacDougal andOlivia McDevitt (Susie), Julia Novy and Bailey Kapel (Nancy), Cate Gordon(Doris) with Nate Strain, Noah Spiegel-Blum, John Benischek, Alison Stake, Anne Azra, Lindsey Jouett, Felix Mayes and Jennifer Ledesma as the ensemble.

The creative team includes: Bob Estrin (Director), Gina Masland (Music Director/Musician), Jennifer Cupani (Choreographer), Samantha Tink (Stage Manager), Jose Soto (Scenic Designer), Kyle Techintin (Lighting Designer),Janice Gemp (Costume Designer), Bob Boxer (Sound Designer), Jason Clark (Master Carpenter), Cathy Jacobson (Props/Crew), Mike Walsh(Percussionist) and Eric Latto (Bass/Guitar).

A Christmas Story will run November 18 through December 18, 2016 with performances Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Additional matinees have been scheduled for WednesdaysDecember 7 & 14 at 11am and Saturdays  December 10 & 17 at 1pm.

Citadel Theatre (300 S Waukegan Rd) is a 144-seat venue with a thrust stage and comfortable stadium seating. Tickets are available online at www.CitadelTheatre.org  or over the phone by calling the Citadel Theatre box office at 847.735.8554. Tickets are $35 Thursdays and Fridays and matinees, $38 Saturdays and Sundays. Discounts are available for seniors, students, theatre industry professionals and groups.
 
LISTING INFORMATION
 
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Book by Joseph Robinette with Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Adapted from the story by Jean Shepherd
Directed by Robert D. Estrin
Music Direction by Gina Masland
Choreography by Jennifer Cupani
November 16, 2016 - December 18, 2016.
Previews Weds., Nov. 16 and Thurs., Nov. 17
Press Opening: Friday, November 18, 2016
Regular run performances Thursdays at 7:30pm (no performance Thanksgiving Day, Nov, 24),  Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm (with Saturday Matinees at  1pmDecember 10 & 17), Sundays at 3pm, Wednesday Matinees December 7 & 14at 11am
Citadel Theatre at 300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
Ticket Prices: Weekdays & Matinees $35, Weekends $38, Previews $20.Discounts available for Seniors, Students, and for Groups of 10 or more.
Box Office Phone 847-735-8554 
www.citadeltheatre.org

Citadel Theatre is one of Chicagoland’s premier live theatres, producing hundreds of performances annually and inspiring audiences for over 14 years. Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps in 2002, Citadel Theatre is comprised of its Main Stage performances, its On Tour programs, and its conservatory-style Education program. A proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ArtsLink, Citadel Theatre offers a unique intimate theatre experience that transports you to another setting and leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more. A recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Citadel can accept tax-deductible donations. For more information, ticketing, and to make a donation, please visit Citadel online at www.CitadelTheatre.orgor call 847.735.8554.    ​