There will surely be laughs aplenty over the next several weekends at The Sherman Playhouse. A production of the play, A Christmas Story, is set to open this Friday night, November 30.

Set in the Midwest in the 1940s, A Christmas Story follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on his misadventures through the holidays. The play, based on humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of the same name, is packed with hilarious dialogue. Director, Keli Solomon, says, “Just about every scene in this play has a comic moment! The adult actors, as well as the young talent in this production have amazing comic timing!”

At once endearing and uproarious, the production will highlight classic scenes from the much-beloved, low-budget-turned-classic holiday movie of the same name. From Ralphie’s fascination with, and fantasies including, the Red Ryder
BB gun–you’ll shoot your eye out!–and the family’s temperamental furnace to the leg-lamp major award and the Orphan Annie decoder pin. Solomon stressed that, “Philip Grecian’s adaptation is very close to the movie script. I was in a production 2 years ago at the Sherman Playhouse of Philip Grecian’s adaptation of It’s A Wonderful Life, that’s how I knew this would be good!”

Local talent will shine in the production, including Dean Alexander of New Fairfield as older Ralphie, who narrates the play, and Elias Osborne and Danielle Frick, of Sherman. Solomon was quoted as saying, “I am so excited about all the talent that came out to audition for this amazing classic. Lots of fans of the movie were exhilarated to be a part of this holiday gem.”

Likewise, producer Lynn Nissenbaum said in a recen
t release, “we were very pleased to have new faces from towns fart
her from our little community, like Bridgewater and Roxbury.” The rest of the cast includes V
icki and Dylan Sosbe, Colin James, George Evan Lorenz, and Bella Mullen of New Milford. Dennis Walsh of Woodbury, Judy Sullivan of Bridgewater, and Frank Mariano of Roxbury. Of working with the child actors, Solomon says, “They always surprise you! They are eager, and silly and innovative with their characters.” Solomon went on to say that it has been an interesting experience directing the play, “…it is the first time I am directing a cast that includes 7 child actors. Some have no experience in the theater, and others have extensive experience. I am a teacher, so we have had learning lessons in stage craft and etiquette.”

The crew of this production includes Al Chiappetta of Gaylordsville as Lighting Designer, Terry Ha
wley of New Preston as Costume Designer, Trish Haldin of New Milford as Production Photographer, and David White of Sherman as Sound Designer. Solomon said of the technical crew, “I am so proud of the set design, music and lighting!
I can’t wait to see the reaction of the audience on opening night when the curtain opens.”

A Christmas Story will run November 30, December 1, 7 ,8, 9, 14 ,15, 16, 21, 22, 2018. Showtimes will be 8:00 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Purchase tickets online for A Christmas Story at www.Shermanplayers.org or call the box office at 860-354-3622. Tickets are $24.00 adults, $12.00 children under 12 and students.

By Sarah Opdahl