Nashville Rep renews holiday magic with 'A Christmas Story'
- Nashville Repertory Theatre's seventh annual production of “A Christmas Story” features a brand-new cast.
- But rest assured that your favorite moments are all intact — from the pink bunny suit to that crazy leg lamp.
- Director René D. Copeland revives the piece with fresh eyes and fine-tuned pacing.
Theater review
Change is never easy — especially at the holidays. So it’s understandable that local audiences might have been concerned when Nashville Repertory Theatre first announced that its seventh annual production of “A Christmas Story” would feature a brand-new cast.
But I’m happy to report that Jean Shepherd’s beloved tale of 9-year-old Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun is in capable hands once again this year, providing enough holiday fun to win over even the biggest Scrooge.
Rest assured that your favorite moments are all intact — from the pink bunny suit to that crazy leg lamp. And Nashville Rep’s creative team provides a welcome feeling of continuity, with Trish Clark’s delightful costumes and Gary C. Hoff’s richly detailed scenic/properties design.
But Director René D. Copeland revives the piece with fresh eyes and fine-tuned pacing. And this new cast brings with it an unmistakable sense of renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Derek Whittaker is simply splendid as Ralphie, capturing all of the breathless wonder of childhood while delivering the story’s narration with dry wit and a knowing smile. Megan Murphy Chambers also brings her singular spirit to the role of Mother, offering just the right blend of tender and tough. And Curtis Reed shines as little brother Randy, making the most of the role’s physical humor.
Likewise, Bobby Wyckoff offers a commanding presence as The Old Man, achieving much of the role’s humor with his wildly expressive face. But it’s his memorable take on Ralphie’s teacher, Miss Shields, that earns a gold star.
Antonio P. Nappo is perfectly cast as the bully Scut Farkas, but is especially fun as Ralphie’s coquettish classmate, Esther Jane. Mikey Rosenbaum and Patrick Waller are both excellent as Ralphie’s pals, Flick and Schwartz. And together with Nappo, these talented gents take on a host of campy characters, from bumbling bandits to those no-good Bumpus hounds.
Younger audience members may miss certain details connected to the story’s setting in 1940 Indiana (including humorous references to Ovaltine and Simoniz car wax). But there’s no mistaking the timeless charm of this sweet story.
And perhaps that’s the real magic behind Shepherd’s creation. No matter where we grew up or how old we grow, “A Christmas Story” feeds our collective spirit with gentle humor and potent nostalgia. What better way to welcome the holidays?
If you go
What: Nashville Repertory Theatre presents “A Christmas Story”
When: Through Dec. 20. Performances at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday
Where: TPAC’s Johnson Theater, 505 Deaderick St.
Tickets: starting at $45
Contact: nashvillerep.org or 615-782-4040