Christmas is just around the corner and Southeastern Illinois College theatre will kick off the season by presenting "A Christmas Story, the Musical" Dec. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. in the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center. This musical comedy is directed by SIC’s director of theatre and co-division chair of humanities, Allan Kimball.
This production is the musical version of the film A Christmas Story, placed in the 1940’s in Indiana. This story focuses on Ralphie, played by Jonah McGuire of Harrisburg, who wants a toy gun for Christmas.
“I was so surprised that I got cast as the role of ‘Ralphie’,” said McGuire. “I love playing Ralphie. It’s a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work.”
Other main characters include Caleb Abbott of Benton as the Narrator, Reagan Gray of Eldorado as the Mother, Jayden Roper of Harrisburg as the Old Man, and Devyn Valdez of Carrier Mills as Randy.
“It is a Christmas Tradition that the family gathers around the television and watches all the Christmas specials, and one that seems to run non-stop during the holiday season is A Christmas Story,” said Kimball. “I invite everyone to start their holiday season off this year by coming out to see A Christmas Story the Musical. It has all the timeless characters and events that have made the movie a holiday classic. This musical is truly an event for the entire family.”
The show’s stage manager is Aaron McRoy and the scenic design is by Jayden Roper. Music Director and Orchestra Director for the show is Cory Garmane and choreography is by Cassandra Watkins. Lighting design is by Kyle Upchurch, and costumes will be designed by Janet Hart and Gareth York. John Hart of Hart’s Music in Harrisburg will once again provide the sound equipment.
Along with the musical, SIC is hosting events that fit the theme of A Christmas Story.
A Holiday Dinner catered by BBQ Barn in Harrisburg will take place Friday, Dec. 4 at 5:45 p.m. in the VPAC lobby. Dinner will include chicken and pork, holiday green beans, mashed potatoes, salad, dinner roll and dessert. The cost is $25 per person or $130 for a table of six, and includes tickets to see A Christmas Story the Musical immediately following dinner that evening. There will also be special silent auction items from the movie up for bid during the dinner. Seating is limited and must be reserved by Monday, Nov. 30.
SIC will also host a Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9-11 a.m. in the Harry L. Crisp Student Center Cafeteria. The cost is $5 per person and will include a pancake breakfast and a picture with Santa. Upon registration for this event, tickets to A Christmas Story the Musical can be purchased at a discounted rate of $5 for any showing. Registration is due by Monday, Nov. 30.
The Friday and Saturday performances of A Christmas Story the Musical will begin at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s performance will begin at 2 p.m. All performances will be in the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center. Seating is reserved. General admission is $10. Cost for students, staff, and seniors is $8. Reservations for the Holiday Dinner, Breakfast with Santa and tickets to performances may be purchased by calling 618-252-5400, ext. 2486 or 2487, or 618-841-4649.
