Bringing Live Theatre to McHenry County Since 1967

 

A heartwarming and humorous adaptation of the beloved holiday film. Set during the 1940s in the imaginary town of Hohman, Indiana, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” centers on the adventures of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker. Ralphie’s greatest Christmas wish is to receive an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Despite hearing the constant refrain of “You’ll shoot your eye out,” Ralphie devises various plans to obtain his dream BB gun. The musical reimagines classic scenes from the original film, including Ralphie’s pal Flick getting his tongue stuck to a flagpole, his brother Randy struggling into his snowsuit, confrontations with bullies Farkus and Dill, the infamous leg lamp, the bunny suit, the Parker family’s Christmas dinner, and more. The musical’s score, with standout numbers like “Ralphie to the Rescue!” and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out,” adds musical flair to these memorable moments. Whether you’re familiar with the movie or not, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on a timeless holiday tale.

November 15 – December 1, 2024


Artists

Jordan Rakittke – Director

Andrew Luzwick – Vocal Director/Orchestra Conductor

Kelsey Waughon – Choreographer/Content Creator

Mike Frale – Producer

Adam Milne – Technical Director/Stage Manager/Sound Designer

Jason Clark – Scenic Designer

TBD – Costume Designer

TBD – Master Carpenter

TBD – Scenic Artist

TBD – Lighting Designer

TBD – Props Manager/Set Dresser

TBD – Audition Accompanist

TBD – Rehearsal Accompanist


Cast

RALPHIE PARKER – 

RANDY PARKER  –

SCHWARTZ  –

FLICK – 

SCUT FARKUS  –

GROVER DILL – 

ESTHER JANE – 

MARY BETH – 

KIDS ENSEMBLE – 

JEAN SHEPHERD – 

THE OLD MAN – 

MOTHER – 

MISS SHIELDS – 

SANTA – 

ADULT ENSEMBLE – 

Audition Information

Theatre 121 will be holding open auditions for the upcoming production of A Christmas Story The Musical.

Director Jordan Rakittke, music director Andrew Luzwick, and choreographer Kelsey Waughon will be casting 6 male presenting children, 2 female presenting children, 3 male presenting adults and 2 female presenting adults in addition to a diverse kids ensemble and adults ensemble.

*NOTE: The directors of A Christmas Story and Groundhog Day, The Musical have coordinated schedules and there will be opportunity to participate in both shows if desired.*
 

SIGN UP TO AUDITION

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Dates: Monday August 19th, & Tuesday August 20th

Callbacks will be by invitation only on Wednesday, August 21st. You will be notified by email no later than 10am on Wednesday if invited to attend.   

Location: Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock at:

225 W Calhoun St, Woodstock, IL 60098

AUDITION FORMAT:

  • All auditions must be in-person, no video auditions will be accepted
  • Auditions will consist of both vocal and dance portions*
    • Vocals:
      • Kids – all children will sing a cut from “When You’re a Wimp”
        • Sheet music and practice track are here
      • Adults – prepare 32 bars of an upbeat, traditional Broadway song that is not from A Christmas Story
        • (Note that you may be cut off after one minute.)
        • Bring your sheet music for our accompanist
      • Adults auditioning for JEAN SHEPHERD:
        • If you are only auditioning for the role of JEAN, a cold reading of a monologue will take the place of a vocal audition
        • If you are auditioning for JEAN and other roles, a cold reading of a monologue will occur in addition to a vocal audition 
    • Dance:
      • All – Please dress comfortably for the dance audition and wear jazz or closed toe shoes.
      • Callbacks Only – if invited for a callback involving dance, a tap number will be taught
        • Bring tap shoes if you own them
  • Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your audition time starts.
  • Please email [email protected] if you require any accessibility or ability accommodations to audition.
  • Headshots are not required.
    • A photo will be taken before your audition for casting purposes only.
  • Optional – print and complete audition form ahead of time here

REHEARSALS: 

  • Sundays 2PM-6PM; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 6:30PM-9:30PM
  • The table read through will be Sunday, August 25th.

TECH REHEARSALS*: Sunday November 3rd , Monday November 4th, Tuesday November 5th, Thursday November 7th

DRESS REHEARSALS*: Sunday November 10th -Thursday, November 14th

SHOW DATES*: 

  • Friday, November 15: 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, November 16: 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, November 17: 2:00 pm
  • Friday, November 22: 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, November 23: 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, November 24: 2:00 pm
  • Friday, November 29: 8:00 pm (time change due to lighting of the Woodstock Square)
  • Saturday, November 30: 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 1: 4:00 pm (time change due to Woodstock Christmas Parade)

*You must be available for all tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances to be considered for casting.

If you have any questions, please contact the Producer, Mike Frale

Audition Information

Coming Soon!

For priority notice and early audition signups, become a Theatre 121 member today!)

Characters: (all roles available)

AGES LISTED ARE STAGE AGES. GENDER IDENTITIES LISTED ARE CHARACTER GENDERS. ROLES ARE OPEN TO ALL GENDERS AND ETHNICITIES.

THE  KIDS

RALPHIE PARKER (F#3-D5) Male Identifying. Stage Age 10 years old, seeking children between 9-12 years old. A cute, bright, mischievous kid with a big imagination. Ralphie dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. 

RANDY PARKER (F#3-D5) Male Identifying. Stage Age 7-8 years old, seeking children between 8 and 9 years old. Ralphie’s younger brother. Cute and lovable, but whiny.

SCHWARTZ (Unchanged voice) Male Identifying. Stage Age 10 years old, seeking children between 9-12 years old. Ralphie’s classmate who triple dog dares Flick to stick his tongue on a flagpole.

FLICK (Unchanged voice) Male Identifying. Stage Age 10 years old, seeking children between 9-12 years old. Ralphie’s classmate who is triple dog dared to stick his tongue on a flagpole.

SCUT FARKUS  Male Identifying. Stage Age 14-15 years old, seeking children between 13-16 years old. The bully of Ralphie and his classmates.

GROVER DILL (Unchanged voice) Male Identifying. Stage Age 9-12 years old, seeking children between 9-13 years old. Scut Farkus’ sidekick.

ESTHER JANE Female Identifying. Stage Age 10 years old,  seeking children between 9-12 years old. Ralphie’s classmate.

MARY BETH Female Identifying. Stage Age 10 years old, seeking children between 9-12 years old. Ralphie’s classmate.

KIDS ENSEMBLE Any Gender Identity. Four children Stage Age 10 years old, seeking children between 9-12 years old. The ensemble will be in all children’s group numbers and fill roles such as Nancy, Goggles Kid, and The Can Can Dancer.

THE ADULTS

JEAN SHEPHERD Male Identifying. Stage Age 40s-60s. The Narrator of A Christmas Story who retells the tale of the Christmas he wanted a Red Ryder BB Gun. Unnoticed by the other characters unless he assumes an onstage role such as the telegram deliverer. 

THE OLD MAN (Bb2-G4) Male Identifying. Stage Age 30’s-50’s. A blue collar man with a gruff exterior and a big heart. He loves his wife and children, even if he doesn’t always show it. 

MOTHER (G3-Db5) Female Identifying. Stage Age 30’s-40’s Mother is the heart of her family, attempting to ensure her family has the perfect Christmas all while keeping her house running. Warm and vibrant, a safe place for her kids.

MISS SHIELDS (F#3-D5) Female Identifying. 20’s-50’s. The elementary school teacher. Stern yet warm, Miss Shields becomes a belter and tapper in Ralphie’s fantasy.

SANTA (Bb2-F4) Male Identifying. 30’s-60’s. The cranky and slightly inebriated Santa at Higbees Department Store.

ADULT ENSEMBLE Any Gender Identities. Adults 18+. In addition to many scenes and numbers, the Adult Ensemble will fill roles such as Elves, Villain, The Bankrobbers, Policeman, Fireman, Doctor, Nurse, Parents, and Neighbors.