The CM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER is holding Main Stage auditions for A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24. Kids at 6:00PM, Adults at 7:30PM. Callbacks will be by invitation only.
Please prepare a 16 – 32 bar cut of a musical theatre song either from the show or in a similar style. An accompanist will be provided. A dance audition will follow vocal auditions for those asked to stay. Please wear footwear you are comfortable dancing in.
Performance dates are below. Please bring possible rehearsal and/or performance conflicts to the auditions. The CM Performing Arts Center is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the casting and encourages actors of diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups to audition. Video submissions will be accepted if you are unable to make either audition date. Please send a video submission along with headshot and resume to
StillKevinBurns@gmail.com by September 24th.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Director/Choreographer – KEVIN BURNS
Music Director – MATTHEW W. SURICO
PERFORMANCE DATES:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 8:00 PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 2:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 2:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 8:00 PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 8:00 PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 2:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 8:00 PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:00 PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 2:00 PM
PLOT:
This musical, which received rave reviews on its Broadway run, is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. All the iconic scenes from the movie are here: Ralphie’s friend, Flick, getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole; his brother, Randy, getting dressed in his snowsuit; the bullies, Farkus and Dill; the leg lamp award; the bunny suit; Christmas dinner; and many others. The delightfully versatile score ranges from gentle ballads to show-stopping full-ensemble numbers such as “Ralphie to the Rescue!”, “A Major Award,” “Sticky Situation,” “Up on Santa’s Lap,” “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” and the inevitable “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” A Christmas Story, The Musical will bring an exciting new dimension to those who have seen the movie and will certainly stand on its own for those who haven’t.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
The Family
Ralphie: (stage age 9-10 / vocal range = F#3 to D5) A bright, winsome, mischievous 5th grade boy… Not a smart-aleck or overly precocious, Ralphie’s imagination drives several scenes. The actor playing this role carries several songs; he must be an excellent singer (high belt, unchanged voice) and confident stage presence.
The Old Man: (stage age 30’s to 40’s / vocal range = B?2 to G4) Gruff and grumbling on the exterior, Ralphie’s Dad has a good heart. He doesn’t overtly show it, but he 100% loves his family. A blue- collar guy, he usually expects the worst out of most situations; but is transformed into a true “song and dance” man in his moments of fantasy. The actor playing this character must be a strong singer and mover who isn’t afraid to go “over the top” for comedic purposes.
Mother: (stage age: 30’s to 40’s / vocal range = G3 to D?5) She is the secret engine that runs the family, keeping the household together with a smile–despite bickering children, limited funds, an x- rated lamp in the living room window, a cranky furnace and a crankier husband. Vibrant, warm, affable–but not a pushover–she is always busy, especially anytime she is in the kitchen, and even more so at Christmas- time! The actor who plays this role must be very comfortable with children.
Randy: (stage age 7-8 / vocal range = F#3 to D5) Ralphie’s younger brother, he is cute, lovable and a bit whiny. The actor playing this role must be a confident singer, a f luent reader and have strong stage presence and a sense of humor.
Featured Adults
Jean Shepherd/Narrator: (stage age: timeless) Jean Shepherd is the author of the books that the story is based on, as well as the actual narrator voice we hear in the 1983 movie. On stage, he is a warm, charismatic and engaging storyteller; omniscient but not overpowering. A goodnatured curmudgeon with a deadpan sense of humor, “Jean” focuses the action, keeps the story moving and holds the audiences’ attention with his presence and spark. Throughout the show, the actor playing this role acts as a narrator, interacts with the actor playing Ralphie, and appears in scenes as different minor characters. This actor must be very comfortable with audiences, and must be able to “read the crowd” and tell the story at the same time. Note: This actor sings one line at the end of the show, and does not dance.
Miss Shields: (stage age 30’s to 50s / vocal range = F#3 to D5) Ralphie’s 5th grade teacher, a seemingly stereotypical 1940s educator–prim and proper, stern when necessary-though warm and even humorous when the situation merits it. In Ralphie’s fantasy, she transforms into a dynamic, brassy, show-stopping lounge singer and tap dancer! The person playing this role must be an excellent belter, an experienced tap dancer and an actor who can handle comedy AND children!
Santa: (stage age: 30’s to 60’s / vocal range is B?2 to F4) The Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store is ill- tempered, slightly inebriated and very unhappy with his job-nothing like the “Jolly Old St. Nick” one would dream of meeting! He gets rid of each kid as fast as he can and judges them on their way down. The actor playing this role must be a strong comedic actor and singer, and must be comfortable with children. He may be part of the adult male ensemble.
Featured Kids
Flick: (stage age 9-10) One of Ralphie’s classmates and best buddies; Flick is the guinea pig in the flagpole licking experiment. Sings some solos, so should be a confident singer and comedic actor. *Unchanged voice.
Schwartz: (stage age 9-10) One of Ralphie’s classmates and best buddies; Schwartz becomes the scapegoat when Ralphie utters an unmentionable word. Sings some solos, so should be a confident singer. *Unchanged voice.
Scut Farkus: (stage age 12-13) A textbook example of a schoolyard bully, Scut is loud, obnoxious and intimidating. This truant is a year or two older than Ralphie and his friends, and wears a perpetual scowl under his coonskin cap. He always appears at the most inopportune time to harass his victims. *Prefer unchanged voice.
Grover Dill: (stage age 9-10) Grover is Farkus’s toady, and is always at his side. Younger and smaller than Farkus, Grover delights in being tethered to his “hero”. His rapid-fire belly laughs, always heard with Farkus’s threats, make them the scourge of the neighborhood. *Unchanged voice.
Esther Jane, Mary Beth, Nancy: (stage age 9-10) Classmates.
Kids Ensemble
An additional 4-6 students who will also be in Ralphie’s class, will be featured in several major scenes and songs. Kids should be strong singers who can hold harmonies and present their own stage personality. Some will need tap dance experience. (Boys must have unchanged voices)
Adult Ensemble
The Adult Ensemble will consist of a mix of strong singers and dancers (stage ages 20’s to 50’s), who will play a variety of smaller roles in scenes, as well as performing in larger production numbers. Dancers are needed as well as folks who can hold tight jazz vocal harmonies. Flexible team players who are comfortable working with children are eagerly sought for this production!
Videos
