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The ghost of Christmas presents
Dec 04, 2009 (The Daily Progress - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
When Charles Dickens gave the world "A Christmas Carol" in 1843, he set the standard for such yarns extremely high.
The 1983 film "A Christmas Story" certainly didn't knock the Englishman's tale from its exalted position, but many will agree it has earned classic status. You know it has to be a darn good movie for a television station -- TNT -- to air it nonstop for 24 straight hours, which it did in 1997.
Who can ever tire of seeing a kid with his tongue stuck fast to a cold metal pole, or a first-grader winterized to the point where he topples over like a cardboard cutout in a brisk wind?
OK, north-country hilarity might escape those living in more temperate climes. But 'most everyone can identify with that aching desire for that special Christmas present that will make life worth living. Something like "an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time."
What could be better than a film about that? How about seeing Philip Grecian's authorized stage play adaptation of that very movie performed live by Four County Players?
Those who respond to that last question with a resounding "oh, yeah" can catch the opening performance of "A Christmas Story" at 8 this evening at the playhouse in Barboursville. Other performances, including Saturday matinees, will be offered through Dec. 19.
Devynn Bush and her fiance, Derby Thomas, co-direct the play, which revolves around 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, played by Bradley Shipp. When they were asked to direct a Christmas play several months ago, deciding on which to do was the easy part.
"The movie 'A Christmas Story' has been a holiday tradition in both our homes growing up, and we both connected with the humor and writing style of the play," Bush said.
"We felt our audience would feel the same way. The characters of the show are classic and extremely relatable. This play has a great Christmas message if you look closely.
"Our narrator [Ralphie as an adult], Robert Rydland, is going through a journey. In line with 'A Christmas Carol,' there's a reason he needs to re-live this particular Christmas.
"He, like a lot of us, has become jaded against the magic of Christmastime. Hopefully, our show can remind people of that magic we all used to see."
For 37 years, Four County Players has personified what community theater is all about. It has earned the distinction of being Central Virginia's longest-running community theater by providing top-notch performances at bargain prices.
A presentation of a play like "A Christmas Story" is particularly challenging because of the different sets required. Although it's easy to overlook, the people behind the scenes, be they in production, wardrobe or set design, are as vitally important as those in the spotlight.
"Our set designer and foreman, Sid Wood, had to build not only a two-story house, but also a classroom, schoolyard and a department store Santa Land," Bush said. "Sid did an amazing job, and the set looks like something straight out of a 1950s snow globe.
"The show is centered around a family, and we have a lot of families involved in this show. We have the Cox family, who are three actors in our show, and other members of their family came to help build the set.
"The Rabourdins have contributed two members of our cast -- Kristen, who plays Ralphie's mother, and Hope who plays Susan Blackwell, a classmate. Kristen's brother is our sound designer.
"My own two sisters are involved as well. Bailey plays a classmate, and Sidney is working backstage. This show really has been a family effort, and I am so thankful for that."
If there is one particular
icon associated with the movie or play, it's the leg lamp. By now most people know that it's not just a lamp, but actually "a major award."
The garish illuminator is the prize Ralphie's dad wins in a trivia contest for knowing the name of the Lone Ranger's nephew's horse. Actually, his wife knew the horse's name was Victor.
Of course, an authentic leg lamp, clad in fishnet hose with a custom gold silk shade with fringes is an essential prop. So where would you find such a gaudy piece of merchandise?
"The script actually lists a couple resources for ordering leg lamps," Bush said. "It's amazing. They have all sorts of different sizes and styles.
"From one Web site, you can actually order a leg lamp nightlight. I believe we got ours from leglamp.com."
Although the lamp surely will command attention, it's the dialogue that should make the play as enjoyable and funny as the movie. Who can forget lines like Ralphie as an adult narrating the observation, "My little brother had not eaten voluntarily in over three years"?
As Mr. Dickens so often demonstrated, a classic tale works at many levels and will trigger emotions from joy to despair. Jean Shepherd's timeless movie of youth and yearning does that, and the play likely will fill the bill as well.
"I think people who love the movie will love the play, because they will get to see almost all the classic elements from the movie," Bush said. "The old man's constant battle with the furnace, a certain experiment with a frozen lamppost, Esther Jane's crush, even Ralphie's fantasy scenarios.
"People who haven't seen the movie will love it, too, because the story is so relatable. These characters are the epitome of a classic nuclear family.
"It has been a joy working on this show. Everyone in the cast and crew is really coming together to make this show the best it can be. Everyone has been great about helping each other, which has shown great Christmas spirit."
Four County Players opens "A Christmas Story" at 8 tonight. Encore presentations will be at 8 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Saturday matinees will be at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19. Sunday performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 13.
Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students and $10 for those ages 12 and younger. Call (540) 832-5355 or visit http://www.fourcp.org for tickets and further information. The theater is at 5256 Governor Barbour St. in Barboursville.
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