Southside Theatre Guild tells “A Christmas Story”

By LINDSAY BIANCHI lbianchi@thecitizennews

Secondary headline: The Holiday classic comes to the stage

Jean Shepherd’s classic tale of Christmas past, “A Christmas Story” comes to wonderful life at the Southside Theatre Guild in Fairburn December 2 - 12. The play, written by Philip Grecian, follows the path of little Ralphie Parker on his quest for a “Genuine Red Ryder Carbine Action Two Hundred Shot Lightning Loader Range Model Air Rifle.”

It’s a familar path for many of us due to the increased popularity of the 1983 film version which TNT has run nonstop for 24 hours Christmas Day these past few years. “You’ll shoot your eye out!” is now as familiar as “God bless us, everyone.” It’s a story with universal appeal for grandparents and grandchildren alike. What child hasn’t obsessed over the one gift that they want to see under the tree on Christmas morning? The suspense can be terrible. It can also make for hilarious entertainment.

Directed by Jackie Williams, this heartwarming production has all the familiar faces of the film. Ralphie, the delusional little boy around which everything revolves is played by Dillon Roseen. His little brother Randy, is played by Tyler Shellnutt. Noah Ballard and Michael Todd play Ralphie’s buddies, Flick and Schwartz. The evil Scut Farkis and his menacing laugh appear courtesy of Nicholas Anderson. Rebecca “Becca” McIver and Deashanette Grayer play schoolmates Ester Jane Alberry and Helen Weathers.

In the adult roles are Michael Vance McCauley as The Old Man, Wendy Adams as Mother, Lisa Marie Mosley as Miss Shields and as the voice of the adult Ralphie, Chris Shellnutt.

Consider this a “double dog dare” to experience a holiday classic live on stage. The show runs for two weeks, Thursday through Sunday, December 2 - 5 and 9 - 12. Curtain goes up at 8 p.m. Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.

Tickets $15 for adults, $12 for students. For more information and to make reservations visit stgplays.com or phone 770-969-0956. And don’t forget to set your Little Orphan Annie decoder ring for festively funny.