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The story of a youthful and persistent badger who only wants a BB gun for Christmas comes to life onstage when Iberia Performing Arts League presents “A Christmas Story” this month.
The 1983 movie, directed by Bob Clark, is based on the comedic works of Jean Shepherd describing experiences growing up in the Midwest. In 2000, Philip Grecian wrote a stage play adaptation of “A Christmas Story.”
“It’s a classic,” Vincent Barras, IPAL director, says. “We just thought it would be a really wonderful Christmas play. It’s an excellent opportunity for young kids to act as well as some adults.”
The plot takes the audience alongside 9-year-old Ralphie Parker of Indiana, whose only Christmas wish is an official Red Ryder Range Model Carbine Action BB Gun. As he pleads and schemes to convince his parents of his “need” for this impressive model with the compass in the stock and a sundial, he is bombarded by adults who warn, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
Barras says the cast is bringing the stage adaptation to life.
“It’s a beautiful script where overacting is called for and believe me, they’re doing it,” Barras says.
Carmen Nicholson, assistant director, says the main challenge for the production is coordinating a smooth transition between set pieces during each scene.
“It’s difficult is because it’s made from a movie, so the scenes are very short,” Nicholson said.
Despite the fast pace, Barras says fans can expect most of the beloved movie scenes with a few exceptions.
“For example, we can’t have actual dogs on stage running around eating the turkey, so there’s a scene that implies that when the lights go off and you hear barking,” Barras says. “When the lights come back on, the turkey has been devoured.”
Nicholas LeBlanc, an 11-year-old who plays Ralphie, says the show is very funny.
“The funniest part is probably when I dress as a bunny rabbit,” Nicholas says. “I really like how we get to spend time with a lot of people in the cast, and we’re having fun.”
Bernard Terradot, playing Mr. Parker the Old Man, agrees that although the production does not have the budget of a major motion picture, the show has the same hilarious plot.
“I see more similarities than I do differences,” Terradot says.
Terradot got involved with the show when his two daughters, who are also in the show, wanted to audition.
“It’s been 20 years since I’ve been on stage –since high school,” Terradot says. “I just wanted to get involved with the kids more than anything. I like working with them and catching the acting bug again.”
Jenny Gonsoulin, playing Mrs. Parker, says she also got involved to spend some bonding time with her children.
“My children were the right age, and I got roped into it when they went to audition,” Gonsoulin says. “The kids and I do theater as a family.”
Gonsoulin says even for people who do not love the movie, the story brings back memories.
“It’s a clever script,” Gonsoulin says. “I know this is an iconic Christmas story that gets people into the season and brings them back to their childhood, which is what Christmas is all about.”
IPAL presents “A Christmas Story” from Dec. 6-16 at the Esannee Theater, 126 Iberia St., New Iberia. Admission costs $20. For more information, call (337) 364-6114 or email ipal@cox.net.
Ralphie is presented on stage in New Iberia during his persistent quest for a BB gun.
