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Classic Christmas movie hits theater stage

Mouse River Players present ‘A Christmas Story’

Submitted Photo Ralph (Topher Hodgson) commiserates with his younger self, Ralphie (Harris Barry), about his dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas.

Many people have memories of the 1983 Christmas comedy “A Christmas Story.” A holiday staple in some homes, the family comedy is now hitting the entertainment scene in a new way in Minot. The Mouse River Players are bringing Philip Grecian’s adaptation of “A Christmas Story” to their theater stage.

The play will run two weekends, first Nov. 23 through Nov. 25 and then Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 at Mouse River Players Theater in the downtown area. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m.

“A Christmas Story” brings all the memorable humor and crazy scenes that made the movie popular to the stage. According to director Justin Anderson, it brings out all the iconic moments and feelings that fans will remember.

“I actually like the script better than the movie,” Anderson said. “It’s just a really fun, live performance.”

He chose it for a variety of reasons, saying that he was flipping through all the usual classic options for a Christmas play when he spotted it. He chose it because its a well known story and people will know it.

“I think people will like it and it will make for a fun kick-off to the holiday season,” Anderson explained.

In total, the play uses 24 actors. Anderson explained that the show turned out to be a bit more complicated for all involved than originally thought, but through everyone’s hard work over the last seven weeks, everything has come together nicely.

“The sets and costumes will really stand out. Everything has really come together well to make for a fantastic show,” he said.

One unique piece of the set that is a staple to the 1983 movie is the leg lamp. The play uses the iconic scene and Mouse River Players was able to get the prop through the help of Ackerman-Estvold in Minot.

The show is family friendly, though Anderson does warn that the humor and scenes are the same as the movie. Those who don’t find the movie appropriate for some ages may feel similarly about the play.

“So many people have such strong reactions to “A Christmas Story,” some are positive and some are negative,” Anderson said. “This show is so similar to the movie and is fantastic production.”

Tickets can be purchased online at mouseriverplayers.com. They cost $15 for adults and $10 for children through the age of 12 years old. Senior, student (ages 13 through college), and military tickets cost $13.

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