USU Eastern’s production of “A Christmas Story”
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Ralphie and his hope for a Red Ryder BB Gun. In celebration of the upcoming holiday, USU Eastern’s theater department and members of the community are bringing “A Christmas Story” to Price.
Carrie Huffaker, who plays the Ralphie’s mother, commented, “The play closely follows the movie and is funny! The kids are hilarious and really bring out the humor.” Sixth grader Stephen Ewan, who plays Scut Farkas, said, “’A Christmas Story’ is one family show that I would attend because it is a funny show and warm hearted.”
This archived article was written by: Ashley Stilson
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Ralphie and his hope for a Red Ryder BB Gun. In celebration of the upcoming holiday, USU Eastern’s theater department and members of the community are bringing “A Christmas Story” to Price.
Carrie Huffaker, who plays the Ralphie’s mother, commented, “The play closely follows the movie and is funny! The kids are hilarious and really bring out the humor.” Sixth grader Stephen Ewan, who plays Scut Farkas, said, “’A Christmas Story’ is one family show that I would attend because it is a funny show and warm hearted.”
For those who haven’t seen the film, the story follows nine-year-old Ralph Parker who wants only the BB gun for Christmas but is constantly reprimanded that he’ll shoot his eye out. Ralph confronts bullies at school, his usage of profanity and pink bunny pajamas.
Lana Axelsen, who plays Miss Shields, remarked, “Not only is it supporting the theater department of the school but it will be fun and entertaining for them and their family and friends.” Tyrell Clement, who plays a Desperado and a reindeer, said why people should come to the play, “to forget about the stresses of life and enjoy yourself.”
The set builders have done a creative job incorporating all the different scenes and bringing them to life of the stage. Platforms on wheels make for an easy scene change and a fun way to bring the audience into the story.
Sixth grader Lydia DeAnna Barr, who plays Helen Weathers, noted, “My favorite scene is when Ralphie says ‘Ooh FUDGE’.” Third grader Jaden Huffaker, who plays Ralphie’s little brother Randy, said his favorite line in the play is when he says “I gotta go wee-wee.”
The play is directed by alumna Kris Bushman and produced by Grady McEvoy. McEvoy also is in charge of set and lights. Timothy Swenson is the stage manager with assistant stage managers Alissa Peters and Braden Hampel. Annie Morey is the costume mistress.
Noah Bradford, a fourth grader who plays Flick, said about the play, “It is a very good movie and we are putting it on stage.” Corben Rasbold, who double casts with Boyd Bradford as Schwartz, remarked his favorite part is “when I dare Flick to stick his tongue to the pole.”
The play will be performed from Nov. 15-17, 26-27, 29-30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 in the Geary Theater. Tickets prices are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, $5 for non-USU students and faculty, and $2 for USU students with a current USU activity card.
Bushman commented about the play, “It’s going fantastic. The actors have come together in the last week and all the elements are coming together. It’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season.” Alex Pierson, who plays the Cowboy, said, “This is a classic film and is great to see as Christmas approaches. It reminds us of the excitement of Christmas when we were young.”
