The Whole Family will be Rooting for Ralphie in Pursuit of his Dream Gift
For many, the characters are as familiar as old friends at an annual reunion, and the exploits of the Parker clan are as vivid as an oft-told family legend. This holiday season, laugh along with your own near and dear as your favorite moments come to life on Avon Players’ stage: the double dog dare that goes awry, the unfortunate pajamas, and the presence of a very distinctive lamp are just some of the reasons why audiences of all ages will enjoy A Christmas Story, running Friday, November 24 through Saturday, December 9.
From left to right: Kaden Selvidge as “Ralphie,” Jack Meadows as “Randy,” a Joy Oetjens as “Mother,” and Chris Stepnitz as “The Old Man.” Photo Credit: Bryan Clifford.
Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Kaden Selvidge) wants only one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder air rifle. He pleads his case before his mother (Joy Oetjens), his “Old Man,” (Chris Stepnitz), his teacher (Kirsten Renas), and even a department store Santa only to be rebuffed with the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” While on his quest, Ralphie faces legendary neighborhood bully Scut Farkas (Nate Gorman), decodes a secret message from Little Orphan Annie, and learns the consequences of foul language. Meanwhile his father is engaged in two wars, one with the unreliable furnace and another with the neighbors’ horde of pesky dogs, and receives “a major award” that his mother cannot abide displaying prominently in the family’s front window.
Based on the semi-autobiographical novels of Jean Shepard’s childhood in the 30s and 40s, the 1983 film A Christmas Story (co-scripted and narrated by Shepard) opened to modest box office success. However, the film gained popularity after its home video release and television airings until it became a bona fide holiday staple for many families. Since 1997, a 24-hour marathon of the film has aired annually on networks owned by the Turner Broadcasting System each Christmas.
Tickets for all shows are $18. Call 248-608-9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. All seats are reserved. Show dates and times follow:
From left to right: Jack Meadows as “Randy”, Joy Oetjens as “Mother”, Kaden Selvidge as “Ralphie,” and Chris Stepnitz as “The Old Man.” Photo Credit: Bryan Clifford
- Friday, Nov. 24 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 25 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 1 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 2 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 2 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 3 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 9 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 9 8:00 p.m.
Founded in 1947, Avon Players is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit community theatre located along the winding banks of Stoney Creek in the quaint Historic District of Rochester Hills, only about two miles from the heart of downtown Rochester. Avon Players has been performing shows in its unique A-frame theater since 1965. With ticket prices set at a fraction of those at professional theatre (plus free parking and concessions on a donation basis) a family of four can experience a sensational live theatrical event for about the cost of one ticket at a “downtown” venue. And for regular theatre-goers, an affordable outing can be an even better bargain by taking advantage of Avon Players’ season ticket packages, which yield discounts of up to 21 percent per ticket. Additionally, season ticket holders enjoy priority seating selection and voting privileges in Avon’s annual “Stoney Awards.” Additional information regarding tickets and productions is available by calling the Avon Players box office at 248-608-9077 or by visiting the website: www.AvonPlayers.org
A Christmas Story
Cast and Production Staff by Community:
Rochester
Carly Bruce (“Esther Jane”)
Maia Fetter (“Helen”)
Rochester Hills
John (JD) Deierlein (Set Design/Lighting Design)
Nate Gorman (“Scut Farkus”)
Louise Holoday (Hair and Make-Up Design)
Auburn Hills
Katie Kim (Set Dress)
Clawson
Chris Stepnitz (“The Old Man”)
Inkster
Kirsten Renas (“Miss Shields”)
Macomb
Sharon Jourdan (Properties Design)
Mt. Clemens
Douglas Gettleson (“Schwartz”)
Oakland Township
Ayden Makar (“Flick”)
Ortonville
Joy Oetjens (“Mother”)
Oxford
Jack Meadows (“Randy”)
Pontiac
David Reynolds (Director)
Ray
Anne Curtis (Costume Design)
Kevin Curtis (“Ralph”)
Shelby Township
Mark Palmer (Producer/Sound Design)
Kaden Selvidge (“Ralphie Parker”)
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