by Michael Van Buren

Putting together a great story is much like creating a great recipe; you need all the right ingredients in just the right balance. But even with everything measured out just so, it takes a great chef to put it all together just right.

A Christmas Story has everything it needs to be great; humor and holiday cheer, nostalgia and nuttiness, a desperate desire for something unattainable, and the realization that everything you need is right there at home with you.

The master chef who created this story was Jean Shepherd and it has charmed audiences since he began telling it on the radio many decades ago. I can remember listening to his radio broadcasts of the stories that this musical is based on as a kid driving on a cold December night to visit relatives for Christmas and being swept up into the tales. A Christmas Story the Musical has the wonderfully fanciful spice of the music added by Pasek and Paul allowing us a magical look into the mind of a nine-year-old boy, creating a perfect holiday feast.

The GCT family has gotten together and worked hard to follow Jean’s recipe for you. We’d like to invite you to pull up a chair and join us for A Christmas Story, the Musical on the Golden Chain Theatre stage in Oakhurst, CA November 22 through December 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. ickets are available online at goldenchaintheatre.org.

Merry Christmas!

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play, and also on Podbean.

Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section.