A Christmas Story: The Musical (Original 2012 Broadway Cast)

Editors’ Notes The much-loved 1983 film A Christmas Story is adapted into stage musical form and captured on this soundtrack album, featuring cast members along with guest Broadway stars Tom Wopat and Liz Callaway. Composed by the Richard Rodgers Award-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, these 18 songs recreate the innocence of 1940s-era America as they tell the story of young Ralphie Parker’s holiday dreams. The sparkling lyrics and buoyant melodies harken back to Broadway’s heyday with a touch of ‘60s teen pop evident as well. Clarke Hallum as Ralphie displays a precocious singing talent as he delivers “Counting Down to Christmas” and “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” with gusto. Callaway take the spotlight for the wry “What a Mother Does,” while John Bolton shines with comedic panache on “A Major Award.” Tom Wopat holds the show together with style as narrator Jean Shepherd. Other highlights here include “At Higby’s” (a genial vocal-group number), “A Kid at Christmas” (full of jazzy swing) and “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” (a big, bright ballad). Filled with nostalgia and spiced with wit.