Production of "A Christmas Story, The Musical" Needs Singers

Jean Shepherd is the actual author of the books that the story is based on, as well as the actual narrator voice we hear in the 1983 movie! On stage, he is a warm, charismatic and engaging storyteller; omniscient but not overpowering. A good-natured curmudgeon with a deadpan sense of humor, “Jean” focuses the action, keeps the story moving and holds the audiences’ attention with his presence and spark. Suggested Audition Songs: either “A Major Award” or “Up on Santa’s Lap”.

Gruff and grumbling on the exterior, Ralphie’s Dad has a good heart. He doesn’t overtly show it, but he does love his family. A bluecollar guy, he usually expects the worst out of most situations; but is transformed into a true “song and dance” man in his moments of fantasy. The actor playing this character must be a strong singer and a good dancer who isn’t afraid to go “over the top” for comedic purposes. Suggested Audition Song: “A Major Award”; vocal range for The Old Man is B♭2 to G4.

She is the secret engine that runs the family, keeping the household together with a smile–despite bickering children, limited funds, an x-rated lamp in the living room window, a cranky furnace and a crankier husband. Vibrant, warm, affable–but not a pushover–she is always busy, especially anytime she is in the kitchen, and even more so at Christmastime! Suggested Audition Song: “What a Mother Does”; vocal range is G3 to D♭5.

Ralphie’s 5th grade teacher, a seemingly stereotypical 1940s educator–prim and proper, stern when necessary–though warm and even humorous when the situation merits it. In Ralphie’s fantasy, she transforms into a dynamic, brassy, show-stopping belter and tap-dancing phenomenon! Suggested Audition Song: “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”; vocal range is F#3 to D5. Auditionees for Miss Shields should bring tap shoes and be prepared to demonstrate a few tap skills.

The Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store is illtempered, slightly inebriated and very unhappy with his job–nothing like the “Jolly Old Elf” of the Christmas stories! He gets rid of each kid as fast as he can–probably to shorten his day so he can head for the nearest “watering hole”! Suggested Audition Song: “Up on Santa’s Lap”; vocal range is B♭2 to F4 (optional B♭4).

Will consist of 8 to 12 men, and 8 to 12 women. The artistic team would like to cast a mix of strong singers and dancers, who will play a variety of smaller roles in scenes, as well as performing in larger production numbers. Suggested Audition Songs for ensemble men can be either “A Major Award” or “Up on Santa’s Lap”. Suggested Audition Songs for ensemble women can be either “What a Mother Does” or “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”.