Announcing Auditions for our second show of the 71st season,
A CHRISTMAS STORY – The Musical.

Book by: Joseph Robinette ⬥ Music and Lyrics by: Ben Pasek and Justin Paul ⬥
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros.,
written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark,
and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.

From the songwriting team behind the smash-hit Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the Academy Award-winning film La La Land, A Christmas Story, the Musical, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage! Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and most importantly the complicated and beautiful relationship between a boy and his father. The musical adaptation brings exciting and heartfelt new dimensions to those who have seen the movie and will certainly stand on its own for those who haven’t.  A Christmas Story, the Musical is a triple-dog-dare of a good time and it is sure to warm your heart during the holiday season!

Kids Audition Dates:

• Audition Day 1 – Sunday September 24 4:00-6:00 PM
• Audition Day 2 – Monday September 25 5:30-6:30 PM
• Audition Day 3 – Tuesday September 26 5:30-6:30 PM

Adult Audition Dates:

• Audition Day 1 – Sunday September 24 – 7:00-10:00 PM
  • Block 1 Singing & Dance Auditions – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
  • Block 2 Singing & Dance Auditions – 8:45 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Dance Auditions for both Blocks are from 8:00 pm – 8:45 pm**

• Audition Day 2 – Monday September 25 – 7:00-10:00 PM
  • Block 1 Singing & Dance Auditions – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
  • Block 2 Singing & Dance Auditions – 8:45 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Dance Auditions for both Blocks are from 8:00 pm – 8:45 pm**

• Audition Day 3 – Tuesday September 26 – 7:00-10:00 PM
  • Block 1 Singing & Dance Auditions – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
  • Block 2 Singing & Dance Auditions – 8:45 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Dance Auditions for both Blocks are from 8:00 pm – 8:45 pm**

• Kids and Adult Callbacks – Thursday, September 28 – 7:00pm
  • Please keep this date open in case we need to see you for callbacks
  • Readings for certain parts will be done at callbacks only
  • Readings are by invitation

**Please note, Dance auditions will only be held at the posted times on each day. Everyone is required to be at dance auditions.

Audition Info & Requirements please read all requirements:

• Cast Size: Looking to cast between 12-16 adults and 10-12 kids 
• You must be available for one of the posted audition dates AND for the callback date to be considered for one of the listed characters.
• Arrive on time and plan on being there for the full block of time
• Casting is for 8 and up.
• All roles are open. 
• No guests or family members will be admitted into the audition.

• Kids Auditions:
  • No need to prepare a song.  We will teach a song to the group as a whole.  Songs will then be performed one at a time for the casting team.  Note: Having some familiarity with the music from the show is a good idea
  • You will be taught a short dance combination and then we will break down into small groups.  
  • We may play some theater games or do some improv so come prepared to have fun and maybe even be a little silly!

• Adult Singing Audition:
  • Come prepared with one of the songs from A Christmas Story based on whether you are auditioning for a lead or ensemble. A pdf of the sheet music with labeled cuts will be emailed to you once you sign up to audition.
  • An accompanist will be provided. A cappella singing, backing instrumentals on CD, Tape, iPod, MP3 Player or digital recorder will not be allowed. 

• Adult Dance Audition:
  • Dance requirements – a variety of movement and dance styles, including tap.
  • You will be taught a short dance combination and then we will break down into small groups.  
  • Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for dancing and movement. No bare feet, flip-flops, or crocs.  Please bring tap shoes if you wish to participate in the tap portion of the dance audition.
  • Dance auditions will only be held at the posted times on each day. 
  • Everyone is required to be at dance auditions.

• Adult Acting Audition: 
  • Readings will be done during callbacks only.
  • Once you sign up to audition, sides for callbacks will be available for pickup at auditions.

• Scheduling Conflicts: 
  • PLEASE come to auditions knowing of any conflicts from October 1 – December 17, 2023.
  • If you will miss more than an accumulation of 10 rehearsals, that may impact casting. 
  • If you are not available any time from November 19 – December 17, 2023 (except Wed Nov 22 through Sat Nov 25 when we will be off for Thanksgiving) we will not be able to cast you in this show. We will be required to attend tech rehearsal the afternoon of November 26, 2023.

• Audition Location: Lyric Music Theater, 176 Sawyer Street, South Portland, ME 04106. 

Any questions contact Don Smith, by text: 207-712-0070 or email: donaldsmith5158@gmail.com

Rehearsal Schedule:  

• Sunday October 1 – 6:30 pm – Read through – all
• Monday October 2 – 6:30 pm – 1st Rehearsal/Music Rehearsal- All required.
• October 3 – November 21, 2023
  • Sundays 4 pm – 7 pm
  • Mondays through Thursdays 6:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Not all cast members are called for every rehearsal and some rehearsals may be shorter.
  • Full company required for run-throughs and dress rehearsals.

Performance Schedule:

• November 30 – Senior Night Dress/Preview curtain at 7:30pm
• December 1 – December 17: Fridays & Saturdays curtain at 7:30 pm; Sundays curtain at 2:00 pm

CURTAINS Directing Team

Co-Directors: Don Smith and Kate Whalen
Music Director: Michael Varno
Choreographer: Kate Whalen

Lyric Music Theater is committed to diversity in our productions, both on stage and off. We encourage people of every race, sexual orientation, faith, gender identity, physicality and ability to audition or contact us about other opportunities. A culture of inclusion is essential to our mission at Lyric. As creators of art that relies on human empathy, we aspire to create a community built on respect, belonging, collaboration, and creativity. Lyric is invested in exploring multiple perspectives and embracing the value of all people. We seek to cultivate an environment in which our differences are explored with generosity and openness.

Follow link to signup for A Christmas Story auditions

Character Descriptions

The Narrator  Jean Shepherd/Narrator: (stage age: late 40’s to early 60’s). 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. Throughout the show, the actor playing this role acts as a narrator, interacts with the actor playing Ralphie, and appears in scenes as different minor characters–sometimes within one scene! This actor must be very comfortable with audiences and must be able to “read the crowd” and tell the story at the same time. This actor sings one line at the end of the show and does not dance. 

The Family  

Ralphie: (stage age 9-10 / vocal range = F#3 to D5 Tenor/Alto). A bright, mischievous 5th grade boy who is bright, winsome, mischievous, and kid…someone you wouldn’t mind having as a next-door neighbor. (He might shovel your driveway for you–and then use your shovel as a sled!) Not a smart-aleck or overly precocious, Ralphie’s imagination drives several scenes. The actor playing this role carries several songs; he must be an excellent singer and fluent reader with mega-watt stage presence. Ralphie’s dance is minimal. 

The Old Man: (stage age 30’s to 40’s / vocal range = B♭2 to G4 Bass/Baritone). 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 blue-collar 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. The heart of the show lies within the relationship between The Old Man and Ralphie.  

Mother: (stage age: 30’s to 40’s / vocal range = G3 to D♭5 Alto/Soprano 2). 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. She would never let The Old Man know that she is more in charge than he is–as is appropriate for a housewife of this era! Vibrant, warm, affable–but not a pushover–she is always busy, especially anytime she is in the kitchen, and even more so at Christmastime! The actor who plays this role must be an excellent singer and very comfortable with children. 

Randy: (stage age 7-8 / vocal range = F#3 to D5 Tenor/Alto) Ralphie’s younger brother, he is cute, cuddly, lovable and whiny– like most baby brothers! He looks up to his big brother, tries to keep up with him, and is young enough that he can be convinced to eat his dinner like a baby piggy! The actor playing this role must be an excellent singer, a good dancer, a fluent reader and have a strong stage presence. This actor may also be a featured tap dance performer. 

Featured Adults  

Miss Shields: (stage age 30’s to 50s / Vocal range is F#3 to D5. Tenor/Alto) 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! The person playing this role must be an excellent singer with a strong belt voice, an experienced tap dancer and an actor who can handle comedy AND children! Auditionees for Miss Shields should bring tap shoes and be prepared to demonstrate a few tap skills.  

Santa: (stage age: 30’s to 60’s / Vocal range is B♭2 to F4 optional B♭4 Baritone/Tenor ) The Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store is ill-tempered, 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”! The actor playing this role must be a strong comedic actor and singer, and must be comfortable with children. He may be part of the adult male ensemble. 

The Kids 

The Kids’ Ensemble is featured in several major scenes and should plan on a robust rehearsal schedule! All of the Kids’ Ensemble should be strong singers who can hold harmonies, should be fluent readers, and tap dance experience a plus. The artistic team plans on casting 3-4 girls and 4-5 boys all (stage age) nine years old, and one (stage age) twelve year old. 

Flick: (stage age 9/10) A classmate and best buddy of Ralphie’s; Flick is the guinea pig in the flagpole licking experiment. The actor playing this role should be able to sustain and communicate with a serious lisp!   

Schwartz: (stage age 9/10) A classmate and best buddy of Ralphie; Schwartz becomes the scapegoat when Ralphie utters an unmentionable word. 

Esther Jane, Mary Beth, Nancy: (stage age 9/10) A classmate. 

1-3 Ensemble girls (stage age 9/10): classmate, tap-dancer, Higbee’s visitor. 

1-3 Ensemble boys (stage age 9/10): classmate, tap-dancer, Goggle boy/Santa, Higbee’s visitor. 

Scut Farkus: (stage age 12/13) A textbook example of a schoolyard bully, Scut is loud, obnoxious and intimidating. This truant is a year or two older than Ralphie and his friends, and wears a perpetual scowl under his coonskin cap. He always appears at the most inopportune time to harass his victims. In the end, when he and his sidekick, Grover Dill, are bested, they show themselves to the biggest cowards of all. 

Grover Dill: (stage age 9/10) Grover is Farkus’s toady and is always at his side. Younger and smaller than Farkus, Grover delights in being tethered to his “hero”. His rapid-fire belly laughs, always heard with Farkus’s threats, make them the scourge of the neighborhood. The actor playing this role may play other roles in the Kids Ensemble. 

Adult Ensemble 

The Adult Ensemble will consist of 6 to 8 men, and 6 to 8 women (stage ages 20’s to 60’s). 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. Six to eight of the ensemble members will also play Santa’s Elves in Higbee’s Department Store. Flexible team players who are comfortable with comedy, improv and children are eagerly sought for this production!