A Christmas Story On Broadway: My Review

Based on Jean Shepherd's memoir about growing up in the 1940s and wanting a BB gun for Christmas despite everyone's warnings that "You'll shoot your eye out," A Christmas Story was made into a cult 1983 movie that's become a holiday classic.

And now, as you know, it's a Broadway musical!

With lots of singing and dancing kids.

And zany, well-meaning parents.

And more singing and dancing kids.

And I found it cute.

And familiar.

And tourist friendly.

And crowd pleasing.

And nice.

AND I HATED IT!!!!

I was pretty much in agony through most of Act One--I can't stand these blandish, rote adaptations, aimed at visiting packs of white people--but then the strangest thing happened.

With Act Two, the songs became quirkier and more integrated, there were a few decent numbers, the jokes started landing, the story (such as it is) began coalescing, and the Chinese restaurant scene had me alternately laughing and choking up.

So I liked it!

SORT OF!

This Story will provoke very extreme mixed feelings in you.

Like Christmas itself!