Players Club of Swarthmore Warms Hearts with "A Christmas Story"

            
Theater: Players Club of Swarthmore
Show Title: A Christmas Story
Opened: November 23, 2007
Seen: November 23, 2007
Reviewer: Pam Monaco
Submitted: November 28, 2007

If you’d like to be cheered this season and laugh a lot, go see “A Christmas Story” at the Players Club of Swarthmore.  The comedy opened on November 23, 2007 and runs through December 15.  It is a sweet family show, with broad humor that appeals to adults and children alike, and it includes an appearance by Santa Clause himself!

             “A Christmas Story,” is a theater adaptation from the old classic movie of the same name.  It is the story of Ralphie, a nine year old boy who wants a BB gun for Christmas.  Told by Ralph as an adult, he tells us the story of his halcyon childhood days, when he remembers that special Christmas with fond memories of family, friends and love.  Director Jim Carroll did an excellent job of staging the show; he deserves commendation for pulling all of the pieces of this together.

             Kevin McPeak who plays the adult Ralph, does a superb job, slipping in and out of various roles, and always keeping our  attention.  His comic timing is impeccable.  The childrens’ roles are  double cast,  but all children are onstage for every performance.  Carroll has done a remarkable job with the children; they are believable and endearing in their roles.  There are lots of surprises with the staging and the set; children should be enchanted by the show.

             “A Christmas Story” is endearing, funny, heartwarming, and just exactly what  this reviewer needed to get in the Christmas spirit.  Treat yourself and go see it!

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