Rehearsals for the limited engagement of the new musical based on the Jean Shepherd stories and the beloved 1983 film of the same name will begin in October. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 6-Dec. 30 at a Broadway theatre to be announced. Opening night is Nov. 19.
Peter Billingsley will join commercial producers Gerald Goehring, Roy Miller, Michael F. Mitri, Pat Flicker Addiss, Mariano Tolentino, Louise H. Beard, Michael Filerman, Scott Hart, Timothy Laczynski, Bartner/Jenkins Entertainment, Angela Milonas and Bradford W. Smith to bring the musical to Broadway.
John Rando will direct the production, which features a book by Joseph Robinette and a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with choreography by Warren Carlyle, music direction by Ian Eisendrath, associate choreography by James Gray, orchestrations by Larry Blank and dance arrangements by Glen Kelly.
Critics responded warmly to the musical's recent tour. Singled out were the young songwriting team of Pasek and Paul, whose score includes such songs as "Red Ryder," "Ralphie to the Rescue," "A Major Award" and "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out."
The touring cast was led by Clarke Hallum and John Bolton (Spamalot, Contact, Titanic) as Ralphie and The Old Man, respectively. No Broadway casting has been announced. "This classic holiday tale centers on a mischievous, bespectacled boy, Ralphie, who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas," according to press notes. "In the weeks before the big holiday, Ralphie, his friends and his family get into all kinds of situations— including run-ins with a bully with 'yellow eyes,' a tongue stuck to a flag pole, a bar of soap in the mouth, a garish leg lamp, a major award and a Chinese Christmas dinner."
In recent seasons New York has hosted such holiday musicals as White Christmas, Elf and The Grinch.
*
An open audition for children between the ages of 8-13 will be held June 16 at Pearl Studios (500 8th Avenue, 12th floor). Registration begins at 11:30 AM with auditions from noon-5 PM.
Casting directors are seeking to fill the lead role of Ralphie and his troupe of friends and classmates, including Randy, Flick, Schwartz, Scut Farcus, Grover Dill, Mary Beth, and Esther Jane. Children should be "extraordinary actors, singers, and dancers and no more than 4’11” in height. Those auditioning should prepare a brief, rhythmic, classic Broadway song that shows off voice and personality. Bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided but may not transpose. Please bring a photo and resume. Boys voices should be unchanged."
