Students at Centralia High School are ready to put on a show as the Showcase on Stage opens this year’s winter play, A Christmas Story, Thursday night. Director Jami Jacobs says this show is a unique and challenging one that requires a large crew and a talented cast to put together.
“This is a great group of students,” Jacobs said. “We have a record number of crew for this show, which we needed, because the further we dug into this show, the more we realized the logistics of it are just absolutely mind-boggling. We’ve all seen the classic Christmas movie, but staging that for a play… it has so many different vignettes, flashbacks, and props… it’s one of the most complicated shows we’ve ever done.”
The lead roles of Ralph and Ralphie are played by Will Yahne and Noah Williams, portraying two different versions of the main character. Yahne explains the dynamic:
“My role is Ralph,” Yahne said. “I am the adult version of Noah, who plays Ralphie, and I am the narrator who is omniscient in this play, who talks about what’s happening and the context of it all.”
Williams says he’s enjoyed both playing his character and working with everyone else to make the show happen.
“I really enjoyed certain comedic parts of it, which you’ll have to see for yourself,” Williams said. “It’s a really fun play, and I love talking with people who are also in it. It’s a very collaborative play, and a lot of people have put a lot of time into it, including me. We’re all very passionate about it.”
The actors noted the set design was a standout feature and said the show would be visually exciting.
A Christmas Story will be performed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, at 7:00 PM, and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Doors open thirty minutes before showtime. Audience members should use the north (back parking lot) entrance. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at centraliamusic.ludus.com.
Preview photos by Pat Hodges:
