Camilo Velasquez Escamilla, Jenn Gambatese, Christopher Riley, Jim Stanek, and John Scherer Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Director Hunter Foster allows the story to play out at an unhurried pace that feels completely natural and appropriate. Even for those who have not seen the original film, the musical is certain to bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye.

What really makes the musical work so well is that it presents all the major scenes from the film and the songs actually enrich and enhance the story and provide joys of their own. Christopher Riley plays the lead character Ralphie as a child, but there is also the endearing John Scherer who plays Ralphie all grown up and narrating the show throughout. It's such a pleasure to watch Scherer watching Riley; the two of them work gloriously together.

Jim Stanek is great as Ralphie's father (referred to as "The Old Man" in the program) and he puts over his big songs, "The Genius of Cleveland Street" and "A Major Award," splendidly. The songs reference one of the central images from the film, namely the lamp that the father wins which is in the shape of a lady's shapely leg, complete with stockings. Choreographer Mara Newbery Greer provides gleeful dancing, as the whole stage is populated with several of these lamps with a kick line that brings down the house.

As Ralphie's mother, Jenn Gambatese is both moving and charming and she really sparkles in her big songs, "What a Mother Does" and "Just Like That." This second song spotlights the moment when things change (for the better) between Ralphie and his mother.

Ralphie's friends are a lot of fun, too, with Gabriel Lafazan as Schwartz and Oliver Logue as Flick (both are terrific). Along with Ralphie's younger brother Randy (the ideal Camilo Velasquez Escamilla), the kids get the song "When You're a Wimp" in the first half, when they must deal with bullies Scut Farkus and Grover Dill (nicely played by Jack Casey and Zeke Bernier). The kids also deliver a touching homage to Santa Claus in the second act with the song "Somewhere Hovering over Indiana."

And then there is Rashidra Scott as the children's teacher Miss Shields. Initially all buttoned up, she gets a big tap number, "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out," in which she wears a snazzy dress (provided by the excellent costume designer Nicole V. Moody) and pretty much stops the show. Ian Knauer just right as Santa when the children go shopping at Higbee's Department Store.

The set design by David L. Arsenault is fantastic, with and the scene changes are executed flawlessly. Christopher Wong provides atmospheric lighting design which makes one feel that Christmas is definitely in the air. The sound design by Jay Hilton is crystal clear, and Andrew Smithson is the great musical director who leads the fabulous orchestra.

Te show even features the mischievous "Bumpus Hounds," played by the dogs Gus and Jethro, who are absolutely perfect. The concluding song, "A Christmas Story," is the appropriate wrap-up for this pleasurable musical. A Christmas Story, The Musical at Goodspeed Musicals will send you out with a warm, heart-tugging feeling. It's the ideal show to see to get one in the holiday spirit.

A Christmas Story, The Musical runs through December 29, 2024, at Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-873-8668 or visit Goodspeed.org.