On Stage Presents ‘A Christmas Story’

Share the fun and nostalgia — nine shows starting Dec. 6

Zachary Lumpkin demonstrates the famous icy tongue scene  in ‘A Christmas Story.’  Photo credit: Maddison Travelo

MONROE, Ga. – On Stage Playhouse, Monroe’s community theater, will present the hilarious and heartwarming holiday classic, “A Christmas Story,” based on the Jean Shepherd memoir of growing up in the Midwest, featuring Ralphie and his quest for a very special BB gun.

The G-rated show will be presented at 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on Dec. 15 and 22; and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Tickets are $20, except for $10 on Dec. 17. On Stage members’ tickets go on sale Nov. 15. General tickets go on sale Nov. 22. Tickets can be purchased online at www.onstagewalton.org with credit cards or at Carmichael’s Drugs with cash or check.

“This is one of the funniest and most touching plays I’ve ever directed,” said Marc Hammes, On Stage Artistic Director and Director of this production. “Our cast is a wonderful mix of young people and adults who have come together as a fantastic troupe!”

The play follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. All the elements from the classic motion picture are here, including the constant warning, “You’ll shoot your eye out!,” school bully Scut Farkas, Flick’s tongue stuck on an icy lamp post, and Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg with fishnet stockings.

“We’ve added a few original twists to the play, so you’ll be surprised no matter how many times you’ve seen the movie,” Hammes said.

Eli Waldron, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Carver Middle School, plays Ralphie. “Not only do I get to portray Ralphie but also different versions of him in the dream sequences,” Eli said. “The play is funny and it’s based on one of my favorite Christmas movies. I’ve made new friends and am really enjoying my first time being in a play. I look forward to working with On Stage in the future.”

Eli said he actually has his own Red Ryder BB gun – “Just not as fancy as the one in the play.”

Bekah Wesley, the middle and high-school theater teacher at George Walton Academy, portrays Ralphie’s mother. This is the eighth production she’s been involved in at On Stage.

“I love the role of Mother!” Bekah said. “She is a stay-at-home mom who will let nothing come between her and her family. She is smart and funny. She only lets the Old Man think he’s in charge. This play is such a fun story. It’s the life of a typical kid in America, complete with all fantasies from his imagination. It doesn’t take much for Ralphie to start imagining. The fantasies are some of the most fun parts in the show.”

On Stage veteran Russell Pope, an attorney, portrays The Old Man. “I’ve enjoyed this show for years. It’s one of my favorite Christmas performances. I wanted to portray The Old Man as I can identify with him in a number of ways. Especially the frustration and colorful language which follows when something unexpected happens. It often reflects reality. The best bonus of being cast, though, is working with my youngest daughter, Elizabeth, for another Christmas show.”

Elizabeth plays Miss Shields, Ralphie’s teacher. The Popes have a family affair with On Stage. This role is Russell’s tenth. He has done at least seven with Elizabeth, who has performed in four others as well as doing costumes in several shows. She and Russell Pope Jr. have worked in at least two, and Russell Jr. has worked in one with his dad.

Allison Schneider, a software implementation project manager in the financial services industry, is in her first play since high school. She plays six roles in “A Christmas Story” – Cowboy, Delivery Person, Elf and others.

“I’m thrilled to be playing the different roles. I get to interact with so many in the cast without all the pressure. Everyone at On Stage has been so helpful and open to a newbie! I’m very grateful for the opportunity! What I like about the play is the nostalgia – looking back at the excitement of Christmas as a child and experiencing it again is fun.

“But as a Mom, I’d definitely think they’d shoot an eye out!” Allison said.

The On Stage 2024-2025 got off to a spectacular start in October when it presented with Downtown Monroe its first outdoor play on the stage in the beautiful new Monroe Town Green – “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” – featuring the On Stage young actors.

“Our first time working with Downtown Monroe to bring a production to the new Monroe Town Green was amazing!” Hammes said. “We had crowds of over 400 people each night and it was such a family fun event.  The cast and crew had as much fun as the audience and I can’t wait to bring another production to the Town Green!”

“A Christmas Story,” by Philip Grecian, is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Co.

ABOUT ON STAGE: On Stage seeks to promote community theater with its honored traditions. Our goal is to introduce, entertain, inspire and engage audiences with live performances. We strive to educate this and future generations in the arts and crafts of theater through workshops and performances.