Spring Break
Theater adapts holiday classic
Script stays true to film
KAYLA BECK
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: Variety
In 1983, Jean Shepherd's film, "A Christmas Story," introduced the American home to Ralphie Parker, a leg lamp, a pink bunny suit and, of course, "You'll shoot your eye out." Starting tonight, the motion picture classic moves to the Elbert Theatre stage.
Staying true to the original film, the play will trace 9-year-old Ralphie Parker's efforts to obtain a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas.
The plot line of the play is "very, very similar and almost verbatim from the film" said theater manager Toni King. "If you saw the movie and you liked the movie, then you will definitely like the play."
Where: The Elbert Theatre
Price: $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $25 for Saturday night dinners
More Information: www.elberttheatre.org
Elberton's Morgan Clements, who is 13 years old, plays lovable young Ralphie Parker, while David Bennett, an Elbert County Middle School art teacher, provides the quick-witted narration of adult Ralphie.
The cast actually consists of more children than adults.
Bennett's wife, Tracy, who is a second grade teacher, plays the part of Mrs. Parker.
This is not the Bennett couple's first production with the Elbert Theatre.
"Both my wife and I have been involved in the theatre since it re-opened in 2001. 'A Christmas Story' has been one of our family's favorite Christmas movies for a long time. It's one of the classics that we sit down and watch every year," Bennett said.
Elbert Theatre first opened in 1940, coincidentally the year in which "A Christmas Story" takes place. The space was originally designed and used as a movie theater. At the time, it was considered the most contemporary and up-to-date theater in Northeast Georgia, with blooming technologies such as air conditioning, staggered seating and hearing aids.
Staying true to the original film, the play will trace 9-year-old Ralphie Parker's efforts to obtain a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas.
The plot line of the play is "very, very similar and almost verbatim from the film" said theater manager Toni King. "If you saw the movie and you liked the movie, then you will definitely like the play."
"A CHRISTMAS STORY"
When: Tonight, Saturday, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.; Saturday night dinners at 7 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.Where: The Elbert Theatre
Price: $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $25 for Saturday night dinners
More Information: www.elberttheatre.org
Elberton's Morgan Clements, who is 13 years old, plays lovable young Ralphie Parker, while David Bennett, an Elbert County Middle School art teacher, provides the quick-witted narration of adult Ralphie.
The cast actually consists of more children than adults.
Bennett's wife, Tracy, who is a second grade teacher, plays the part of Mrs. Parker.
This is not the Bennett couple's first production with the Elbert Theatre.
"Both my wife and I have been involved in the theatre since it re-opened in 2001. 'A Christmas Story' has been one of our family's favorite Christmas movies for a long time. It's one of the classics that we sit down and watch every year," Bennett said.
Elbert Theatre first opened in 1940, coincidentally the year in which "A Christmas Story" takes place. The space was originally designed and used as a movie theater. At the time, it was considered the most contemporary and up-to-date theater in Northeast Georgia, with blooming technologies such as air conditioning, staggered seating and hearing aids.
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