Play is perfect seasonal family fun

There were a few opening night tech glitches and a handful of awkward lags in the pacing, but by far, the production of “A Christmas Story” at Crestview High School that opened last night was absolutely delightful fun.

I mention them now, up front, to get them out of the way, because they were tremendously outweighed by an overall excellent performance.

It’s a hard story not to like. Thanks to countless unspoolings on TV, including annual marathon showings that have become as much a part of holiday television fare as “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” it’s a story that audiences know and love and are eager to experience live.

With timeless elements that make for heartwarming holiday storytelling, it’s an easily loveable piece of theatre that clearly the 19-member cast had as much fun performing as we in the audience had in experiencing. We already knew how it’s going to end. What we were keen to see was how the skillful young thespians under director Annette Gephardt would present each of the vignettes that together encompass “A Christmas Story.”

Despite the play’s seeming simplicity, it has inherent challenges that the Crestview performers eagerly tackled and conquered, not least of which is the fact that their audience knew well in advance how each part was “supposed” to look and sound. While we appreciate that each actor brings his or her own interpretation to a character, there is ample celluloid precedent that has been ingrained into our culture from which they dared not stray too far.

Two performances jumped out immediately. Foremost was Ryan Vance as the grown-up “Ralph,” speaking narration inspired by, and sometimes taken directly from, humorist Jean Shepherd’s short stories that comprise “A Christmas Story.”

Ryan’s ongoing dialogue permeates every scene. Just memorizing it was a tremendous undertaking worthy of applause. Had Ryan stopped there, the production would already have been a success. But he didn’t.

Infusing it with humor, passion and nuance, the actor smoothly succeeded in weaving his continuous narrative with the skill of an old-fashioned storyteller. A little extra emphasis here, a knowing wink-and-nod there, a dramatic pause as needed all helped propel and underscore the action unfolding on the colorful, wide set.

Another performance that caught our eyes was by freshman Eric Taylor, who as “Randy” didn’t have many lines at all — quite the opposite of Ryan. But being in most of the scenes as well, Eric’s presence was accentuated, without being distracting or overwhelming, by an apparent gift for physical comedy and natural timing. Eric is one of those young actors we’re going to enjoy following over the next four years.

Interestingly, though the entire story revolves around Ralphie as a nine-year-old, the character is not one of play’s strongest roles. But that didn’t stop perky Jordan Saeugling, another enthusiastic freshman, from jumping into it feet first and pouring her heart and soul into her performance. It was easy to quickly forget that this was Jordan’s first major stage experience and the obvious fact that a girl was playing a little boy.

I also must recognize the performances of Nicholas Files and Michael DeCoeur as Ralphie’s buddies Flick and Schwartz respectively. When I sat in on a rehearsal a couple weeks ago, quite honestly, the boys’ performances were, to be polite, unpolished.

But something I particularly love about Annette Gephardt is she has the determination coupled with the patience needed of a high school drama teacher. She also knows when to stand back and let her performers feel their way cautiously into their roles, but is always ready to nudge them in the right direction as needed. With Nicholas and Michael, she worked wonders. Gone were the awkward, self-conscious performances and forced dialogue that often are hallmarks of “the school play.” Flick and Schwartz jumped to life, leaving their portrayers behind.

In a school production in which the actors are no more than four years apart, yet playing characters who may have several decades over others, few play their age. Regressing to childhood is easier than leaping forward many years to adulthood. Ralph’s dad isn’t “The Old Man” for nothing, and just painting on a beard wouldn’t cut it.

Toward that end, Zach Hillard soon settled into the role, clearly inspired by, but without mimicking, Darren McGavin’s iconic film performance. His blustery strings of faux-profanity alone are worth the $5 admission. Jasmine Agee is “Mother,” clearly the glue that holds the Parker family together, toiling endlessly over red cabbage and meatloaf dinners at the fabulous 1940s vintage stove and fridge.

I noticed local antiques and appliances entrepreneurs Ron and Frances Gwaltney credited in the back of the playbill and suspect those gorgeous furnishings came from their Main Street emporium. It is impossible to underestimate the value of community involvement in our schools’ creative endeavors.

(As much as we applauded the performers, we must remember to share some of our applause for the community members and parents who also contribute to the success of our students’ artistic efforts.)

I also loved the enhanced role for Esther Jane, Ralphie’s classmate who has a crush on him, played winningly by Brittany Agee. What girl wouldn’t love a rubber spider as a Christmas gift from her would-be beau?

Sethin Simmons as bully “Scut Farkas” got to do lots of delicious menacing and roaring until Ralphie finally whups his butt. The role’s not very deep, but Sethin clearly had fun doing it and did it so well that those of us who were once smacked around on the playground squirmed with familiar discomfort.

I wish space allowed praise for all of the cast, because a theatrical is an ensemble work and all 19 performers in “A Christmas Story” have their moments in the spotlight. To them must be added the dozen carolers who set the mood with Christmas music before the curtain opens.

The Crestview High production of “A Christmas Story” is both heart-warming and tremendously enjoyable seasonal fun for the whole family, due largely to an enthusiastic, dedicated cast, a patient director, two dozen skilled backstage hands and a community that recognizes the value of the performing arts in our schools and town. A hearty “bravo” to all who made it happen!

“A Christmas Story” will be performed at the Crestview High School Pearl Tyner Auditorium again Saturday and 11 a.m. and at 7 p.m., with a cast meet-and-greet complete with music and refreshments after the 7 p.m. performance. Admission is just $5.