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Syracuse Stage Revives Holiday Classic with December-Long Run of "A Christmas Story"

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 15:05 GMT by syracuse.com

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Syracuse Stage Brings a Holiday Tradition to Life: “A Christmas Story” Runs All December

Syracuse Stage has once again tapped into the magic of the season with a December‑long run of the beloved holiday classic A Christmas Story. The production, which opened on November 29 and will play through the last day of the month, has already become a local favorite, drawing families, school groups and theatre‑enthusiasts alike to the historic Syracuse Civic Center. The show, directed by the award‑winning playwright‑director Kevin G. O’Connor, is a faithful adaptation of the 1983 film that has become an integral part of American Christmas lore.

A Familiar Tale, Freshly Staged

The narrative follows young Ralphie Parker, a twelve‑year‑old boy who dreams of the ultimate Christmas gift: a Red Ryder BB gun. His attempts to win the favor of his parents and teachers, while navigating a maze of holiday mishaps, have been a staple of holiday viewing for generations. Syracuse Stage’s version retains the film’s humor and heart, while also giving the material a distinctly theatrical flavor. The set, crafted by scenic designer Emily Hartman, uses minimalist yet evocative pieces—an iconic red car, a snow‑covered yard, and a modest living‑room—all of which transform the stage into the 1940s Parker household in just a few quick changes.

Musically, the production remains true to the original score. Composer and orchestrator Daniel Reyes has arranged a fresh, lush orchestration of the familiar themes, while an original score is interwoven to underscore the emotional beats that are often subtle in film. The result is a soundscape that both feels nostalgic and fresh to modern audiences.

Casting a Classic Family

The core of the show’s success lies in its stellar cast. Michael “Mikey” Johnson takes the lead as Ralphie Parker, bringing the boy’s mischievous energy and earnest vulnerability to the stage with a comedic precision that has earned him rave reviews from both critics and audiences. Johnson’s portrayal is marked by a warm, approachable charisma that resonates with younger viewers.

Rebecca Li anchors the mother’s role, delivering a nuanced performance that balances over‑protectiveness and love. Her scene where she tries to hide the gifts from Ralphie is a standout moment, turning a simple family dynamic into a laugh‑out‑loud display of character. Tomás Delgado, as the father, plays the archetypal “work‑hard, love‑deep” dad, injecting the show with a strong sense of tradition and a memorable punchline during the “Christmas tree lighting” scene.

Supporting roles—most notably the “Santa” character, the “Earl” neighbor, and the “Mrs. O’Connor”—are played by a cast of seasoned Syracuse Stage veterans. Their performances are a testament to the company’s strong ensemble culture, with each actor adding layers of authenticity to the holiday narrative.

Creative Team Highlights

Director Kevin G. O’Connor, who has been with Syracuse Stage for over a decade, brings a sharp comedic eye and a respect for period detail. O’Connor’s direction maintains the film’s pacing while expanding the narrative to include deeper themes of family and community that resonate with a contemporary audience. He worked closely with the set and costume designers to ensure that every detail, from Ralphie’s iconic red sneakers to the holiday décor, was both period accurate and visually engaging.

Costume designer Natalie Chen creates a wardrobe that speaks to the 1940s setting. The colors are vibrant yet muted to reflect the era’s palette, and each character’s costume carries a symbolic weight—Ralphie’s red hat, Mrs. Parker’s frilly dress, and the Father’s wool coat—all contributing to the story’s visual narrative.

The lighting team, led by Evan Parker, uses a palette of warm amber and cool blues to mimic the natural illumination of a winter evening, creating a sense of nostalgia that enhances the story’s emotional beats. Meanwhile, sound designer Liam O’Connor incorporates subtle background noises—sleigh bells, crackling fire, the distant chimes of a town clock—to ground the production in its time and place.

Reviews and Reception

The preview reviews have been glowing. The Syracuse Herald Review praised the production’s “spotless balance of nostalgia and theatricality,” highlighting the “tremendous physical comedy” and “heart‑warming family moments.” The Times Herald noted that Johnson’s Ralphie “captures the boy’s yearning in a way that feels both timeless and instantly relatable.”

Audience members have also been enthusiastic. A recent survey conducted by Syracuse Stage revealed that 87% of attendees felt the show “captured the spirit of the holiday season,” and 94% said they would recommend it to friends and family. Parents especially appreciated the “clean humor” and the “strong family values” woven into the narrative. School groups and youth programs have been quick to book multiple showings, citing the production’s educational value—particularly its depiction of 1940s American life.

Historical Context and Community Impact

A Christmas Story has long been a theatrical staple for Syracuse Stage, with the company producing it in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018. This latest rendition is the most ambitious yet, featuring an expanded runtime of 135 minutes compared to the 97 minutes of the original film. The company’s creative team has worked to include an extended “Santa’s Workshop” scene and a new, heart‑felt finale that ties the characters’ arcs together more cohesively.

The production also aligns with Syracuse Stage’s mission to strengthen community ties. The company has partnered with the Syracuse Children’s Foundation for a “Pay‑What‑You‑Can” ticket option during the first week of December, ensuring that the holiday experience remains accessible to all. Additionally, the stage crew volunteers to set up a holiday-themed pop‑up in the local library, inviting children to bring their own “Red Ryder” toy guns for a family‑friendly game.

What to Expect for the Upcoming Shows

The production’s run will conclude on December 28, with an encore performance on December 30 for students and their families. Tickets are sold out through the Syracuse Stage’s digital platform, but a waiting list is available. The company encourages early booking due to the show’s popularity and the increasing demand for holiday entertainment. The show is rated PG, making it suitable for all ages, though parents are advised to preview the “holiday‑safety” scenes for younger children.

The show runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will also have a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Special packages include dinner and a backstage tour, providing a unique behind‑the‑scenes look at the craftsmanship that goes into a holiday classic.

Conclusion

Syracuse Stage’s A Christmas Story is a testament to the enduring appeal of holiday theatre. The production’s meticulous attention to period detail, coupled with a talented cast and seasoned creative team, ensures that the classic remains fresh and engaging. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the film or new to the story, the production delivers laughter, warmth, and a gentle reminder of the simple joys that make the holiday season unforgettable. As the city of Syracuse lights up for December, the stage at the Civic Center stands as a beacon of community, tradition, and the timeless magic of a boy’s wish.