6th Street Playhouse Right on Target with "A Christmas Story"

If you take your family to just one holiday show this season, make it "A Christmas Story" at Santa Rosa's 6th Street Playhouse.  Based on the popular 1983 movie, which was adapted from the writings of Jean Shepherd, this heartwarming and hysterical play written by Phillip Grecian takes us back to the anticipation of Christmas from the viewpoint of 9-year old Ralphie.  

 Ralphie is a red-blooded lad growing up in the heartland of America in the '40's.  Ralphie is obsessed with getting Santa to deliver his holy grail:  an official Red Ryder carbine-action BB gun.  Of course, every adult who learns of his fervent wish admonishes "You'll shoot your eye out!" 

The misadventures Raphie endures with writing an essay, visiting Santa, using a "bad word," and the neighborhood bullies are simply priceless at any age.  If you are too young to know about Ovaltine and the Little Orphan Annie Secret Society Official Decoder Pin, you will still laugh out loud when you witness Ralphie's fantasies. 

Bronwen Shears ably directs this delightful story in flashback sequence, narrated offstage by Mark Bradbury of Santa Rosa as an adult Ralph.  It's a pleasure to have Director Shears return to the theater after an accident sidelined her for quite a while.  The play flows seamlessly.  John David Vozaitis of Cotati justly steals his scenes as Ralphie, with Ari Vozaitis of Cotati turning in an excellent portrayal of Randy Parker, his younger brother.  Kim Williams of Petaluma enacts the caring, multi-tasking, and soap-wielding mother, and Chris Schloemp of Santa Rosa anchors the fun as "The Old Man," Ralphie's obstinate and oft-cussing father.  

In a season of Christmas fluff, don't miss the meat, or meatloaf, in this entertaining play about family togetherness.  

"A Christmas Story" plays now through December 23 at 8 PM Fridays and Saturdays and 2 PM Sundays, with additional performances on Thursdays December 1, 15 & 22 and an 8 PM Wednesday December 21 performance.  There is a 2 PM Saturday matinee on December 17.  

The location is the comfortable GK Hardt Theatre at the 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th Street Santa Rosa, California, with a free parking lot.  Ticket prices are $15, $20, $27 and $32.  Order tickets by telephone (707) 523-4185, online or purchase at the door. Reservations recommended.  www.6thstreetplayhouse.com