This holiday season, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” will be presented at Playhouse Merced.  Based on the classic movie and the original story by Jean Shepherd, “A Christmas Story” is the tale of Ralphie Parker and his quest to get a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas.  Along the way he’ll encounter leg lamps, pink bunny suits, triple dog dares, and that dreaded phrase “You’ll shoot your eye out.” 

The musical opened Friday and will continue through Dec. 10. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

The musical version of “A Christmas Story” has been entertaining audiences for almost a decade, and has become one of the most popular Christmas shows in the United States for good reason. 

The characters, music, and iconic moments from the film come together with beautiful original music to create a show that remains faithful to its previous incarnations while still managing to be new, surprising, and a whole lot of fun.  With music and lyrics by Pasek and Paul—also known for the current Broadway hit “Dear Evan Hansen”—the show is packed with fantastic songs such as “Ralphie to the Rescue” and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out.”

Playhouse Merced’s production stars Roland Carbajal as Ralphie; Ryan Dziadosz as The Old Man Parker; Alicia Bohlke as Mother Parker; and Nate Dimpel-Alvarez as Randy.

All performances of “A Christmas Story: The Musical are likely to sell out, so it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance.  Tickets are $22 for adults, $10 for children, and $10 for students (in person only with valid ID).  Group rates and family packages are also available. 

For tickets and information, go to www.playhousemerced.com, call (209)725-8587, or drop by the box office between the hours of noon and 6 p.m. Playhouse Merced is located at 452 W. Main Street in Merced.