A Christmas Story -- The Musical offers ASL performance

A Christmas Story -- The Musical is a fun, family musical now playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. One of the most beloved holiday movies, A Christmas Story started as a short story by Indiana native Jean Shepard. Her story became a movie and then an award-winning musical.

The characters feel like family from the moment they walk on stage. Maybe it wasn’t your dream to receive a Red Ryder BB Gun, but there was something you wanted once that you were willing to do anything to get. Ralphie’s classmates can be traced back to any elementary school classroom from coast to coast. As we sat in the audience, a woman behind us said, ”I work with a grown up who acts like that kid.” No matter where you are in life, you recognize these characters.

The show has fun and funny musical numbers that everyone will enjoy. The high-energy music and Rhett Guter’s choreography keep everyone entertained. Often kids get bored during theater productions because they can’t relate to the stage action. In A Christmas Story -- The Musical, kids are front and center in nearly every scene. The old show business adage that you shouldn’t work with kids or animals rings true. The children sparkle and hold their own when on stage with the adults.

A Christmas Story -- The Musical runs through January 3. On December 17, a special American Sign Language interpreted performance brings two certified sign language interpreters to translate all dialogue and lyrics. This is truly a show for all family members.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ParamountAurora.com.

Disclosure: I did attend opening night with media passes. My words and opinions are my own.