“A Christmas Story: The Musical” plays at Curtain Call in Stamford, now through December 14.
But many ties to Westport make this a true hometown show.
The story starts with the Kweskin Theater, Curtain Call’s home. Al Pia was its founding artistic director — and for many years, the highly esteemed director of Staples Players as well.
One of Pia’s high school actors was Ben Frimmer. He’s now the director of “A Christmas Story” — and director of Coleytown Company, the well-regarded middle school troupe.
Justin Paul (Photo/Dan Woog)
A couple of decades ago, Justin Paul acted for Frimmer at Coleytown. After graduating from Staples in 2003, and then the University of Michigan, Paul and his songwriting partner, Benj Pasek, rocketed to stardom. They’ve won Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards for works like “Dear Evan Hansen” and “La La Land.”
Another work — “A Christmas Story: The Musical” — enjoyed a Broadway run. With great music and splashy production numbers, it quickly became a holiday classic.
And, in Stamford, a Westport holiday classic. Frimmer has cast several current and former students in the production: Matthew Bukzin, Cooper Gusick, Gavin Jamali, Julie Lloyd, Imogen Medoff, Sarah Peterson and Ari Sklar.
Westport youngsters in “A Christmas Story: The musical.” Front row (from left): Gavin Jamali, Cooper Gusick Ari Sklar. Rear: Matthew Bukzin, Imogen Medoff,.Jamali.
Frimmer’s own son Ari plays Ralphie Parker.
Ari Frimmer, as Ralphie.
Even Curtain Call executive director and producer for “A Christmas Story” has a local connection. Lou Ursone was mentored by Pia.
Plenty of Westporters will be heading to Stamford to see this production. But they’ll feel as if they never left home.
(“A Christmas Story: The Musical” is performed Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 2. In addition, there are Thursday evening performances on December 5 and 12, and Saturday matinees on December 7 and 14. For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-461-6358, ext. 36.)
I am delighted for Ben Frimmer, his son, aka Ralphie and all those who will perform in and attend and enjoy this delightful tale. For some of us, i.e. me, A Christmas Story cannot be thought of without remembering Jean Shepherd, a raconteur for the ages. For those of us of advanced years “Shep” was a source heard on radio as it once existed bringing magic, humor and insight to all who appreciated the wonder of a wonderful telling of stories.
Don Bergmann