Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...There's no reason why "A Christmas Story" should not be on Broadway next season, especially if the capable Warren Carlyle beefs up the dance a little. Since he was initially the director, I suspect Carlyle came up with much of the unpretentious movement vocabulary. But there's a need for more. I was also pulled out of the show by the sudden, Ralphie-fueled appearance of Mason's Miss Shields as a Wicked Witch and the kids, looking uncomfortable in this moment alone, as flying monkeys. Mason sings the stuffing out the number, but we don't all need to be suddenly thinking of "Wicked." "A Christmas Story" is all about terra firma, terra ordinary, a world almost gone, were it not for our need to seek such stories out at Christmas, when all we need is the people we love. And a gun."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...This altogether beguiling slice of high-spirited Americana, now on stage at the Chicago Theatre, is the newest (and in many ways the most enchanting) of all the current entries in grand-scale holiday entertainments. Joseph Robinette’s laugh-filled book, and the exuberant, endlessly clever score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are in perfect synch with the show’s source — the quasi-autobiographical stories by radio humorist Jean Shepherd that also were the source of the popular 1983 film. Director John Rando’s fast-paced direction, and Warren Carlyle’s wildly ingenious choreography, bring a whole new giddiness to the proceedings."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...As Ralphie, the open-faced Clarke Hallum shows tremendous vocal skill (see if you don't have "Ralphie to the Rescue" swimming through your head afterward). Hallum leads an astonishingly talented cadre of young actors, and director John Rando and choreographer Warren Carlyle put the kids through their paces. The show feels a little long—with the exception of Ralphie's Little Orphan Annie decoder ring, the script seems to touch on the film's every scene; surely another subplot or two could be shaved. But A Christmas Story, The Musical! has the potential to be a new perennial favorite."
Chicago Theatre Addict - Highly Recommended
"...As a self-professed musical theatre snob, I have to say, the creators have done a fine job. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (music and lyrics, respectively) have penned a tuneful, smart score that echoes shades of William Finn. But most importantly, the music adds something to the story — they find clever and unexpected moments for songs to not only fit, but to elevate the action. For example, when Mr. Parker (aka “the old man,” played by the inexhaustible John Bolton) gets his coveted leg lamp, he launches into a full-out showstopper, “Major Award,” complete with leg lamp kick line. And with 16 players in the pit playing Larry Blank’s orchestrations, the score simply sparkles."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...The sleek and fast-paced show based on Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder Action Air Rifle BB Gun is clearly serious business for a group of commercial backers whose Broadway credits include “Frankenstein: The Musical,” The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Spring Awakening.” The sets, lighting, sound and musical supervision are all done by people with great big bona fides. Work on this show began in 2009 in Kansas City and continued out of the limelight in half a dozen regional capitals. (Thank you, “Spider-Man,” for the object lesson in why that’s wise.) And the casting is top drawer."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...This slick, well produced Broadway musical features so many tender moments, youthful comedy and expertly staged show stoppers to be considered an instant classic! You can take the kids and they’ll love it and you will too. I'm guessing this musical will take its place as one of Chicago's new holiday classics."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...A Christmas Story,” as self-effacing as its title, is perfectly cast, joyously illustrated and blissfully free of calculation or condescension. Some songs prolong what was better left a hit-and-run revelation in the film. Where the characters provided the comic quirks, here they come more from the situations. But that’s the price you pay for musicals; transient pleasures get prolonged. Anyway, there’s no coal in this stocking, just a big, sloppy candy cane that you get stuck on, not to, when licked"
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...There are some special numbers in this show that will keep you smiling and one of them involves “The Lamp” ( if you know the movie, you know the lamp” with a line dance that will have you in stitches.Of course there are several numbers that involve the famous “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun”, Ralphie’s dream Christmas present. Will he get it? If he does, will he “shoot his eye out”? You can spend an enjoyable two plus hours learning how a family comes together despite the ups and downs and character quirks as the Holidays bring them together at The Chicago Theatre.."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...The creative team of Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Joseph Robinette perfectly translate movie classic to live performance. Jean Shepherd’s cult-like movie quotes heighten the comedy. ‘You’ll shoot your eye out.‘ ‘I triple dog dare you.‘ ‘Awwww, fudge!‘ The familiar mingles with the bright, shiny, new music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The addition of songs to the show feel natural."
