Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘A Christmas Story’ makes the holiday sing
Are you ready for a singing, dancing Ralphie Parker in pursuit of that Red Ryder BB gun?
The musical “A Christmas Story Live!” asks that question at 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox and puts a new spin on the adored 1983 film, a holiday staple.
Purists may object, but there are reasons to hope this live telecast of the Broadway musical delivers Christmas cheer. The exuberant Maya Rudolph, a pro at live television, plays Ralphie’s mom. The charming Chris Diamantopoulos portrays Ralphie’s dad.
The strong supporting cast includes Jane Krakowski, Ana Gasteyer, Ken Jeong and David Alan Grier. Two-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick will narrate as the adult Ralphie.
The big mystery is the young actor cast as Ralphie. Andy Walken, an 11-year-old from Seattle, won the role after a nationwide digital casting call. How will he compare to the indelible Peter Billingsley from the film?
But there are more positive signs. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Tony winners for “Dear Evan Hansen,” created the “Christmas Story” score and have supplied several new songs for TV.
Executive producer Marc Platt, who helped “Grease Live!” glide on Fox, returns. Alex Rudzinski, another “Grease Live!” alum, serves as live TV director. He is working with fellow director Scott Ellis, who delivered a terrific Broadway revival of “She Loves Me” last year.
NBC started the December musical trend in 2013 with “The Sound of Music” starring Carrie Underwood. Then the network staged “Peter Pan” in 2014 and “The Wiz” in 2015. But NBC didn’t deliver a true winner until last year with “Hairspray,” featuring Harvey Fierstein, Martin Short and Jennifer Hudson.
Fox actually presented a top-notch TV musical first when “Grease” aired in January 2016. Julianne Hough, Aaron Tveit and Vanessa Hudgens were the able stars, and the telecast worked by incorporating the live studio audience. The good feelings translated to viewers at home.
Then Fox bombed in October 2016 with a remake of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” It wasn’t live, but it was lifeless.
TV musicals are risky, yet NBC will present “Jesus Christ Superstar” in April, and Fox plans “Rent” in 2019.