Sooner Theatre to tell ‘A Christmas Story’

An air rifle is the object of a mythical childhood quest, with lots of fantasy along the way, in a delightful production of “A Christmas Story.”

Back by popular demand and even more satisfying, the musical set in 1940, spun out dreams and aspirations of the era effortlessly, like cotton candy.

Based on a 1983 movie, with music and lyrics by Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, and book by Joseph Robinette, it opened Friday at Norman’s Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main.

Lucas Ross seemed even more at home reprising his role as Jean Shepherd, the author-narrator, telling his radio listeners about the BB gun gift of his youthful dreams.

Time traveling back to his Indiana home town, Ross joined Easton

Hinckley, as his 9-year-old self, in a rousing paean to the “Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun.”

Later, Hinckley got even better, using the magic weapon he hopes to get to save others from harm, a la Walter Mitty, in “Ralphie Comes To The Rescue!”

Making the musical even more magical was the fact that many of the other members of the cast — even older people — were given their own chance to shine.

James Briggs hammed it up just enough as Ralphie’s father, thinking he’s “The Genius of Cleveland Street, after winning a sexy lady’s leg-lamp for crossword skills.

Becky Willeford was nicely understated as his wife, singing of “What a Mother Does,” and how children can forget bad things “Just Like That,” in two touching songs.

Shannan Fish Hinckley vamped it up well in a speakeasy fantasy, joining the chorus of adults warning Ralphie that “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!”

Briskly directed by Lisa Fox, the musical is highly recommended.