CHRISTMAS STORY CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Leading Roles: Jean Shepherd/ Narrator - Male Spoken Late 40s to early 50s Charismatic storyteller with a dynamic speaking voice who can draw an audience in to the world of the play. Radio personality. He (like his younger self) has a twinkle in his eye. An actor with presence and spark. A good-natured curmudgeon. Midwestern. This is a non-singing role. The Old Man (father) - Male High Baritone or tenor to a high G Late 30s40s He has a good heart, but it is buried under a rough exterior. He’s not the perfect father by any means – he is happiest when he’s tinkering in the basement. He usually expects the worst, but is secretly a dreamer. A devoted husband/father, who loves his family but does not feel the need to show it. Actor must be comfortable working with kids. Mother - Female MezzoSoprano low G to high Db 30s-40s She is more in charge than she would ever let anyone know. Warm but tough. Strong willed, straight forward, no nonsense, likable, midwestern – a kind of every-mom. VOICE: contemporary mezzo with a strong mix, sings. Ralphie - Male High belter, low F# to high D 9-12 A regular kid – cute but not overly handsome, not precious. He wouldn’t be lost in a crowd, but he wouldn’t stand out either. Bright, but not precocious; the boy next door. Ralphie above all is a dreamer. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage. Must be an excellent singer and able to carry a show. tap dance is a big plus Randy - Male High belter, low F# to high C# 8-9 Ralphie’s younger brother. Can be a bit awkward and offbeat; admires his big brother, Ralphie, but won’t admit it. Seeking a young boy who is comfortable and honest on stage, cute, cuddly, & whiny but not a brat. Must be able to tap. Featured Roles Miss Shields - Female Alto belter Mid 20’s – 40’s She is Ralphie’s elementary school teacher. Perhaps a little boring looking at first – ah but underneath! Great with comedy. Character woman. An actress with a flexible voice who is comfortable singing both legit and contemporary Broadway – a belter. Great mover and a strong tapper. Scut Farcus - 12-14 Must be 5’ or shorter. The classic bully; tough, perhaps taller than the other kids; there’s nothing about him you want to like. He’s that kid you always made sure to avoid in school. Gruff character voice. Must be able to tap. Grover Dill - Male 8-12 Farcus’ toady, smaller Santa - Male Tenor 30s to 60s ill-tempered, inebriated, unhappy with his job Tap Specialty Boy - Male 8-14 Strong tap dancer – performs a featured tap solo. Kids Ensemble: Schwartz, Flick, Esther, Jane, Mary Beth, Nancy, Goggles Kid, Can-Can Girls, Can-Can Girlfriend, Waiter’s Daughter, Kid Ensemble HS Ensemble: Elves, Delivery Men, Townspeople (Men and Women), Prairie Ensemble, Villain, Bankrobbers, Escaped Prisoner, Mrs. Schwartz, Flick’s Mom, Nancy’s Mother, Bartender, Policeman, Fireman, Doctor, Nurse, Waiter, dance chorus, etc |