The Most Wonderful Time of Year is Here! A Christmas Story Opens Off-Broadway

The stage adaptation of the 1983 movie A Christmas Story opens December 11 off-Broadway. The musical will play at Madison Square Garden through December 29.

The show's stars from its Tony-nominated Broadway run last year are reprising their roles, with Dan Lauria as Jean Shepherd, John Bolton as The Old Man, Erin Dilly as Mother and Caroline O'Connor as Miss Shields. They will be joined by Newsies alum Jake Lucas, who will star as Ralphie.

Based on the classic holiday film of the same name, A Christmas Story is the tale of Ralphie, a boy who has only one wish for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. As Ralphie tries to make his Christmas dream come true, he encounters a cranky department store Santa, a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole, pink bunny pajamas and a kooky leg lamp.

Directed by John Rando and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, the musical features a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with a book by Joseph Robinette. The production has scenic design by Walt Spangler, costume design by Elizabeth Hope Clancy and lighting design by Howell Binkley.

A Christmas Story was nominated for three Tony Awards in 2013: Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Best Musical.