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Show Christmas Shopping Guide, New Utah - December 4, 2003 - Page 6 ... ...ii. un'.HMnu'uii"y"i'U.UMW imnr- i o i" "'"""'y'''' 9SSr' ' 'mfW IWIJJI WHIM' I ' "lTl1 11 JJJ,'I I ' Ignltar ' ' iii unit -- .. i SCERA presents classic 'A Christmas Story' Photography by Mark A. Philbrick Cast members from "A Christmas Story" rehearse. JLJu www HOME MEDICAL Oxygen Wheelchairs Hospital Beds Scooters Power Wheelchairs Lift Chairs Walkers Bath Equipment - --A Pi- '- H A ' It. 'sr., 1 1 inn W t MJHIl L. " 1411' H J - rXI 3 JB Twenty years ago "A Christmas Christ-mas Story" premiered at the movies, and a classic was born instantly. Audiences loved the tale of nine-year-old Ralphie, who simply wanted Santa to bring him a Red Ryder carbine car-bine air rifle. The story has been transformed into a play, and the SCERA will offer it as a regional premiere Dec. 5 to 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the newly renovated Showhouse II. Reserved tickets at $12 (age 3 and over) are available in advance at the SCERA (745 S. State . St., Orem) or by calling 225-2569. Performances will be daily except Sundays. "The play is really, really close to the movie," said director Joel Osborne, a veteran director and teacher with nearly a half a century of experience. "I think the publicity has already been done on this story because so many people love the movie. I think the play could become every bit as traditional as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.'" "A Christmas Story" is a story based on the writings of humorist Jean Shepherd and pokes jabs at the commercialization of the season. The star, a child whose Red Ryder dreams are continually punctured by adults telling him "YouH shoot your eye out," sees 1940s America with an innocence not only of the child but also the time. He schemes mightily to get the rifle, but also has do deal with everyday every-day challenges, such as fighting the school bully and his pesky brother, not to mention a crusty dad and dogs who love turkey. Adding to the play will be replica of the famous leg lamp and a 1940s Red Ryder gun in its original package. Osborne finds the play both a joy and a challenge: a joy because the lines, and story are so funny, and a challenge because of complicated set changes and the need to get inspired , performances from children. He has cast a mother and three of her children and another mother and her son in major roles. "All are talented, tal-ented, and this gives the play a real family feel," Osborne says. Leading roles will be played by Keegan Briggs as Ralphie, Alex Ungerman as Ralph (as an adult), Wendy Biggs as Ralphie's mom, Randy Seeley as the old man, Pate Briggs as Randy, Jeremy Osborne as the bully, Mark Chamberlin as Flick, Jan Chamberlin as the teacher Mrs. " Shields, Kaitlyn Briggs as Helen, and Sydney Carlson as Esther Jane. Assisting Osborne are Michelle Foote, assistant director; Christine Price, costumer; Elaine Hansen, lighting designer, and David McDou-gal, McDou-gal, sound designer. Osborne was recently hired at the resident set designer for the SCERA. He graduated graduat-ed from the Pasadena Playhouse and BYU and taught school for 16 years. The sponsors of this production are: Neways International, Key Bank, Comfort Tech Custom Heating and Air Conditioning, Dave Adams Classic Auto Repair, and Orem City. For additional information, contact the SCERA at 225-ARTS. 'A Gospel Christmas' comes to Biscuit Theatre Ron Coston has been inspiring Utah audiences with black gospel music for many years. Coston will present a solo holiday event called "A Gospel Christmas," Dece. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. The concerts will be at The Biscuit Theatre, The-atre, 120 W. Main, American Fork, beginning at 7 each night. He has worked with music groups, youth organizations and was responsible for starting the Utah Valley Mass Choir which he directed for five years. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased pur-chased at the theater box office. Coston will share traditional Christmas Christ-mas songs, with a unique gospel . style that he expects will stir, excite and warm the hearts of each listener. listen-er. Interested individuals may hear one of Coston's Christmas arrangements arrange-ments at www.biscuittheatre.com and may call 763-2112 for more information. . i j - - |