This holiday season at Penn Middle School, not one but two Ralphies will be at risk of shooting their eye out with that Red Ryder air rifle.
Students at the school will stage the classic holiday tale of “A Christmas Story,” and interest in the play was so strong that director Sharon Wiant ended up creating two casts.
“We had 107 kids try out for the show, and we don’t cut anybody at this level,” said Wiant, who has directed plays at the middle school for the past 13 years. “We want everyone to try it and see if it’s something they’re interested in.”
“A Christmas Story” tells the tale of young Ralphie — who will be played alternately by Carl Heller and Ethan Coles — who dreams of owning a Red Ryder BB gun despite opposition from his parents, his teacher and even Santa himself.
“There are 15 or 18 parts and so we added several giant ensemble sections,” Wiant said. “Or, for example, the narrator also plays the tree salesman and a delivery man, so we separated those parts out to give more kids a chance.”
Wiant said she always makes sure to showcase as many students as possible.
“I’m really passionate about making sure the ensemble isn’t just onstage one time,” she said. “I try to make sure everyone gets up there at least twice so their parents can see them.”
“A Christmas Story” will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 and 23 at Penn Middle School, 1007 Penn Middle Way in Penn
Township.
Tickets are $5 at the door. For more, see PennMiddleDrama.com or call 724-552-9031.
