As younger brother Ralphie, Andrew Kanies is mischievously impish, capturing the childish glee of the character while remaining completely believable - even while portraying Little Orphan Annie. Eric D. Pasto-Crosby is terrific as Schwartz, giving a vibrantly physical and charming performance, while David Wilkerson plays Flick with a candid openness that is astonishingly free of artifice. And, finally, kudos to Shane Bridges who brings the town bully Scut Farkus to life, creating an onstage persona that perfectly matches our memories of the movie character while obviously giving the role his own inspired take.
Again, Hoff's brilliant set is a masterpiece and it is beautifully lighted by lighting designer Michael Barnett. Trish Clark's period costumes are exquisite reproductions of the era and ideally suited to each character. Sound design, credited to Andrew Bevacqua and director Copeland, lends the appropriate feel to the play, beautifully underscoring the action.
- A Christmas Story. Adapted by Phillip Grecian. Based on the motion picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark. Directed by Rene Dunshee Copeland. Presented by Tennessee Repertory Theatre at Andrew Johnson Theatre, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville. Through December 19. For further details, visit the company website at www.tennesseerep.org.
David Wilkerson and Samuel Whited in A Christmas Story
