Scene from the FAC Theatre Company's production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Jeff Kearney |
A Christmas Story is the stage production of the beloved
1983 classic that revolves around a little boy and his quest for a Red Ryder BB
Gun, complete with the warnings of adults around him that he’ll “shoot his eye
out!”
We sat down with director Joye Cook-Levy, the ringleader behind the Silver Theatre Season’s A Christmas Story production, to ask about the unique process of bringing a timeless movie classic to life on stage.
We sat down with director Joye Cook-Levy, the ringleader behind the Silver Theatre Season’s A Christmas Story production, to ask about the unique process of bringing a timeless movie classic to life on stage.
Is it different directing something based off a classic rather than an ordinary stage play?
We’re just looking for the funny. It doesn’t feel any different that it’s classic or not. It’s just moment-by-moment kind of work, although there are some very iconic images that we’re paying homage to. We want to make sure that people who come to see the show get to experience those moments.What would you say makes the stage version different than the movie?
Whereas the play is a version of the movie, so
the episodic nature of it makes it challenging but it keeps it moving and the
energy is a lot more comedic in nature than just memoir natured. In the movie it’s
much more a really nice memory piece and that’s what the play is too, but the
comedic timing is much more important.
So what do you hope that people take away from A Christmas Story?
Have a good time! Everybody should laugh and remember. They might remember their childhoods. They might remember stories that their parents told them. They might remember seeing this movie and reflect on it while they’re watching the play. I just hope that everyone laughs and gets in touch with their own Christmas memories.How do you deal with the theme of consumerism that’s prevalent throughout the movie/production?
What makes A Christmas Story such a holiday classic?
I
think it’s really funny. There’s so much nostalgia, and I think that’s what
everybody does during Christmas time. They look back and it’s a reference of
a time. It’s that point of reference that makes it a classic. It’s timeless.
And finally, what is your own Red Ryder BB gun?
![]() |
Director Joey Cook-Levy |
This is Cook-Levy’s second production at the Fine
Arts Center (she made her FAC directorial debut with the Colorado Premiere of In the Next Room, or the vibrator play) and describes her experiences as great ones, including one of
the only drama-free casts that she’s worked with.
A Christmas Story closes this week— be sure not to miss this live stage production of a holiday favorite! It’ll certainly be a lively, memorable and vibrant experience.
A Christmas Story closes this week— be sure not to miss this live stage production of a holiday favorite! It’ll certainly be a lively, memorable and vibrant experience.
1 comment:
We loved "A Christmas Story". We've enjoyed the entire season and look forward to more productions. The levys are a real asset to our Fine Arts Center Theater.
Ellie and Ron Solomon
Post a Comment