You’ll shoot your eye out if you miss A Christmas Story at The Lied!

By Marikita Saure

A Christmas Story The Musical, The Lied Center for Performing Arts, Tuesday December 16, 2025

It’s always a joy to settle into a seat for the Broadway Series at The Lied, and A Christmas Story proves itself a holiday tradition worth unwrapping year after year. If you somehow missed this classic growing up (or just need a refresher), the musical is framed by Jean Shepherd as he fondly recounts a particularly memorable Christmas season in Hammond, Indiana—one where young Ralphie navigates family chaos, childhood fantasies, and the eternal struggle of staying on Santa’s nice list, all in pursuit of the ultimate Christmas prize: the coveted Red Ryder, carbine-action, two-hundred-shot range model air rifle BB gun. (Yes. That one.)

From the opening moments, the show fires on all cylinders—packed with laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt nostalgia, and just enough razzle dazzle to make your eyes sparkle brighter than the infamous leg lamp. I’ll admit, I spent most of the evening smiling ear to ear—and as a theatre enthusiast and performer myself, I was especially delighted by the sheer elegance of the production’s pacing and transitions. Though one expects a certain level of polish from a professional touring production, A Christmas Story executes its scene changes with such seamless precision that the storytelling never misses a beat. One standout design element was the full house unit that glides up and downstage, slowly transforming with festive décor as Christmas Day draws closer—an inspired visual metaphor that quietly underscores the growing anticipation at the heart of the show.

The cast is led by a strong group of featured performers, including Mason Burnham (Randy), Kirsten Bleu Kaiser (Mother), Torben Mularski (Ralphie), Mark Stoddard (Jean Shepherd), and Gregory White (The Old Man). Stoddard’s performance as both narrator and observer is a masterclass in storytelling—equal parts warmth, wit, and uncanny relatability. He weaves effortlessly through the action, mirroring the world he’s remembering while allowing the story to unfold naturally around him. Mularski and Burnham make a charming and endlessly entertaining sibling duo, earning consistent laughs and impressing with their talent and timing. Mularski shines in “Ralphie to the Rescue,” a wildly imaginative number where Ralphie’s Wild West fantasies burst to life as he saves the day from every imaginable villain threatening his teacher, friends, family, and beloved Can-Can Girlfriend.

Kaiser brings a grounded warmth and honey-toned vocals to the role of Mother, offering a tender counterbalance to the chaos swirling around her, while White’s Old Man is an absolute crowd favorite. His hilariously sanitized bursts of frustration and laser-focused obsession with neighborhood glory are pitch-perfect, culminating in a show-stopping turn during “A Major Award” (which also features the ensemble and many, many, leg lamps) that is, frankly, not fragile.

Additional standout moments come courtesy of Ralphie’s loyal pals Schwartz and Flick, played by Saajan Lakhani and Luke Diaco, who tackle the iconic tongue-on-the-pole scene (“Sticky Situation”) with impeccable comedic timing. The children’s ensemble as a whole are undeniable stars, completely winning over the audience in “When You’re a Wimp” and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out,” led by the delightfully sparkling Miss Shields, portrayed by Kristin Greve. Her dress alone in this number is a show stealer—I might be adding that to MY Christmas list! The ensemble’s energy, commitment, and sheer joy are evident throughout, keeping the audience engaged and leaning forward in their seats.

In short, I urge you to catch A Christmas Story if you have the chance—it’s the perfect holiday gift to yourself just before Christmas. This touring production is only in town for the weekend, so don’t wait… I triple dog dare you.

If you go (and you should!): 

The Lied Center, (301 N 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508)

Remaining show dates: Dec 17th-21st 

Tickets can be purchased online at liedcenter.org, by calling the box office at (402)472-4747, or in person at the box office Monday-Friday 11am-3pm.

Marikita Saure is a passionate supporter and participant of the performing arts, appearing as an actress, artist, and director for shows in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. She is a big animal lover and has two dogs (Saint Bernard and Terrier mix) whom she loves dearly.

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