- A Christmas Story: The Musical
- Nov. 15-16, 7 p.m.
- Nov. 17-18, 2 p.m.
- CEPA in Pell City
- $15 adults / $10 children
- On Sale Friday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.
- pellcitycepa.com/tickets
Spotlight Student Makes Directorial Debut!
“The CEPA Christmas show has always been one of the highlights of my holiday season, and I am so excited that I am able to be a part of this show in this way!“
Elisabeth Rae has been a member of CEPA’s Spotlight Drama Education and Outreach Program for years, serving in roles ranging from camper to assistant director.
Now Elisabeth, at 17 and in her final year of high school, makes her directorial debut for the Pell City-based program with the Spotlight Kids Christmas production, A Christmas Story: The Musical.
“We have about 40 talented cast members, and I am thrilled to work with each and every one of them,” Elisabeth said. “They have already been so great, and I can’t wait to see all their hard work pay off on stage in December. This is a show you don’t want to miss!”
Most recently, Elisabeth worked with Spotlight as the stage manager for God’s Favorite and The Champagne Charlie Stakes, as well as an assistant director for Radium Girls and Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular.
Elisabeth has also served as a volunteer for Spotlight’s Summer Drama Camp, where she was instrumental in organizing a full-length children’s musical in just under two weeks in 2022. Elisabeth has also worked on CEPA’s event staff assisting in event operation and management.
“Ms Rea has been an integral part of the growth of CEPA’s drama programs since her days in summer camp,” said Jeff Thompson, CEPA executive director. “She’s honed her abilities on stage and off, and is going to produce a phenomenal Christmas play on our stage. We cannot wait for you to see it.”
Elisabeth attends Crossroads Christian School in Moody, Alabama where she excels in academics, music, and a multitude of extracurriculars.
“We have about 40 talented cast members, and I am thrilled to work with each and every one of them,” Elisabeth said. “They have already been so great, and I can’t wait to see all their hard work pay off on stage in December. This is a show you don’t want to miss!“
A Christmas Story: the Musical
The iconic Christmas film that runs round-the clock on December 25 is coming to CEPA! Join the Spotlight Kids Drama Club – and the Parker – family as they embark on the most harrowing part of the year-the Christmas season in “A Christmas Story: The Musical”.
Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker is a young boy who yearns for the gift many boys did in the 1940s, a BB gun. A Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun. His mother, a loving but often-frazzled woman, believes the toys to be too dangerous for children, and his father is too busy with his crossword puzzles and the neighborhood Bumpus hounds to pay much attention to his sons.
That leaves Ralphie only one option: Santa.
This classic story has been adapted into a new musical that puts a new spin on the iconic film. Your favorite scenes are all still here! The bunny suit, the frozen pole, Farkus and Dill, and the infamous leg lamp are all included in this spectacular production.
Directed by Elisabeth Rea, see “A Christmas Story: The Musical” this Christmas, Dec. 15-8, at CEPA.
This heartwarming classic stars
- Ralphie Parker – Jackson Kerr
- Jean Shephard – Joshua Briggs
- The Old Man – Michael Dillard
- Mother – Emma Kelley
- Randy Parker – John Paul Love
- Santa – Mark Brown
- Miss Shields – Sunni Langsmith
- Scut Farkus – Bryant Germany
- Grover Dill – Nate Cardenas
- Schwartz – Cole Castleberry
- Flick – Joshua Dillard
- Mary Beth – Minora Langsmith
- Esther Jane – Lila Henderson
Ensemble:
Abby Frees, Abby Kelley, Alicia Love, Amy Cardenas, Anna Crosson, Autumn Smith, Charleigh Nance, Clara Scelsi, Cooper Kreitlein, Dylan Kielbasa, Emily Rea, Emma Gibson, Evelyn Rea, Hannah Jack, Jackson Love, Jenna Kelley, Lily Gardner, Maggie Hooie, NaRiah Knight, Ryan Brasher, Sadie Black, Tomazz Jackson, William Rea, Willow Smith, Zarine Langsmith
Performances will be Dec. 15-16 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 17-18 at 2 p.m.
CEPA and Spotlight are supported in 2022 by The City of Pell City, Pell City Schools, St. Clair County Schools, Trussell Funderburg Rea Bell and Furgerson, Goodgame Company, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Current Spotlight Clubs
- Spotlight Core (Adult)
- Spotlight Kids
- Pell City High School
- Moody High School
- St. Clair County High School
- Ashville High School
- Victory Christian School
- Jefferson State Community College