A Christmas Story, the Musical

6:00 AM PST 11/27/2012 by David Rooney

Fueled by nostalgia for the 1980s film, as well as simpler times, this family show actually has heart.

Leaving aside It's A Wonderful Life, I confess that my tolerance for holiday movies is pretty low. Likewise for holiday musicals. But A Christmas Story wore down my defenses. A cut above the pack, it's cute, corny, wholesome and sentimental -- all basic requirements for family-friendly seasonal stage entertainment.