EXCLUSIVE: Peter Billingsley to Executive Produce 'A Christmas Story' Musical

5:37 PM PST 11/30/2010 by Leslie Bruce

The original Ralphie Parker tells THR he's 'excited' to launch the first musical adaptation of the holiday classic.

Peter Billingsley -- star of 1983’s A Christmas Story -- has signed on to executive produce the musical adaptation of the film.

“A Christmas Story has always meant a lot to me personally,” says Billingsley, who played 9-year-old Ralphie Parker. “I’m excited to bring this film to the stage because the story and the characters lend themselves so well to the world of musicals.”

With previews beginning Wednesday at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre (and running Dec. 9-30), A Christmas Story: The Musical! will remain loyal to the film adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s short stories and includes an original score from Broadway composing duo Benj Paske and Justin Paul.

After gaining household recognition as the Red Ryder BB Gun-seeking hero, Billingsley went to work behind the camera to produce such films as 2006’s The Break Up and 2008’s Four Christmases. He most recently made his feature-length directorial debut on 2009’s Couples Retreat.

"I am honored to be a part of this project and look forward to bringing the play to more stages," says Billingsley. "Just think about the idea of a leg-lamp kickline."