The 1983 cult Yuletide classic “A Christmas Story” is being adapted into a musical that will air on the Fox television network this December, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Five years ago the timeless tale of a young boy’s longing for the coveted but perilous (“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”) Red Rider BB gun was brought to life as a musical on Broadway, where it went on to get nominated for some “major awards” — three Tonys for best musical, best original score and best book of a musical, THR reported Friday.
“A Christmas Story is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time — audiences have made a yearly ritual of re-watching it — and we are so thrilled to have Marc leading the charge in bringing the musical version of that film to television,” Fox Broadcasting entertainment president David Madden said, THR reported. “The extraordinarily gifted Pasek and Paul were instrumental in transposing the movie to the stage, and we believe the transition to LIVE television event will be just as entertaining for viewers.”
Of course, when it comes to the competition, Fox has its work cut out for it. Every December since 2013, network rival NBC has broadcast similar live-before-a-studio-audience musicals starring marquee musical talent like Carrie Underwood (“Sound of Music Live”) and Ariana Grande ( “Hairspray Live”).
This December’s production, “Bye Bye Birdie,” will star pop music legend Jennifer Lopez.
Ralphie … go sing your heart out, kid.
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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