
Character Breakdown

JEAN SHEPHERD/NARRATOR – A charismatic storyteller who has the ability to weave a spell and draw an audience into his magical world. A good-natured curmudgeon with a deadpan sense of humor. (Playable Age 45-60)
RALPHIE – Cute and winsome. He’s a bit mischievous and rascally but with a twinkle in his eye. (High belter, unchanged voice, low F# to high D, Playable age 9 going on 10)
THE OLD MAN – A guy with a good heart, through it is buried beneath a sometimes gruff exterior. He’s a devoted husband and father who loves his family but doesn’t overtly show it. (High Baritone or Tenor, must sing to a high G, Playable Age 35-55)
MOTHER – More in charge of the family than the Old Man is, but she would never let him know it. A vibrant woman that is always busy. (Contemporary Mezzo with a strong mix, low G to high Db, Playable Age 35-45)
RANDY – Ralphie’s younger brother. Admires his big brother but won’t admit it. (High belter, unchanged voice, low F# to high C#, Playable Age 7-9)
MISS SHIELDS – The local elementary school teacher, prim and proper. In Ralphie’s fantasy she becomes a dynamic, show-stopping, brassy belter and tapper. (Playable Age 25-45)
SCUT FARKUS – The textbook example of a school-yard bully, except this truant doesn’t go to school. He is loud, obnoxious and intimidating. Ability to tap dance is preferred.
(Playable Age 12-15)
GROVER DILL – Always at Farkus’ side is toady, Dill. Much younger and decidedly smaller than Farkus, Dill delights in being tethered to his “hero.” Ability to tap dance is preferred.
(Playable Age 9-12)
SCHWARTZ, FLICK, ESTHER JANE, MARY BETH – Classmates. Ability to tap dance is preferred. (Playable Age 9-14)
SANTA – The Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store is decidedly unlike the typical “jolly old elf.” Ill-tempered and slightly inebriated, he is unhappy with his job.
(Playable Age 30-60)
ENSEMBLE
(Dancers that sing and singers that move to play a large variety of roles. Ages 6-Adult)
Boy, Three Girls, Nancy, Bank Tellers, Customers, Tap Specialty Boy, Goggles Kid, Waiter’s Daughter, Eight Elves, Two Delivery Men, Townspeople, Parents, Can-Can Girls, Can-Can Girlfriend, Policeman, Fireman, Doctor, Nurse, Waiter, Villain, Two Bank Robbers, Escaped Prisoner, Bartender *Many roles will be doubled.