Here at CV, the biannual play is shown at the auditorium, providing a chance for what few performing arts programs we have at our school to truly shine. This season, they’re doing A Christmas Story, a movie originally directed by Bob Clark and adapted for the stage by Philip Grecian. This movie is a classic, and has cemented itself into the holiday movie longevity- over forty years later, it’s still a family favorite. 

The play will be at CV from December 12th through December 20th, and stars Yuri Stephans as young Ralphie and Torin Svela as adult Ralphie. For those who don’t find themselves familiar with the plot of the movie (and its adaptation), student director Joel Warren describes it as “[a] lighthearted [show] with humor and heart.” The playwright, Phillip Grecian, has written several Emmy-nominated plays, and A Christmas Story in particular is his most famous work, with “approximately 100 professional and amateur productions annually” (Dramatic Publishing). 

The two directors, student and teacher respectively, are Joel Warren and James Murray. Warren, who has been doing theater since his freshman year, says he stayed with theater because of the nature of the community. “I found an amazing community, made friends, and decided to join the show next fall. I have been in every CV production since. While I joined theater not super interested, I stayed because of the amazing community. Since that first show, our club has exploded in size.” said Warren. Notably, this is the first production that the current director, James Murray, has casted an elementary school student. Liam Larson, who attends Lincoln Elementary School as a fourth grader, plays the main character’s younger brother, Randy. 

The CV Drama Club is completely self-funded, and is kept open by student interest and ticket sales. During the tumultuous times of our district, our performing arts programs will be the first to go, and have likely received significant downsizing already. It is important to advocate for the programs that lend a spotlight to the voices of our students and classmates. 

Even if theater isn’t your thing, even if you aren’t a fan of the movie, I encourage anyone reading this to buy a ticket anyway. It’s important to show where our priorities as a student body, and the arts should always be a part of that.  We need to show the district how important these types of organizations are to the function of our school and the livelihood of our students.