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'A Christmas Story' Comes To Life At The Hippodrome

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- What started as a largely-overlooked movie has evolved into a holiday classic. Now, "A Christmas Story: The Musical" is playing downtown at The Hippodrome.

In the 1982 movie, we learn about racy lacy lamps, bunny suits, curse words and soap, tongues on flagpoles and a Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock.

Now, the movie has gained music, live actors and a stage, and "A Christmas Story: The Musical" is playing downtown.

In the movie, an unseen adult, Ralphie, narrates what's going on.

This is Chris Carsten's third year as the narrator on the national tour. He sets up the main conflict -- Ralphie's ultimate wish to get that Red Ryder carbine-action 200 shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock.

"What he's always told, of course, is, 'You'll shoot your eye out!' Everyone he talks to about getting one for Christmas... 'Oh, you'll shoot your eye out, Ralphie.' Even Santa tells him that. His mother tells him that. He knows his dad will never get it for him," Carsten said.

Carsten credits the endless re-runs of the movie as helping the live-action musical gain a loyal audience.

The season for this Broadway touring show is November and December, as it is a Christmas story. And, it is a holiday story with a most unusual prop -- a tastefully dubious lamp.

"The lamp is the product of man's toils with the crossword puzzles that he loves to participate in," said Carsten.

It's all a part of a series of charming stories woven together in a blanket of nostalgia -- spun from the common thread of a child wishing for that one special thing: "It's the greatest gift he's ever received," said Carsten.

There are six more performances of "A Christmas Story" at the Hippodrome. It runs through Sunday.

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