ARTS

'A Christmas Story' musical on stage now at Peoria theater

You know Ralphie and ‘A Christmas Story’ by heart, but a musical adaptation on stage now at Arizona Broadway Theatre brings new life to a holiday classic

"A Christmas Story" runs at Arizona Broadway Theatre through Dec. 28.

(Photo provided by Arizona Broadway Theatre)

Delaney Spanko, center, who plays "Miss Shields," rehearses a dance number with the cast of "A Christmas Story" on Nov. 12, at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria.

(Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

Kurtis Overby, artistic director and choreographer at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria, works through rehearsals with the cast of "A Christmas Story" on Nov. 12.

(Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria is celebrating its 20th anniversary this season.

(Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

"A Christmas Story" runs at Arizona Broadway Theatre through Dec. 28.

(Photo provided by Arizona Broadway Theatre)

Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.

Bringing a beloved holiday classic to the stage is full of Christmas magic – but can also be tricky.

Culturally iconic works appeal to widespread audiences who love the familiarity and tradition, yet welcome a fresh approach; who adore quintessential characters they know by heart, yet don’t necessarily want wholesale changes.

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