Auditions for "A Christmas Story" in Chicago

A Christmas Story, The Musical!, prepares to launch a five-city national tour for the 2011 holiday season, the show's producers, including Peter Billingsley, who starred as Ralphie in the original 1983 film, have announced that they will begin their search for young actors at an open audition for children between the ages of 8-13 at the Chicago Theatre Downstairs (enter just south of the main venue), 175 N. State Street, Chicago, Monday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Talented children, boys and girls, with strong vocal and acting ability are encouraged to attend. Casting directors are seeking to fill the iconic lead role of Ralphie and his troupe of friends and classmates, including: Randy, Flick, Schwartz, Scut Farcus, Grover Dill, Mary Beth, and Jane. Children should be extraordinary actors, singers, and dancers and no more than 4'11" in height. Those auditioning should prepare a brief, rhythmic, classic Broadway song that shows off voice and personality.

A Christmas Story, The Musical! will rehearse in Chicago, October 10 before commencing a five-city national tour: Hershey, PA (Hershey Theatre, Nov. 8 - 13); Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre, Nov. 15 - 27); Raleigh, NC (Memorial Auditorium, Nov. 29 - Dec. 4); and Tampa, FL (Straz Center, Dec. 6-11), before returning to The Chicago Theatre for performances Dec. 14-30, 2011.

For more information about the audition, visit www.achristmasstorythemusical.com/casting.