Watch A Christmas Story Live!

On December 17, 2017, FOX television aired a live television adaptation of the classic holiday film A Christmas Story, directed by Scott Ellis and Alex Rudzinski. The event was titled A Christmas Story Live! and starred an ensemble cast including Maya Rudolph, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Ana Gasteyer. A Christmas Story Live! follows the story of young Ralphie Parker, a nine-year-old boy living in the 1940s who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for Christmas. Throughout the film, Ralphie navigates the tricky landscape of childhood in his small Ohio town, dealing with school, family, and friend troubles, all while trying to convince his parents and Santa Claus that the BB gun is the perfect gift for him.

Maya Rudolph portrays Ralphie's mother, Mrs. Parker, with a mix of warmth, humor, and exasperation. Chris Diamantopoulos plays Ralphie's father, Mr. Parker, with a bumbling affability that perfectly matches the character's endearing cluelessness. Ana Gasteyer rounds out the trio as Ralphie's teacher, Miss Shields, imbuing her small but pivotal role with a sense of fun and enthusiasm.

The rest of the cast is filled with talented performers as well, including young actor Andy Walken as Ralphie, Tyler Wladis as Ralphie's younger brother Randy, and Jane Krakowski as Ralphie's next-door neighbor, Helen. There are also several notable cameos throughout the show, including David Alan Grier as a department store Santa Claus, and Matthew Broderick as the narrator, grown-up Ralphie.

What sets A Christmas Story Live! apart from other holiday specials is its unique format. Unlike most television musicals, which are pre-recorded and then broadcast, A Christmas Story Live! was filmed and shown in real-time, with actors and crewmembers working on a massive soundstage in Los Angeles while the audience watched from home. The show also incorporated several impressive stagecraft elements, such as carefully choreographed dance numbers, intricate set pieces, and clever camera work that allowed the audience to feel as if they were part of the action.

The musical numbers are energetic, catchy, and well-executed, with standout performances by Rudolph on "What a Mother Does," Gasteyer on "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out," and Diamantopoulos on "A Major Award." The orchestra, led by music director Adam Schlesinger, does a fantastic job of bringing the score to life, with a rich, full sound that complements the vocal performances perfectly.

One of the most impressive aspects of A Christmas Story Live! is the attention to detail in the set and costume design. From the Parker family's cozy living room, complete with a wood-paneled TV and leg lamp, to the vintage department store where Ralphie visits Santa, every detail is carefully crafted to capture the nostalgic feel of the original movie. The costumes, too, are spot-on, with the characters decked out in 1940s-style outfits that feel both authentic and playful.

Overall, A Christmas Story Live! is a fun and entertaining holiday special that manages to capture the heart and humor of the original movie while also adding its own unique flair. The real-time format and impressive stagecraft elements make for a show that feels fresh and exciting, even for those who are familiar with the story. Maya Rudolph, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Ana Gasteyer are all excellent, leading a talented cast that brings the characters to life with wit and charm. Fans of the original film, as well as those who are new to A Christmas Story, are sure to find something to love in this lively and delightful production.

A Christmas Story Live! is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.