I would never accuseA Christmas Storyof having a point.
Its too clever for that.
I cringed a bit, but the whole musical was like that.
The TV version was adapted directly from the stage musical, which Ive not seen yet nor ever.
I can see how this could work in a live performance, as a raucous get-you-clapping extravaganza.
But the same aesthetic felt plastic when applied to this least plastic of holiday tales.
realities of employing child performers for a three-hour live musical event.
You felt like there wasnt a center to this thing.
There was also aGreatest Showmanlive trailer commercial, with not nearly enough Zefron frankly.
The kids were very fun what am I, Satan?
The sheer impossibility of performing precise choreography on snow gave the whole number a charmingly rough edge.
The adults cast had plenty of song-and-dance experts.
Their precision was more impressive and less soulful.
I preferred Maya Rudolph as Ralphies mom.
While some of the other performances leaned broad, she invested the material with casual humanity.
And speaking of purkey, how about that dog?
Or more, maybe, of the Chinese restaurant.
Ken Jeong played the restaurateur, and he introduced a group of waiters caroling.
Isnt this a great country?
Jeong said, asking a question that was also a pointed response.
This was a Moment worth tweeting about.
But the show had to get to the big number to close out hour 22.
If this live musical craze continues, can I request a follow-up from this same creative team?
