‘A Christmas Story’ comes to Nehalem

Riverbend Players presents “A Christmas Story,” opening this Friday, Dec. 1, at the North County Recreation District Performing Arts Center in Nehalem.

This beloved holiday classic follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. He must deal with constantly being told he will “shoot his eye out;” bring bullied by Scut Farkas; the exploding furnace; and the infamous tongue-on-a-flagpole incident.

“A Christmas Story” is a story about hope, family and the magic of the holiday season,” Director Frank Squillo said. “It’s a story that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.”

Squillo has assembled a talented cast and crew to bring this classic story to life. Ralphie will be played by Oliver Arnold, with Bryonie Arnold, Oliver’s real-life mom, as his mother and Dawson Carter as his father. The cast includes seven children: four from Nehalem Elementary School, one from Neah-Kah-Nie Middle School and two who are home-schooled.

“I’m so proud of the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication,” Squillo said. “They’ve brought this story to life in a funny and heartwarming way.”

“A Christmas Story” runs through Sunday, Dec. 17, with performances at 7 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 2 pm matinées on Sundays. The North County Recreation District Performing Arts Center is located at 36155 9th Street in Nehalem.

Tickets are $25 for premier seating, $20 General, $10 for kids aged 12 and younger and $5 on matinée dates with a student ID.

For more information, go to RiverbendPlayers.org.