This December, Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) invites families, friends, and newcomers to step into a world of holiday nostalgia with A Christmas Story, running from December 13-22, 2024. As part of PLT's Treehouse Theatre Series, this production tells the tale of young Ralphie Parker and his singular holiday wish to own a Red Ryder BB gun. Set in 1930s Indiana, Ralphie's journey includes dodging school bullies, managing family antics, and finding humor in the everyday. With laughs and heartfelt moments, A Christmas Story has become an iconic celebration of childhood and family, making it a beloved staple of the holiday season.
Director, Benjamin Haupt as Ralphie in 2007.
For Director Benjamin Haupt, A Christmas Story isn't just a seasonal favorite; it's a personal journey. Haupt first connected with the story as a young performer, taking on the role of Ralphie in a 2007 production when he was just 13 years old. Now, more than 15 years later, he returns to the play with a new perspective, passion, and insight. "That show in 2007 is truly the show that made me feel like I belonged on stage," Haupt recalls. "I remember the radio interviews and getting to leave school for promotional events. It also is a time that I recall spending a lot of time with my mom, who drove me to all the events, rehearsals, and shows and spent a lot of time backstage as a rehearsal parent, so I attribute theatre—and this show in particular—as a reason she and I are still so close today."
With such a meaningful history with A Christmas Story, Haupt feels honored and challenged by his role as director. This production has graced the PLT stage three times in the past, making it familiar to audiences. "Stepping into the director's chair is different and challenging," He shares. "I want to make sure I can bring something new and fresh to a show that has been done on the PLT stage three previous times while also keeping the heart and integrity of the show intact." For Haupt, directing this production is a balancing act of honoring the traditional elements audiences expect while adding new layers that are often overlooked.
Director, Benjamin Haupt giving his cast direction at a rehearsal of A Christmas Story.
Benjamin Haupt receiving the Artist Excellence award for his portrayal of Angel in PLT’s production of RENT in 2024.
A significant part of Haupt's vision for this production comes from his life experiences and the relationships that have shaped him. "Where I'm at now in my life, I'm excited to get the opportunity to use this show as a love letter to some of those relationships in my life," Haupt says. He describes these connections as spanning from his childhood to his present day, and with an especially deep connection to family: "My relationship with my mom, my childhood relationships that have endured a lifetime, my first crush to my current fiancé, the bullies that helped me become the person I am today, the sibling connection I share with my brothers, and the many teachers that helped me discover who I was and grow into the human I am today." This deep personal connection allows Haupt to bring a nuanced understanding of Ralphie's story that goes beyond surface-level humor. Instead, he focuses on the relationships, love, and resilience that make this holiday story a classic. "Having worked on this show twice before," he explains, "I can focus on details that may be skipped over by someone who isn't as familiar with the content. I think that is what's going to set this production apart once we're into our production phase of the process."
Director, Benjamin Haupt giving his cast direction at a rehearsal of A Christmas Story.
For Haupt, A Christmas Story also represents a gift to the audience and the PLT community, which has been an integral part of his life journey. "It feels like I'm coming full circle," he says. "When I was Ralphie, I was a young kid dreaming about the spotlight. Now, I get to share this story with new actors and help them find their own love for the theatre. It's my way of giving back to the place that made me feel like I belonged."
With Haupt's unique perspective and heartfelt approach, this year's A Christmas Story promises to deliver the holiday charm audiences know and love with an added layer of authenticity, joy, and emotion.