Christmas Story: The Musical
Holiday spirits are bright throughout the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi. Ruby poinsettias line the hallways, lights are twinkling, and Santa can be seen flying in his reindeer-drawn sled up above. This jovial scene extends to the stage as A Christmas Story: The Musical is delighting fans young and old. I took the trip to see this heartwarming performance as A Christmas Story is always on at my house this month, and I wanted to see it come to life. But first, dinner.
Award-winning Italian eatery Stalla seemed like the best choice for this season. The facade was festooned with several glimmering Christmas trees. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and comforting, exactly what one wants to feel this chilly time of year. The grand open kitchen where some diners sat and watched the action up close made this meal feel like home.
It was also a great time to visit Stalla because the menu has been revamped by Beau Rivage's Executive Chef Kristian Wade. Alongside the primary dish (a go-to menu item for me) of creamy, indulgent burrata and grape tomatoes were brand new and beloved menu items crafted by this hometown favorite: labneh with black figs, pita seasoned with za'atar, Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta...I could only take two bites of each item because there was so much to choose from. Not to be outdone, the Smoked Countryside Old Fashioned was a show-stopper. The drink came out with a high-tech device atop it that imbued the booze with a rich smokiness. The smoke billowed out as I sipped it, which certainly drew looks from around the room.
Even though I didn't have much room left, I selected the mushroomy chicken marsala piled high with thick-cut mushrooms and savory sauce. The Wagyu Short Rib needed to be sampled, as well, and this was a marvel. The meat was so tender that it caved under the slightest pressure; it truly melted in the mouth. This impressive dish created by Stalla's Chef Christian Cheskevick dripped with bone marrow butter that made its way down to the risotto below. Dessert was just too much after all this, however the Creamy Lavender cocktail was just right to take as a walking drink. The lavender syrup and creme de coconut tasted like a dream.
I rushed into the theater and sat just in time for A Christmas Story: The Musical. The endearing show was fast-paced, but the tale of Adult Ralphie remembering that one special Christmas didn't skip a beat. Adult Ralphie stayed by Young Ralphie's side for much of the show, looking at his young self, his family, and his friends with love in his eyes.
Actor Charlie Palmer, who portrayed Young Ralphie, was an incredible delight. In fact, he hails from Evansville, Indiana, not far from where A Christmas Story was set. His excellent singing voice was displayed in "Ralphie to the Rescue," and I found myself singing it over the next few days. He will definitely go far in his career. Other child actors who portray Ralphie's classmates including Kate Legendre and Anna Kramer are Louisiana natives.
As a lifelong fan of A Christmas Story, and the owner of a full-size Leg Lamp, I really enjoyed this musical take on the film. I especially enjoyed that Ralphie's parents had a few songs of their own to make them more dynamic. "A Major Award" makes me want to go out and get even more Leg Lamps and put one in every room of the house. A Christmas Story: The Musical plays until December 27 and is the perfect addition to your holiday activities. Those who can't get enough of it can opt to meet the gleeful cast after the show for a photo and a commemorative gift bag full of goodies that they can nerd-out over back in their rooms.
The bells and whistles of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino may go off year-round, but holiday season there is truly magical for the whole family.
