Press Release – Two Young Actors Step Into the Spotlight as Ralphie in A Christmas Story

Saskatoon, SK – Join Persephone Theatre to celebrate the holiday season with A Christmas Story, based on the classic holiday film by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, adapted by Philip Grecian, on stage December 3-21.

This story will come alive with not one, but two talented young actors sharing the iconic role of Ralphie – Kade Adams and Clark Willoughby will be alternating performances during the run.

A Christmas Story revolves around Ralphie’s desire to get a shiny new Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Set in 1938 in Hohman, Indiana, the production is full of humour guaranteed to make audiences feel nostalgic for their own past holiday seasons.

Adams explained he was excited to audition for the role of Ralphie for a number of reasons.

“I love theatre and I love Christmas, so this is perfect,” he said. “Ralphie has a big imagination, and I thought it would be fun to play him.”

Willoughby echoed similar sentiments to Adams, and said he wanted to have more acting experience on a larger production, since he has some experience with community theatre.

They were both excited when they got the news they were cast as Ralphie. Since A Christmas Story is a popular movie, they have watched the film in the past.

Adams said he enjoyed the humour in the film, while Willoughby said the tone of it was what drew him to the story.

“It’s a different story from other Christmas stories,” Willoughby said. “It’s more about nostalgia and Ralph’s Christmas instead of the magic of Christmas. You don’t even see Santa in the show.”

Not only did they both enjoy the story, they also relate to the character of Ralphie in different ways.

“I think I have a big imagination, and Ralphie has a big imagination,” Adams said. “I can be very determined, and Ralphie is very determined to get his Legendary Official Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle with compass and this thing that tells time built right into the stock.”

“I get the nostalgia of Christmas,” Willoughby added. “I’m not as old as (adult Ralph), but I still remember past Christmases and think, that was a great feeling.”

Not only will audiences remember their past holiday memories, both young actors thought about their past Christmas traditions.

“We have a lot of Christmas traditions in my family. One of my favorite traditions is Christmas hats,” Adams explained. “Every year our big family draws names for gifts to give and part of it is giving crazy Christmas hats. We take a big group picture and wear our hats all night. My favorite hat is my Christmas turkey hat.”

Willoughby said his holiday season is usually busy with Christmas recitals, but he also enjoys going to the malls and attending the Christmas parades.

Both also understand what it’s like to long for that one special gift. For Adams, it was a video game he wanted so he could play with his friends. Willoughby dreamed of a Meta Quest VR headset, “but my mom said no because she thought I’d hurt myself” and because it’s very expensive.

Both actors are having an amazing time in rehearsal, working with everyone on the team.
“Everyone in the cast is really great,” Adams said. “I’m having fun and learning a lot from the adults in the show.”

“Everyone’s awesome,” Willoughby agreed. “I’ve worked with lots of people so it’s fun to work with them again and new people, too … it’s great because then the next time I do a show, I might see them again.”

Being youth actors, they both said it is a great experience and they are ready to learn more from it. Adams noted how much work goes into a production behind the scenes.

“The most challenging part is all the parts of the show that are being planned and worked on at the same time,” he said. “It is amazing how all those things come together.”

Willoughby said he is impressed by the talent of the creative team.

“I’m really excited about the set, like the house and stuff – I think it’s a really cool set,” he said. “The designers are really talented.”

Although there are challenges with a larger production, Willoughby said he is looking forward to it.

“I’m looking forward to playing different characters,” he explained. “Like being Red Rider, being like Indiana Jones, you know? So like, yeah, that type of stuff.”

“I am really looking forward to being on stage during the shows,” Adams added. “I can’t wait to show everyone what we have been working on. I think everyone will really enjoy it.”

They both encourage people to come see the show as part of their holiday plans.

“A Christmas Story is a funny show, and it is a perfect place to make a holiday memory with family and friends,” Adams said.

“It’s a really good Christmas story,” Willoughby said. “Last year’s (holiday show) was Miracle on 34th Street. It’s a great show, but it’s about Santa magic, but this show is more about Ralph’s nostalgia. So, it’s more … relatable in a way (because it is more realistic).”

Adams had one final message for the theatre community.
“I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jodi Schellenberg, Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected] | 306-384-2126 ext 237