He’s nine years old, he’s got big dreams, and he’s absolutely sure of one thing: Christmas won’t be complete without an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle!
Based on the beloved holiday film, A Christmas Story follows young Ralphie Parker as he schemes, pleads, and daydreams his way toward the ultimate Christmas gift. Along the way, he faces pink bunny pajamas, a double dog dare, a major award shaped like a lamp, and the constant warning—“You’ll shoot your eye out!”
Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heartwarming family chaos, and a healthy dose of 1940s nostalgia, this holiday classic brings to life all the favorite scenes you know and love. Perfect for audiences of all ages, A Christmas Story is the hilarious and heartfelt reminder that sometimes the best gifts aren’t the ones wrapped under the tree.
A Christmas Story" marks my 19th DSL production and 32nd overall in the Bismarck area. Other recent productions I was in are "Suite Surrender" (Dakota Stage), "Hamlet" (Capital Shakespeare), and "Xanadu" (Bismarck State College). One week after this show closes I'll be joining the ranks of American retirees after decades of working at NISC in Mandan. I'm told it will be an adjustment, but it's one I look forward to making.
Jameson has been involved in several productions in Bismarck, including Sleepy Hollow Theatre and Arts Park's productions of Willy Wonka Jr., Cinderella, and Wizard of Oz. His favorite show is Wizard of Oz. He likes to read, play the trumpet, and build Legos. I want to give a shout out to my family because they help support me with theatre and all the things I enjoy.
TJ discovered his passion for acting after a chance encounter with Dan Rogers and a production of Into the Woods at BSC. He loves being a part of the Dakota Stage family and is absolutely thrilled to be part of A Christmas Story. He was a bespectacled 9-year-old when the movie was released, so he is excited to bring it full-circle. Merry Christmas!
Pasha Goodman is thrilled to be making her Dakota Stage debut. Pasha and her family are enjoying their very first North Dakota winter since moving from Houston, Texas, where she was active in her local community theater. Some of her favorite roles include Caroline in Detroit '67, Marci in Almost Maine, and Marlene in Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will. You can also catch her two-stepping on Netflix 's "Mo" Season 2, Episode 5. Pasha is beyond grateful for her family for supporting her passion for theater and for the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented cast and crew!
Isabella McNeil has been in theater for many years, with Shade Tree Players, Dakota Stage and WMS. She enjoys art and reading. She would like to thank her family for supporting her artistic endeavors.
Hudson has been a Sleepy Hollow kid for the past 4 years taking part in Rising Stars with this last summer being his first big show and was the coroner in The Wizard of Oz. Most recently he started Simle Middle School and is also part of their theater program.
He learned to play piano by ear by the age of 7.
Eve Scott is a senior Art Education Major with a Minor in Music at Valley CIty State University, graduating in December. She has always loved the all the arts - being in dance, choirs, and art classes since elementary. In middle school, she did her first play and was instantly hooked. Since then, she’s been a part of over 25 productions, directing plays in college for the last 5 years. She started the VCSU Drama Club in 2020 and built it from the ground up, allowing a space for young adults to continue theatre into their undergrad. She’s so excited to be back as an actor and can’t wait to see the show come to life!
Annalee Kasowski has recently performed as Leslie in The Grunch, Horizon Middle School’s 6th grade musical. Her motto when running for student council was “tiny but mighty.” Regardless of her small stature, Annalee is a force on stage and a joy to watch. As a middle child with an older and younger brother, she is a natural leader, facilitator and referee.
Annalee has been a part of Central Dakota Children’s Choir since first grade, is involved in her church youth group and Bis/Man Young Life, and is part of Horizon’s Student Council, Sources of Strength and Spelling Bee. Outside those interests, she enjoys time with her family and friends, art projects, organizing, and reading.
I have done Robin Hood (2nd lady in waiting), Channeling Grimm (Fairy, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Announcer, Bunion, Cornelia), and Charlotte's Web (Templeton) with Shade Tree/Dakota Stage. I have done many dance productions and recitals with DanceWorx, and I did Annie Jr. (ensemble) with Wachter Middle School Drama Club. I have been dancing since I was 3, and I play the bassoon. I would like to give a shout out to my dance teacher Lindsay. She helped me start my acting career with her dance class, and accepts me and everyone else for who they are. In her class, I’m not afraid to be “weird” or “different” from everyone else. She also does some Dakota Stage plays and musicals, such as Sweeney Todd as Ms. Lovett.
Zach is currently a junior at Bismarck High School. He has been involved in Shade Tree since 2021, but this is his first mainstage production. He likes Minnesota sports, Fall Out Boy, and he has 2 dogs. He would like to thank his family for this opportunity and his friends for supporting him.
Dave Hagler
Santa/Tree Lot Owner/Delivery Man & Ralph Understudy
Santa/Tree Lot Owner/Delivery Man & Ralph Understudy
This is Dave’s 20th Dakota Stage production in a span of a few years, (OK, 36 years!) having performed in Of Mice and Men, 12 Angry Men, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, to name a few. Dave’s love for the theater is a family affair as he met his wife, Kory, while working on a DSL production during the 1989-90 season. His children (young adults), Lexi and Kyle, also caught the “acting bug” and, between them, have been in over 30 Shade Tree Player’s, school and community theater productions. Dave grew up in Hazen, graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1989, and is an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Bismarck. Dave would like to thank his wonderful family and the dedicated group of Dakota Stage champions for all their support and encouragement.
Gavin Goodman is making his theater debut here at Dakota Stage. He enjoyed performing with his elementary school show choir in Texas and is excited for the possibility of his first white Christmas this year in North Dakota. In his spare time, you can catch Gavin on the soccer or football field or playing video games with his three older brothers. Gavin would like to thank his family for always encouraging him to take chances and follow his dreams!
Production Team
Director
LaDonna Carpenter
Stage Manager
Ally Baker
Costume Designer
Amanda Perry
Scenic Designer
Brian Nelson
Master Carpenter
Jason Bryhn
Lighting Designer
Chris Roemmich
Sound Designer
Kirk Longhofer
Properties
Nancy Gordon
Costume Assistant
Greta Sandel
Photographer
Tom Chase
Board Operator
Mike Carpenter
Spot Light Operator
Miriam Theurer
Production Crew
Nelson Abrego
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