There are certain things you expect from a Scotty Myers production at Owego. Cameos by counselors and key staff, musical numbers that get the audience singing along, vibrant costumes, and lots of laughs. But a Christmas tree? Elves?? Santa??? Last night, the audience was treated to all those things and so much more, as “A Christmas Story: The Musical” premiered on Scotty’s Stage!

Pretty much everyone is familiar with the story of Ralphie, whose only Christmas wish is to be gifted an authentic Red Rider BB gun. Ralphie’s parents, teachers, and even Santa Claus  proclaims, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” In the original story, there is a leg lamp, a pink fluffy bunny suit, and a tongue frozen to a pole. In a Scotty Myers production, however, it’s the connection he draws to Owego that really captures the audience’s attention.

Last night’s show was no exception. In Scotty’s original script, adult Ralphie narrated the story of the summer he attended Lake Owego and wished for nothing more than to bring a little Christmas spirit to camp. The running joke throughout the script was that Owego is a predominantly Jewish camp, and everyone there wants Ralphie to embrace Hanukkah in the same way he has become fixated on Christmas. There was an appearance by Santa AND Hanukkah Harry, who sang an Owego-centric rendition of Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song!”

One of the highlights was the group of Juniors who played the youngest campers at Owego (some serious Method acting going on there). Their energy on stage was infectious, as they danced and sang their way through the story. The “6-7” joke went over particularly well with this audience! When they came out on stage dressed as Christmas elves and danced to  “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the audience’s cheeks no doubt hurt from smiling so much! The show concluded with a curtain call/sing-along to “Holiday Road.” Everyone had a blast, on and off stage, and that is a testament to Scotty’s talent and hard work!

The cast was, simply put, sensational! To have the courage to get up on stage in front of the entire camp and perform deserves major kudos. Whether the players are Juniors who have never before performed on stage, or older campers who regularly appear in camp productions, the talent was emanating from the stage! Between the acting, singing, and dancing, the audience was thoroughly entertained. Add in a bonus performance of “Don’t Stop Believing” by Kyle, Freedo, and Dave, and it was nearly impossible to sit still! The audience clapped and sang along. In a way, we were all a part of the show!

After the curtain call, the cast assembled in the dining hall for a post-show celebration. They were treated to a beautiful cake, baked special by our kitchen staff! Last night’s performance will be uploaded to our YouTube channel later this week, so everyone can continue to celebrate Owego Christmas through the end of July and beyond!