"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Victoria Gregory

Victoria Gregory tries to keep her class in line as Miss Shields in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
VG: I play the part of Miss Shields, the voice of Schwartz's mother, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Miss Shields is Ralphie and his classmates' teacher. She can tell when her students are up to no good!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
VG: I took a break from acting for about 9 years, and last year found my passion again, at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre. I played Gina and Intellectual Girl in "Play it Again, Sam!" My favorite past roles have been Michael in "Peter Pan" in a high school production at Oak Hall, Mother Nature (the narrator) in "A Journey to Narnia," and Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at The Hippodrome's Summer Spectacular program.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
VG: I've grown up loving and watching the movie, and always tune into the 24-hour broadcast of "A Christmas Story" on Thanksgiving Day. Growing up in Gainesville, and being in the GCP audience since I was little girl, it's been a dream to be in a show here. This was my 5th audition at GCP, and after auditioning for a couple musicals in the past, I'm definitely much better suited for straight shows! "Rock Band" singing is the only place I can seem to (sort of) carry a tune. =-)

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
VG: The ending. You'll just have to see it to know what I'm talking about!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
VG: I've finally gotten to see how GCP works behind the scenes! I've always been curious how GCP puts such a professional show together. From the lighting, costumes, sets, meeting all the cast and crew- whose names and faces I recognized from previous productions- it's all been incredible. It takes a lot of hard-working people to put on a show here, and everyone has been very welcoming and sweet to me. It's been lovely to share the experience with my boyfriend, Adam, who plays Ralph as an adult, too. I'm thrilled to be a part of "A Christmas Story."

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
VG: ...I smell cinnamon brooms in the air.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
VG: Baking and decorating Christmas cookies, making mulled cider and wine, watching holiday movies, like "The Bishop's Wife," "White Christmas," and of course, "A Christmas Story."

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
VG: The best Christmas present I ever received was last year from Adam. It was a ring and bracelet. Sapphire (my birthstone) and diamond set in white gold. I had never had a ring that actually fit my tiny size 4 fingers! It was our first Christmas together, and Adam was leaving to go to New York to study acting for several months. He knew it would help me to have something to hold on to while he was away. I wear them everyday.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
VG: Making a gingerbread house! I haven't built one since elementary school, and I love the idea of having a craft project and dessert in one!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
VG: I received the role in "A Christmas Story" two weeks before opening night. Unfortunately, Madeleine, the actress originally cast, couldn't continue with the production for medical reasons. I rejoiced getting my first role at GCP, but I'm very sad it's under those circumstances. I only hope to do the role justice for Madeleine, Thomas, and Betty.

Thanks, Victoria! "A Christmas Story" is drawing to a close -- see it this weekend!

xo xo GCP Girl

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Nadia Cox

Nadia Cox finds all the good hiding spots as Ralphie's picky little brother, Randy, in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
NC: My character is Randy, who is Ralphie's kid brother.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
NC: This is my first "big" show. I have performed at school and at church. :0)

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
NC: I auditioned because I love the movie and have always wanted to be in a play at a real theater.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
NC: My favorite scenes are Santaland at the store and the revealing of the "leg lamp"!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
NC: I have loved getting to know the cast and crew and I LOVE wearing a costume!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
NC: ...when the Christmas songs show up on the radio on KTK. Yes! Even before Thanksgiving!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
NC: I love to put up the tree with my family.

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
NC: I have to say that the Christmas I got my first American Girl doll was just the best!

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
NC: I am really hoping for some cold weather!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
NC: The set of A Christmas Story looks AWESOME!

Thanks, Nadia! This is the last week to catch "A Christmas Story" before the end of the run. This Sunday is already sold out, so be sure to call the box office and get your tickets now!

xo xo GCP Girl

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Laurel Ring

Laurel Ring disapproves of the Old Man's taste in lighting fixtures as Mother in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
LR: I play Ralphie's mother. She's a bit different from the mom in the movie - this mom is smart and keeps the Parker house running smoothly, if such a thing is possible.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LR: Most recently, I was an usherette (among other things) in "The Producers" at the GCP. Before that, I played Olivia in "Shakespeare in Hollywood," and was in the chorus of "Hello, Dolly!," "Hot Mikado" and "The Music Man" at the GCP.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
LR: The movie is a holiday favorite in my family, and I thought it would be fun to be part of the show.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
LR: The jungle scene is entertaining (watch out for those herds of pythons!). I also enjoy the leg lamp scene and Ralphie's gift from Aunt Clara.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
LR: My favorite part is always the performances. There's nothing like a live audience!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
LR: I hear certain songs. Some favorites are the Muppets' "12 Days of Christmas," Alvin and the Chipmunks' "Christmas Don't Be Late," Wham!'s "Last Christmas," and Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (which tells you when I grew up!).

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
LR: I like it all -- Christmas songs, baking, parties, and shopping are all great! I especially enjoy drawing my own designs on Christmas card envelopes.

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
LR: My most memorable Christmas gift was one of the first American Girl dolls when I was eleven. I still have my Samantha (made in Germany when AG was a small, private business named Pleasant Company). AG is something I have in common with my onstage "son," Nadia!

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
LR: Having some time off to spend with my family.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
LR: I don't eat oatmeal. It's in my contract.

Thanks, Laurel! Only three more chances to see the show before it's gone!

xo xo GCP Girl

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Aaron Goll

Aaron Goll instigates mischief and fun as Schwartz in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
AG: I play Schwartz. He is the best friend of Ralphie.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
AG: I have been in school and community theater productions.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
AG: I love to act and wanted to find something here in Gainesville.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
AG: The jungle scene.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
AG: Getting to know everyone.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
AG: ...I put up our tree.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
AG: Getting and giving presents.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
AG: My grandparents coming down to see us.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
AG: I am new to Gainesville.

Thanks, Aaron! Okay, everyone - I triple-dog-dare you not to miss this show!!!

xo xo GCP Girl

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Noah Cox

Noah Cox has a run of bad luck as Flick in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
NC: I play Flick, who is one of Ralphie's two best friends and a favorite victim of Scut Farkus.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
NC: This year I was in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and the year before I was in "The Crucible," both at my school, P.K. Yonge.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
NC: I auditioned because I love the story and because I've always wanted to stick my tongue to a lamppost!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
NC: I love the scene where I stick my tongue to the lamppost, and when Randy stuffs his face in his oatmeal!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
NC: Getting to know all the cast and crew has been a great experience for me, and just being a part of the show.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
NC: I know it's the holiday season when red and green are everywhere and when we put up the tree.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
NC: I like it when all the family in town comes and sits around talking and when we have the big Christmas dinner with my mom's homemade cookies.

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
NC: My most memorable Christmas was when I got an aquarium complete with lights, colored gravel, and all things necessary to keep my fish!

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
NC: For me, I want a Christmas just like the ones I've had for all these years.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
NC: GCP ROCKS!

Thanks, Noah! "A Christmas Story" returns to the Vam York stage for the third week. Shows are beginning to fill up - get your tickets now!

xo xo GCP Girl
(Photo courtesy of Gainesville Sun)

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Caroline Boudreaux

Caroline Boudreaux terrorizes the neighborhood as Scut Farkus in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
CB: I’m playing the part of Scut Farkus/Black Bart. Scut Farkus is the girl bully.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
CB: This is my second play at GCP. The first play that I performed at GCP was "Oliver!" I have also been in multiple plays at High Springs Community Theatre, such as "Hansel and Gretel," "Sleeping Beauty" and "Beauty and the Beast." I was in several productions at St. Patrick’s Interparish School.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
CB: This is one of my favorite Christmas stories of all time.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
CB: My favorite scene in the show is when the Dad receives the leg lamp. It’s hilarious how Mr. Ed and Ms. Laurel play this scene.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
CB: My favorite experience has been getting to know the other cast members. And of course, I like to use the country twang in the fantasy scene!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
CB: My dad lights the warm and cozy fireplace.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
CB: Watching "It’s a Wonderful Life" every year on Christmas with my dad.

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
CB: One year for Christmas, all I wanted was a dog. I thought it wasn’t going to happen because my mom told us that they shed too much. Then came Christmas morning and an adorable Australian Shepherd was there. That was a special Christmas for my family.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
CB: Definitely hanging out with family and friends.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
CB: Hope you enjoy the show!

Thanks, Caroline! "A Christmas Story" begins its second week tonight at the Vam York!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Intimate Apparel" cast list!

Congrats to the new cast of "Intimate Apparel"!

Esther: Amanda Edwards
Mayme: Madeleine Escarne
George: Troy McCray
Mrs. Van Buren: Kim Huebner
Mrs. Dickson: Shetiquea Davis
Mr. Marks: Nicholas May

Director: Rhonda Wilson
Assistant Directors: Shontae Khaleel White, Steven Butler

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Celia Shankman

Celia Shankman makes her GCP debut as class genius Helen Weathers in "A Christmas Story," previewing tonight at the Vam York!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
CS: I play Helen Weathers, the smartest girl Ralphie knows in his class.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
CS: For the Alachua Children's Theater, I played Sebastian in "The Little Mermaid," Sam in "Ransom of Red Chief," Honor in "Beauty is a Beast," and Sam from "Emperor's New Clothes."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
CS: I thought it would be fun and a good experience.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
CS: My favorite scene in the show is when Flick puts his tongue on the pole. It is the funniest!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
CS: Learning acting etiquette.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
CS: I know it's the holiday season when people start putting up lights in the neighborhood.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
CS: My favorite winter holiday traditions are decorating the tree for Christmas and lighting candles on the Menorah for Chanukah.

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
CS: When we moved back to Florida three years ago, we moved in on Christmas Eve. We had no tree or any decorations because we had driven all day from New Jersey. It was about 9 at night when my mom and dad were looking in the new attic to put some boxes away when all of a sudden, we found a Christmas tree with lights. It was a miracle. We had a tree.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
CS: Spending time with my family and my grandmom.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
CS: That I am funny and energetic and love to make you laugh.

Thanks, Celia! Tickets are $5 when the doors open tonight at 7 p.m. - don't miss out!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Intimate Apparel" auditions are this weekend!

Auditions for the period drama "Intimate Apparel" are this Sunday and Monday, Nov. 27-28. Director Rhonda Wilson offers some insights into the show and what she is looking for in potential cast members!

GCP Girl: Why did you want to direct "Intimate Apparel"?
RW: As an African-American woman, I felt it was important to showcase a work that reflected women of color as real people with real lives and emotional stories during a time when they were treated as second-class citizens. I think the story speaks to everyone regardless of ethnicity. I am so glad the playwright used an African-American female as the heroine.

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your vision for the production.
RW: My goal is to direct the show in such a way that each of the six distinct characters transcend the 100 years, so that their needs and desires are reflected in people you know, or maybe even yourself. I intend to respect the author's intent and remain true to the beauty of her words.

GCP Girl: Is there anything specific you are looking for in the actors who audition? If someone wants to impress you, what should he/she do?
RW: When I'm reading a script, especially a period drama, I visualize what I think the characters would look or sound like. Sometimes they don't show up to audition. I would love to see people who are committed to the story being told. They should have at least researched the time and place of the story and have a basic understanding of the plot.

GCP Girl: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

RW: This show is not well-known and doesn't have a blockbuster movie to its credit. It is simply a piece of theatre that needs to be seen and told. The show is definitely a character study and a vehicle to delve into the most "intimate" feelings of a diverse group of people. The show is a microcosm of the turn-of-the century society. We have seen this period of time on stage before, but rarely from the perspective of an African-American woman working hard to pursue her dream. If you can't audition, at least come see the show.

Thanks, Rhonda! Break a leg at auditions, everyone!

Spotlight on Jean Shepherd

"A Christmas Story" opens this week at the GCP's Vam York Theater. The 1983 movie that became a holiday classic was penned by American author, humorist and radio personality Jean Shepherd (1921-1999).
Like the hero of "A Christmas Story," Shepherd grew up in an Indiana town in the 1930s. He got his start in radio in Cincinnati in 1948 and moved to New York City in 1956. Before long, he was entertaining fans with stories, poetry and elaborate hoaxes, such as him encouraging listeners to ask booksellers for a copy of "I, Libertine" -- a book that did not exist -- to place it on the bestseller lists, which at that time were partly based on demand as well as sales. (Shepherd later wrote the book.) His narrative style inspired many young announcers, notably Garrison Keillor.
Although he talked about many topics in his almost 50-year radio career, Shepherd's most popular stories were those about ordinary American life. Some of these were published in Playboy magazine, and some were incorporated into books, such as "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash," "Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories: and Other Disasters," "The Ferrari in the Bedroom," and "A Fistful of Fig Newtons."
Shepherd co-wrote and narrated the movie "A Christmas Story," drawing on previous stories and his own childhood experiences. He also appears in a cameo role in the movie as the man in the department store who directs Ralphie to the end of the Santa line. Some interesting movie trivia:

• Shepherd's middle name is Parker, the family's last name in "A Christmas Story." He grew up on Cleveland Street (in Hammond, Ind.) and attended Warren G. Harding School, just like Ralphie.
  
• Shepherd's younger brother was also named Randall.
• The director, Bob Clark, became interested in Shepherd's work after hearing him read the story "Flick's Tongue" on the radio in 1968.
• Clark has said in interviews that actor Jack Nicholson was originally considered for the part of The Old Man.
• Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie, was already well known as "Messy Marvin" from the Hershey's Syrup commercials.
• A sequel, "My Summer Story," was filmed in 1994.

Thanks to 24-hour marathons and a heavy dose of holiday nostalgia, "A Christmas Story" is a beloved classic and a holiday tradition for many. Come spend an evening this holiday season with the Parkers at the GCP!

Source material: Jean Shepherd (Wikipedia); A Christmas Story (Wikipedia); A Christmas Story House