'Christmas Story' is fun, nostalgic and a must see

PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
PIERRE KENYON

Friday night's performance of "Christmas Story" by the Steel City Theatre Company, staged at Hoag Hall on the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus, helped spur along more than a bit of Christmas spirit.

The play was based on stories by the late Jean Shepherd and set some 70 years ago in a small town in Indiana.

A good audience of about 100 really seemed to enjoy themselves.

The story of the play centers around a young boy with an intense desire to receive a particular Christmas present. James Amos, as the adult man, narrated throughout from various places on stage. Amos was a real tour de force as he reminisced about his Christmas quest many years before. Tracey Mattoon-Amos is solid as his mother with earthy wisdom and good humor. The young boy, played by Christian Nafziger, does a fine job.

There is a real flavor of small town life that emerges in a time when life was somewhat simpler.

However, it's the kids, and there are lots of them, who dominate the stage. They are just great.

In particular, Joshua Smith as Randy, steals quite a few scenes.The kids get into scrapes rather often but managed to survive. Direction by Jason Laughrey is especially effective in placing the youngsters in various locations of the stage throughout the play.

Laughrey also was impressive as the young boy's father.

All in all, this was a charming performance with loads of good humor, quite suitable for the whole family. There is a definite feeling of nostalgia that comes through allowing many in the audience to get caught up in the spirit of a Christmas many years ago.

The only point I'd be inclined to make is that the performance is just a tad long comprising nearly three hours. However, it holds your attention throughout.

Performances continue tonight and on Dec. 18-20 at 7:30 p.m.