By Finn Gallagher | Special to Hawaii 24/7
To most people “A Christmas Story” is a holiday tradition movie, but this year Max Troberg is living it.
Troberg, a Kealakehe Intermediate School student, is playing Ralphie in “A Christmas Story, a presentation by Aloha Teen Theatre and APAC in Kainaliu.
In the story, Ralphie is a young boy growing up in 1940s Indiana, who dreams of owning a BB gun. He sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift. But along the way, he runs into opposition from his parents, his teacher, and even good ‘ol Santa Claus himself.
Troberg, who has appeared in Kealakehe plays, said he was very nervous on opening night, but it was a real treat for his dad to see Max in his first lead role after his recent moped accident.
Jerry Tracy, APAC artistic director and long-time actor and director, said “It is a delight and pleasure working with Max.”
Robb Dahlke, who plays Ralphie as an adult and narrates the story, said “It’s great. I enjoy working with Max. We would always make up each others mistakes in the show. He is a natural actor.”
Troberg said he learned a lot working with experienced actors, especially Tracy, who plays his ‘Old Man.’
“It is very hard working with this cast,” he said. “Mr.Tracy is very intimidating.”
When Troberg first saw the script he said had some laughs, but was a little scared about all the lines he had to memorize. He watched the original movie to help him prepare for playing Ralphie.
Troberg said the rehearsals were hard work, especially the quick costume change into the dreaded bunny outfit, sent by Aunt Clara.
“I had my grandma up there helping me try to get ready in time, but it was difficult to do and people kept yelling at me to hurry up,” Troberg said. “These people have no aloha!”
One of the funniest mistakes that happened at rehearsal was that Pierce Marr, also known as Ralphie’s friend Schwartz, kept calling Esther Jane “estrogen.”
“That was pretty funny,” Troberg said.
Troberg said he has never owned an airgun but he would really like one just like Ralphie’s – an official Red Rider zooshot carbine action rang model air rifle with a compass and this thing that tells time built right into the stock!
Troberg said it was such a great experience, he definitely will be auditioning for future plays.
There are three more showings left at the Aloha Theatre so here’s your chance to see a real Christmas story.
The rest of the cast
Ralphie’s family includes Simon Ellis as his little brother Randy and Karen Barry as his mother.
Other characters include Ralphie’s teacher, Miss Shields, played by Pamela Hicks; Scut Farkas, the town bully, played by Jacob Simpson; his buddies Flick and Schwartz, played by Alika Tolzmann and Pierce Marr; classmates Esther Jane and Helen, played by Courtney Nelson and Maya Krauss; and neighbor kids Molly and Sally, played by Amanda Nelson and Kiana Ching.
Most crew positions are filled by teens, including Amanda Madigan, assistant director and stage manager; Elliott Jacobson, props; Alex Miyashiro, set; Amanda Nelson and Delaney Ross, costumes; Miel Krauss and Raisa Klyne, makeup and hair; Bowen Ressler, lights; Jonathan Kutsunai, house management; Kristiana Van Pernis, concessions; BriAnna Johnson, box office, and Mia Davis, sound.
Adult mentors include Kate Jacobson, Ann Marsh, April Mai, Jeannie Kutsunai, Jill Collier, Michelle Solomon, Gerald Lucena, Eugene Gall, Jerry Tracy, and David A. Payne.
Show times and dates
* 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 (Discount night – all seats $15)
* 7:30 p.m Saturday, Dec. 19
* 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20
Reserved seating tickets are available at the Aloha Theatre, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, online, or by calling 322-1648.
Tickets costs are $18 Adults; $15 Seniors (65+); $15 Students/Children (3-18)
— Find out more:
www.apachawaii.org
(Finn Gallagher is a Kealakehe Intermediate School student. He enjoys going to the theater and recently appeared with Troberg in the school production of ‘Into the Woods.’)
