By Joanne Donaruma Wade
The holidays have always been about tradition for me. One tradition I have always cherished was how, on Christmas Eve, all ten of us Trevisani siblings would wait upstairs in our pajamas, crowded into one room, until Mom and Dad finally called us down. We’d rush to see what Santa had delivered, and every year our dad would get a new pair of slippers. Looking back, I realize how much those little rituals meant—and how grateful I am for the places and experiences that keep them alive.
For many families in the Mohawk Valley, Broadway Utica has become one of those traditions. Every season, they bring the magic of Broadway right to our doorstep, giving us stories that connect generations. This November, that magic takes the shape of A Christmas Story, The Musical, and I can’t think of a better way to kick off the holidays.
If you grew up with the 1983 film, you know Ralphie Parker’s world by heart: the leg lamp glowing proudly in the window, the pink bunny pajamas no child would want to wear, the “triple dog dare” that makes us laugh every single time. Seeing those moments come to life on stage isn’t just entertainment—it’s nostalgia, a reminder of the joy, wonder, and even silliness that define the season.
What makes this production especially heartwarming is its music, written by the award-winning duo behind Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land. The songs add a whole new layer of warmth to a story we already love. It’s the kind of theatre that makes you feel like a kid again, sitting in a darkened room, swept up in the anticipation of what’s about to unfold.
When the curtain rises at the Stanley Theatre, it won’t just be a show—it will be part of our holiday traditions, weaving itself into the memories we carry forward. That’s what Broadway Utica has always done best: given us a chance to laugh, remember, and share the magic of the season together.
Showtimes
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 – 7:30 pm
at the Stanley Theatre, Utica
While it may be a month away, buy tickets now to ensure you get the best seats possible. Tickets are available at broadwayutica.org and the Stanley Theatre box office.
