All roles listed in the breakdown are available. Pioneer Theatre Company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is seeking all races, ethnicities, body types, gender identities, actors with disabilities, and actors of all ages for roles in this production.

In reference to the character descriptions below- most characters we encounter currently are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.

JEAN SHEPHERD/NARRATOR: Late 40s to early 50s. A charismatic storyteller with a dynamic speaking voice, who can draw an audience in to the world of the play. Radio personality. He (like his younger self) has a twinkle in his eye. An actor with presence and spark. A good-natured curmudgeon. Midwestern. Doesn’t have to sing, but that is a plus.

THE OLD MAN: Late 30s-40s. He has a good heart, but it is buried under a rough exterior. He’s not the perfect father by any means – he is happiest when he’s tinkering in the basement. He usually expects the worst, but is secretly a dreamer. A devoted husband/father, who loves his family but does not feel the need to show it. Actor must be comfortable working with kids. Vocal range Bb2-G4

MOTHER: 30s-40s. She is more in charge than she would ever let anyone know. Warm but tough. Strong willed, straight forward, no nonsense, likable, midwestern – a kind of every-mom. Vocal range A3-Eb5.

MISS SHIELDS: Mid 20’s – 40’s. Soprano 1. She is Ralphie’s elementary school teacher. Perhaps a little boring looking at first – ah but underneath! Great with comedy. Should move well Vocal range C4-Db5

SANTA: is also in the ensemble. Vocal range D2-Bb4

Ensemble