In his own words:"Back in the roaring 90s, I was a busy guy on local stages, acting in several shows a year, directing and later, writing some original short theatre pieces performed locally. As my family grew, however, my attention was focused elsewhere. Now, with most of our five children grown, I am excited to be back onstage in Breckenridge, and even more excited to be able to do a show with my son Andy. Having my wife Jen gathering props makes it even more of a family project.
A Christmas Story the film has been a favorite in our house for many years and it's not uncommon for us to watch it several times each Christmas season. Being able to play the Old Man is a hoot. I can easily relate to him since he reminds me of my own father in a lot of ways. He's a loving dad and husband with a gruff exterior. In reality, Jean Shepherd's father (also named Jean) was a cashier at a dairy - perhaps not the most exciting job. So at home, battling the furnace, battling the hounds, and fighting flat tires is where he gets more satisfaction. Having grown up in Long Island in a working class home like Ralphie, I can relate to the family in A Christmas Story very easily. I had a Farkas in my neighborhood - as well as a mean, three-legged dog that used to chase us. The other thing I love about the story is how it reveals how real and stressful a young boy's problems can be to him at that age. As a dad, I've learned to take my kid's problems seriously. Finally, I love how the Old Man - who seems so removed - divines Ralphie's urgent desire for the gun and comes through for him in the end. That's what dads do!"
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