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Ralphie (Ian Cartpenter) protects his family from his imaginary nemesis Black Bart with his Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle during a daydream in Parkland's productin of A Christmas Story.

This Christmas, most kids are asking Santa for a new bike, a Play Station 3 or their two front teeth. In Parkland Theatre's production of A Christmas Story, 9-year-old Ralphie, played by Dante Dobbs, wants a "Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle." That's right, a rifle. He wants that rifle more than anything in the world; even if, as his mother and every adult he knows keep telling him, it can "shoot his eye out."

A Christmas Story is Parkland's 16th annual student production. Unlike the other shows during Parkland theatrical season, which are usually headed up by Parkland Theatre's faculty, A Christmas Story is directed, designed and acted mainly by students; in addition, the ticket sale profits all benefit Parkland's theater scholarship program.

"It's a good play - brilliant. It's good for the season," said Chad Myler, who plays three roles - Red Ryder (Ralphie's role model), a tree lot owner and a delivery man.

A Christmas Story was a choice among several plays that were in a running to be put on this December. Every year, there is a competition between students that want to direct.

"The students submit ideas to a committee and the student panel decides what show will be done. They decide which show would have the most participation and this year,A Christmas Story won," said Thom Schnarre, assistant director of the show.

"The director is Aaron Clark. A lot of what you see are Aaron Clark's ideas," Schnarre added.

Schnarre explained that many things were changed from the original theatrical adaptation of the popular film. He said that one thing that was changed was concerning the Adult Ralph, played by Matt Fear. In the show, Fear walks around and narrates the story; however, in the original play, the Adult Ralph was never originally seen by the audience. On the stage, Fear is able to entice the audience with his captivating voice and animated facial expressions.

"My favorite part about the show is working with all the other people in the cast. You get to know people in the community," said Rob Zaleski, who plays three different characters in the show. Zaleski is able to reveal his unique acting talent and ability to switch roles as a mean bully, Scut Farkas, Black Bart and as Santa's helper - an elf.

"This is my first speaking role ... it's a lot harder than you think - you think you just get up and read some lines," Zaleski said.

Rain, snow or freezing cold, the cast was dedicated to the show, practicing five to six days every week for the past month.

"One challenge was weather ... but [the cast] is counting on you and you can't fail them," Myler said.

Horner agreed and said that "trying to get everyone here at the same time" was a challenge.

"At the end of the semester everything's crazy," Schnarre added.

"One struggle I've had is time management. I don't sleep very much," Zaleski admitted with a laugh.

Last Friday, five days before opening night, the cast welcomed a new member to the team. Even after losing the Randy they had been working with for the past month, the cast knew that the show had to go on. They were able to adjust quickly to the new younger brother of Ralphie, Ian Carpenter, and within minutes of their first rehearsal with him, he was digging his face into a bowl of oatmeal, snorting like a pig and triggering laughs throughout the theater.

Despite their ups and downs, the cast of A Christmas Story has persevered. They hope to appeal to a wide audience and bring the comedy of the film to life.

A Christmas Story runs for one weekend only, Dec. 6 to 10. Tickets can be purchased at Parkland Theatre Box Office by calling 351-2528 or by e-mailing theatre@parkland.edu.