OFFBEAT: Paramount's production of 'Annie' is extraordinary fun and entertaining

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Drury Lane's 'Xanadu' rolls along with bumpy fun

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'A Christmas Story, The Musical!' a fun and nostalgic instant stage classic

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'A Christmas Story, the Musical!' opening tonight in Chicago

TAMPA | Philip Potempa is reporting from Florida while traveling this week.

Gene Weygandt and Clarke Hallum in "A Christmas Story, The Musical!"

Gene Weygandt (left) plays the Narrator, aka Jean Shepherd, and Clarke Hallum is Ralphie in "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" adding fun and favorite songs to the 1940s tale of a little boy's desire for a BB gun under his Christmas tree.

Long-awaited 'Christmas Story, The Musical' begins Chicago run Wednesday

Child actor Clarke Hallum, who's cast as the wide-eyed coveted lead role of Ralphie in the new stage production "A Christmas Story, The Musical!," said some of the best performance advice he's received to prepare is to "relax and remember to just be a kid."

'A Christmas Story' gets holiday stage treatment in Chicago

It's been two years in the making and now theater audiences are getting their holiday wish of a new stage favorite just in time for the annual gift exchange.

OFFBEAT: Producers of 'A Christmas Story' stage musical in region today for research

Get ready for what's shaping up to be a holiday stage hit.

Gene on Jean

Gene Weygandt is playing Hammond native Jean Shepherd in the touring production of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" which opens Dec. 14 at The Chicago Theatre.

Gene on Jean

Gene Weygandt is playing Hammond native Jean Shepherd in the touring production of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" which opens at The Chicago Theatre on Dec. 14. Weygandt poses for a portrait in a rehearsal space at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago.

Gene on Jean

Gene Weygandt is playing Hammond native Jean Shepherd in the touring production of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" which opens Dec. 14 at the Chicago Theatre.

Broadway in Chicago production of Studs Terkel work gets new life in Chicago

Michael Mahler is used to wearing "many hats" as an actor.

OFFBEAT: Broadway's 'Wicked' still bewitchingly entertaining and fun for all

The holiday season wouldn't be complete for many without the annual airing of the Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed film classic "It's a Wonderful Life. Directed by Frank Capra, the 1946 Oscar-winning film has earned a place in the hearts of young and old.