There probably aren’t many people who aren’t familiar with the 1983 film A Christmas Story—it has become a Christmas classic. Five years ago, the film was adapted to a Broadway musical, and tonight FOX will present the special 3-hour live event, A Christmas Story Live!. The play is set in 1940s Indiana where a eleven-year-old dreamer Ralphie (Andy Walken) desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. However, his parents (Chris Diamantopoulos & Maya Rudolph) are worried that Ralphie will shoot his eye out, and say no. So Ralphie decides to take his request directly to Santa (David Alan Grier). This humorous and nostalgic story is narrated by a grown up Ralphie (Matthew Broderick), who recounts his misadventures with his friends as they deal with school bullies, Ralphie’s annoying younger brother Randy, and a grumpy but loving father who always finds something to complain about.

I have seen the original film countless numbers of times—TBS airs a 24-hour marathon of the movie each year on Christmas day. I have a hard time imagining these beloved characters being played by different actors, but I am really looking forward to tonight’s live production. I’m interested to see how this story translates into a musical—I have been a huge fan of these live musicals that the TV networks have been putting on each year! The cast sounds amazing—in addition to those already mentioned above, the production will also star Jane Krakowski as teacher Miss Shields; Ana Gasteyer as Mrs. Schwartz, the mother of one of Ralphie’s friends; Ken Jeong as the restaurant owner; and pop boy band PRETTYMUCH playing carolers.

Tonight, I’ll also be watching/recording MythBusters and SMILF.

For additional suggestions on what to check out tonight, including Robot Chicken & NCIS: LA, check out the If We Controlled Your Remote… 12/17/17 post at TVisMyPacifier.com.