In the late 1960s, while driving around and listening to his radio, he came upon readings of Jean Shephard’s short stories, set in the ‘30s and ‘40s in her home state of Indiana.

He was hooked and vowed someday to make a movie based on her nostalgic tales of small-town life in a simpler time. In 1983, his movie was first viewed with pallid results, but in 1988 when it was introduced on TV, it was a big hit. Philip Grecian later adapted it for the stage. It has remained a staple of Christmas favorites ever since.

Many allusions prick our memories - the Orphan Annie secret society decoder pin, "You’ll poke your eye out," washing one’s mouth out with soap for using swears, triple-dog-dares, snowsuits that all but paralyze the occupants, as well as the hardships inflicted on families during The Depression, where meals were too often meatloaf and red cabbage. This show has many levels of appeal to different age groups.

By popular demand, the Lake Country Players in Hartland has reprised this wonderful story. Carl Liden is splendid as the narrator of this masterful script where he looks back on his childhood as an older Ralph, but some of the characters are somewhat disappointing. Ralphie, the main character, played by Jamison Ashby, lacks intensity and emotional range. He doesn’t convey the urgency of his dream to receive the "200-shot, range-model air rifle with a compass and a timepiece in the stock." He seems to be dragging himself through the part. His little brother Randy, enacted by Max Levine, is a lovable imp consistently and credibly portrayed.

The standouts among the other young actors are Jackson Ashby, who plays Flick with the bad arm and gullible personality, and his friend Schwartz, animatedly rendered by Jack Sullivan.

Larson Seaver as Scut Farkas has to amp up his scariness as the feared bully. Maia Hentges as Esther is too lifeless, but her friend Helen, played by Elise Matson, radiates on stage.

Among the adult figures, Paula Nordwig is excellent as Miss Shields, the feared English teacher. Deb Lemke as mother is practical, strong and warm. Her husband (referred to as the old man), played by John Galobich, flubs lines a lot, which subtracts from his effectiveness. This role has endless possibilities for broad humor.

Despite its flaws, it is still a delight to encounter this story again, especially with Liden more than compensating with his rare talent for storytelling.

The set design by Ron Erlich, Jim Kurczewski and Verne Thieme is very functional, but scene changes were often slow and cumbersome. Ruth Behrend directed the show.