This Christmas, FOX is premiering a 3-hour live musical version of A Christmas Story, and Maya Rudolph has been cast to play Ralphie’s mom.
Following on the heels of explosively popular live adaptations of movie classics like Grease, Rocky Horror, and Dirty Dancing, FOX has a new event up its sleeve. On December 17, the network will air a three-hour live musical version of A Christmas Story. FOX also announced its first casting choice for the event: Maya Rudolph, who will be playing Ralphie’s mom.
A Christmas Story is a cult classic holiday movie. Every year, TBS does a 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story. If that’s not enough, you can actually stay overnight in the house used in the film, and check out a museum full of props, costumes, and other goodies from the set.
The 1983 film follows Ralphie Parker through the holiday season. Ralphie wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder air rifle. Everyone warns him: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” That’s not the only danger he faces that year. Luckily, Ralphie isn’t always dodging bullies or butting heads with his dad. His mom absolutely dotes on him.
Maya Rudolph will be amazing in this role.
The announcement that Maya Rudolph will be playing Ralphie’s mom is super exciting. Rudolph is no stranger to live television as a SNL alum. Her comedic timing and dedication to character has made her a stand-out performer in television and film. Some of her credits include Brooklyn 99, Portlandia, Bridesmaids, and Grown Ups.
Plus, she can sing. In an interview with HipHollywood, Rudolph revealed that although she can’t hit the high notes that made her mother Minnie Riperton famous, she does have a nice baritone.
Rudolph’s casting also suggests that this adaptation will be more diverse than its source material. The question is, who else will FOX cast?
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FOX has yet to announce any of the other cast members for this special live version of A Christmas Story. Who do you want to see in the iconic role of Ralphie, or his father (known simply as The Old Man)? Sound off in the comments and let us know!