See 'A Christmas Story' at Zach Theater

Like many people of his generation, actor Chris Gibson grew up with the film "A Christmas Story," and in his younger days, he identified with Ralphie, the BB gun coveting protagonist of the movie. Now, with a few decades of life lessons under his belt, he can see eye-to-eye with The Old Man (Ralphie's dad) a little better.

That works out well for Zach Theater's new stage production of "A Christmas Story," in which Gibson plays The Old Man, alongside veteran actress Meredith McCall as his wife and young Keaton Brandt as Ralphie. In preparing for the role, Gibson avoided any additional viewings of the movie version, in an effort to create an interpretation of The Old Man that's separate and distinct from Darren McGavin's performance.

That being said, Gibson acknowledges that bits of McGavin's portrayal have found their way into his performance, along with bits of his own father and grandfather. He's enjoying working with the younger cast members in the play, and finds it to be great way to get into the spirit of the season.