Christmas films flood television screens every holiday season, but actors in “A Christmas Story” say that it’s worth the price of a ticket to experience the classic show live.

The holiday favorite will play on the main stage of the Market House Theatre this December, bringing to life the story of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, who wants nothing more for Christmas than a Red Ryder BB gun. Everyone — including Santa Claus himself — warns Ralphie that he’ll shoot his eye out, but he persists in his dream.

“It definitely has all the nuances (of the film),” said Stephanie McGlenon, who plays Ralphie’s mother. “(But) experiencing it live, you get to experience the physical aspect of it. This is a very physical play for the performers.” McGlenon added that even for those who have seen the movie countless times, the live version will offer a fresh twist.

Davin Belt, 11, who stars as Ralphie, says that watching “A Christmas Story” has always been a part of his family’s Christmas tradition.

“My grandmother always gets me those ornaments because she thinks I look like Ralphie, but I don’t think I do,” he said.

He said his favorite part of his first mainstage lead was getting to portray Ralphie’s antics.

“It’s just so funny, what he does,” Belt said. “It’s just stuff I would basically never do.”

He agreed that the live show offers something a movie can’t. He said it’s a thrill for the performers and believes that excitement comes across to the audience.

“You never know what will happen (during a show),” he said.

“A Christmas Story” opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 16. There will be performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sundays. An additional matinee performance is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15.

Tickets are $19 for adults and $16 for students 21 and under. All tickets for the Saturday matinee will cost $15. They may be purchased by calling the box office at 270-444-6828 from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, or by visiting www.mhtplay.com.

Contact Laurel Black, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8641.