Sitting in his living room, surrounded by the bustle of his family, Carson Hunter takes a breath before speaking.

The 11-year-old Langford resident stars as Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story: The Musical, put on by the Victoria Operatic Society this December. Well-spoken and more than a touch bashful one-on-one, his eyes shine as he talks about the upcoming show.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 looking forward to seeing it all come together,B次元官网网址� he says with a shy smile. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e just trying to get it spotless now, running the (musical) numbers over and over.B次元官网网址�

This is CarsonB次元官网网址檚 first big starring role, having earned supporting roles in Oliver, Anne of Green Gables, and Seussical the Musical over the past few years. He didnB次元官网网址檛 originally intend to step up to the main role in of Ralphie, auditioning for the part of younger brother Randy at first.

B次元官网网址淚 didnB次元官网网址檛 think I was ready and I was kind of nervous,B次元官网网址� he says. But he read a few lines for Ralphie and got a callback, and next thing he knew, he was headlining the show.

Ask Carson what his alter-ego Ralphie wants for Christmas, and a glimpse of the character heB次元官网网址檒l play on stage gleams out, his confidence unshakeable as he rattles off the gunB次元官网网址檚 specs in a single breath.

B次元官网网址淎n official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot BB gun.B次元官网网址� For anyone not familiar with the iconic movie, the story is wholly about RalphieB次元官网网址檚 burning desire for the BB gun, and his increasingly desperate schemes to ensure itB次元官网网址檚 under the tree come Christmas morning, despite hearing a chorus of B次元官网网址淵ouB次元官网网址檒l shoot your eye out!B次元官网网址� from nearly every other character.

After watching the movie, CarsonB次元官网网址檚 mom, Cathy Clarke, says he could definitely relate to Ralphie, though her sonB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址淏B gunB次元官网网址� was more of an iPhone 5, she says, laughing.

CarsonB次元官网网址檚 passion for performing has been evident since he was a toddler, she notes. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 always showed interest since he was a wee boy. It keeps him busy and itB次元官网网址檚 so enjoyable to watch him finally on stage (after all the work of rehearsing). In the end, itB次元官网网址檚 so worth it to see him on stage. He just shines.B次元官网网址�

CarsonB次元官网网址檚 parents, brother and sister are all involved with his theatrical adventures. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e really supportive,B次元官网网址� he says of his family. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檒l do anything to help me reach my goals.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淭he theatre companies heB次元官网网址檚 been working with, no matter how much experience they have, everyone gets along so well,B次元官网网址� adds dad, Dave Hunter. B次元官网网址淚t really is like an extended family.B次元官网网址�

With his love of performing, adorable freckles staining his nose and cheeks and a charmingly sweet personality, Carson clearly has the makings of a successful actor. Whether in film, television or on stage, time will tell where he finds his niche.

The show runs from Dec. 5 to 14 at the McPherson Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 250-386-6121, or going online to .

acowan@goldstreamgazette.com