The show: “A Christmas Story” musical at Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam

What makes it special?: After a limited holiday Broadway run inn 2012 and a national tour with a stop at the Bushnell a few years later, the musical based on the popular ’80s perennial film gets a production at the Goodspeed Opera House.

Seems right for this time of year: Goodspeed Musicals has had a series of holiday musicals in the elusive search of a popular perennial such as Hartfird Stage’s “A Christmas Carol” (adapted and again staged this year by former artistic director Michael Wilson) and TheaterWorks Hartford’s ’ just-for-fun entry “Christmas on the Rocks” which has had a 11-year run and still going strong as it annually refreshes the show. Goodspeed’s had some pleasant-enough efforts over the years such as “Christmas in Connecticut” and “A Connecticut Christmas Carol” but nothing like that of the Hartford theaters.

And this?: It sounded promising and I enjoyed the first-class national tour when it stopped at the Bushnell. Not brilliant but highly entertaining with great production values.

This time, not so much. Not that it was bad — and I would recommend it for some families. But for me it was disappointing.

Not meant to be a musical?: That’s not the problem. The book by Joseph Robinette is fine though it doesn’t add anything but songs to the screenplay. (The screenplay was written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and based upon “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash” written by Shepherd.) The songs are by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and they are good. After all, the composing earned an Oscar for its score in “La La Land”: and “The Greatest Showman” and a Tony Award for “Dear Evan Hansen.” They also had a Goodspeed show early in their career with “James and the Giant Peach” at its smaller theater in Chester.

A show featuring lots of kids requires expert casting, vocal finesse and lots of rehearsal. This production seemed that it needed another week or so more.

Sounding like a bit of a Scrooge: I liked the dogs. Bill Berloni, natch.

That’s it?: Just kidding (kind of). Jenn Gambatese as the mother was lovely and heart-warming and sang beautifully. John Scherer b rings much warmth and charm as the nostalgic narrator., Jim Stank plays The Old Man with the right amount of crust and tenderness. Christopher Riley plays Ralphie and he has a strong and assured voice. Rashida Scott had a solid number that delivered as Ralphie’s teacher. The cast of kids were fine but kids’ high-pitched singing voices are a tricky thing to balance and make clear in theaters. (I couldn’t understand one lyric from the little girls in “Matilda". which BTW might be a good show for Goodspeed’s family aimed audience..)

But the show requires quite a few set changes that were not up to Goodspeed’s inventive standards. (Though I did like the show curtain; but after that, not so much.)

Who will like it?:: Those who love the film and are forgiving.

Who won’t?: The less forgiving.

For the kids: The cast is mostly kids, the story=line is kid-centric and it’s a charming story, so a big yes.

Info: The show runs through Dec. 29. Goodspeed.org.