Former Austin area lawmaker Rob Leighton’s son, Taylor, is playing the role of “Ralphie” in the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company’s production of “A Christmas Story.”

Leighton represented Austin in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003 and now practices law with the St. Paul firm Nolan, Thompson and Leighton.

Taylor, 14, is an eighth-grader at Black Hawk Middle School in Eagan. Although he has acted in school plays, the Children’s Theatre Company production of “A Christmas Story” is his first major role.

The play began a seven-week run in November. A popular movie since 1983, “A Christmas Story” is based on Jean Shepherd’s classic holiday story of a boy’s longing for a Red Ryder BB Gun.

The production runs through Friday, Dec. 31. More information is at www.childrenstheatre.org.