Rick Williams' son joins the cast of 'A Christmas Story' at Walnut Street Theater

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Thousands of people will participate in tomorrow's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and one is a very special member of the ensemble for us here at Action News.

"A Christmas Story" has been a holiday favorite for decades, and the popular movie is now a musical.

"It's a special, feel good musical and it's funny!" said Lyn Philistine and Christopher Sutton, who play the mother and the old man.

It's the story of Ralphie, a little boy who wants just one thing for Christmas: an official Red Ryder carbine action air rifle!

"It's not really about the bb gun - it's about wanting something. And then your father giving it to you? Amazing!" said director, James Rocco.

But Ralphie isn't the only young man in the cast. Nicholas, the son of Action News anchor Rick Williams, plays a number of roles.

"In one of the Santa scenes, I play a bratty kid. In Ralphie's daydreams, I play this cowboy character," said Nicholas.

Nick has performed in dozens of community theater productions. But this is his professional acting debut.

"When we got the email that they had offered him a position - because this is a job - they had offered him a position, we were thrilled," said Rick.

And when the cast of the Walnut Street Theater puts on their annual Thanksgiving Day Parade performance, Nicholas will be on the float singing with them.

For father and son, it's a bit of role reversal.

"Almost every year I go to the Thanksgiving Day Parade and I watch everything that happens with him in the booth," said Nicholas.

"He goes to watch me, this time I'll be watching him," said Rick.

The song they will sing is set on the night before Christmas.

"Reflecting back on their year and will he bring it? Have I been good enough?" said choreographer, Linda Goodrich.

And while the story revolves around the holiday, it's really about valuing time spent with family all year long.

"It's definitely going to be emotional for me," said Rick.

"We really enjoy the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but I know I will be beaming extra that day," said mom, Jocelyn Williams.

You can watch Nicholas and the cast of "A Christmas Story" perform during the 96th Annual 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday starting at 8:30 a m. on 6abc.

Performances of "A Christmas Story" can be seen at the Walnut Street Theater now through January 10, 2016.