Review: ‘The Nice List’ a sweet treat for families

Ho, ho, ho has Santa ever delivered – in the form of a cheerfully engaging, full production musical titled “The Nice List.” Just 40 minutes long, it is a free, virtual experience starring Broadway and television actors, all directed by the well-known Alan Muraoka of “Sesame Street” fame.

The one-act plot is timely and clever. Santa would like to go check on his festival and mall ambassadors to make sure their “jingle bells are shining” among other requisites. His head elf, Chestnut, convinces Santa to go, which would, of course, leave Chestnut in charge. Mayhem ensues as Chestnut convinces the whole North Pole to adopt modern technology and go virtual.

Chestnut puts elves Crumpet and Raisin in charge of the Naughty and Nice List, but Crumpet already is overworked, and grumpy Raisin only has experience with reindeer. Chestnut’s plans backfire, and soon all the gifts are piling up because Crumpet starts putting children on the Naughty List for minor infractions (boogers), and soon only eight kids make it to the Nice List.

In the meantime, Santa’s virtual-teleconferencing check-ins from Paris, Venezuela, the Philippines and around the globe (a clever way for audiences to learn about other customs) elicit Chestnut’s pretense that nothing is going wrong, which inadvertently makes Santa feel unneeded and not missed at all. But don’t worry – understanding and empathy come to the rescue and lead to a delightful sugarplum of an ending.

This is an energetic, flawless, joyful group of talents. With great skill, Telly Leung of “Aladdin” and “Allegiance” fame plays the toy influencer Chestnut, the head elf “destined for greatness.” In Chestnut’s words, he’s “jingletastic!”

Julia Mattison, known to many for her role in “Godspell,” is an upbeat, swamped Crumpet, who learns a hard lesson. Her co-manager of the Naughty and Nice List is Ann Harada (“Avenue Q”), and she is the perfect crabby, naughty elf. I just wish Don Darryl Rivera (Gumdrop), Nick Kohn (Fruitcake) and Jennifer Barnhart (Cookie and Comet) were utilized as more than supporting ensemble. Their entanglements with the mayhem and Christmas spirit are too short. And they’re so talented.

But be still my heart. It is that voice and the appearance of James Monroe Iglehart as Santa (he of the Tony Award-winning role of Genie in “Aladdin”) that sooth and solve all the dilemmas. He commands his scenes and provides such a happy finale with his song, “Always a Holiday.” What a cast!

Brian Hemesath’s costumes are lavish and oh so perfectly Christmas. Kathy Fabian’s scenic design abounds with toys and North Poleness. Each character’s separate on-screen cell is surrounded by snowflakes – told you this was a full production. Gary Adler’s original music and Phoebe Kreutz’ book and lyrics are peppy, cheerful and totally engaging from beginning to end. Highly recommended, this is truly a classic holiday family event full of warmth, heart, humor and charm.

• Regina Belt-Daniels hopes she made it onto Santa’s Nice List this year. She’s been involved with theater since the first grade and looks forward to continuing in the future.

IF YOU VIEW

WHAT: “The Nice List” musical

COST: Free, 40-minute virtual experience

INFO: NiceListMusical.com and on YouTube