REVIEW: Magical “Santa Claus: The Musical” at TCT

December 8, 2024

The gifts that the audience receives are Herzog’s and C. D’Ascenzo’ voices. They are shockingly good! Another fun surprise is Galloway’s voice, energy, humor and dancing.

Review by Sherri Ogden Wellington

TCT’s Santa Claus: The Musical asks if anyone can possibly replace Santa–because he is just so tired. To find out the answer to this excruciating question, you will have to see Santa Claus: The Musical. Music and lyrics by David Christensen and Luke Holloway, book by Noah Putterman.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati allows you to walk into the magical world of Santa Claus and his elves. Colorful twinkly lights and large candy canes rope off the stairs and adorn the top of the stage. The Naughty and Nice list is an amazing sight on the right and the Book of Rules on being Santa is on the left. The various computer references announce “Christmas 2024” (Jennifer Rhodus, Scenic Design). Screens on the left, the right and on top of the scenery (Graphics & Animation, Sean Van Praag) throughout the production frequently remind the viewer of the time of year it is and where we are…the big Santa Claus (SC) place in a subtle yet informative manner.

*Cast of “Santa Claus: The Musical” at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Photos By: Mikki Schaffner*

The Story and Characters

Three elves, Punchy (Juno Brosas), Chirpy (Cammi Caldwell) and Tenchy (Diana Huchinson) joyfully dance and sing letting us know that everyone is preparing for Christmas Eve. In their colorful Teletubby-like outfits, one becomes happily mesmerized. Soon we meet the Big Guy (Ryan J. Poole) whose mere presence delights. He shares the news to everyone that after 1,000 years, he is ready to retire. With Mrs. Clause joining him (Bethany Xan Kerr), the announcement is an interesting proclamation to speculate.

Santa Claus delivers his packages Christmas Eve and when he arrives back, low and behold, Nick (Bob Herzog, yes, Cincinnati’s very own Bob Herzog) and Bea (Celia D’Ascenzo) are there with him! The Head Elf Henchy (Josh Galloway) is NOT happy that Nick (a website designer) will replace Santa. So Henchy does what any naughty elf does, pulls pranks in an attempt to get Santa to change his mind about retiring. Five other elves (Tina Dealderete, Nick Godrey, Kate Stark, Morgan Tracy, and Zach Treinen) in their blue attire energize and entertain while the audience breathlessly awaits the outcome of who will become the next Santa. However, like in any decent children’s story, good prevails and life goes on as it should.

*Cast of “Santa Claus: The Musical” Punchy (Juno Brosas), Chirpy (Cammi Caldwell) and Tenchy (Diana Huchinson)* *at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Photos By: Mikki Schaffner*

Design and Creative Leadership

The visuals are amazing! The sleigh and Santa and Mrs. Claus’ outfits are elegant as well as traditional. The reindeer (Hailey Chang, Stella D’Ascenzo, Claire Hunkler, Grace Jeffreys, Parker M. Patton, Audrey Satterwhite and Lisa Takahashi) are a total delight as they prance and frolic out everytime Santa is about to take off in his sleigh. Their costumes (Jeff Shearer) are absolutely adorable with little white tails and cute little noses. The choreography of all of the characters (Anthony C. Daniel, Stage Direction & Choreography) is fun and executed perfectly. One elf’s acrobatic antics are amazing (Zah Treinen).

The Music is Phenomenal

The singing and music (Music Direction, Matthew Umphreys) are delightful with everyone harmonizing well and with prevailing lovely solo performances. Herzog’s and Celia D’Ascenzo’ voices are gifts to the audience! They are shockingly good! Another fun surprise is Galloway’s voice, energy, humor and dancing. The three elves, Argueta, Brosas and Caldwell, are the gel that holds this musical together. Very talented young ladies. The lighting (Ben Gantose, Lighting Design & Julie Cowger, Associate Lighting Designer) is also well done. The colorful Christmas bulbs which show brightly when the lights are low bring Christmas to the entire theater.

*Ryan J. Poole as Santa, Bob Herzog as Nick, Celia D’Ascenzo as Bea in “Santa Claus: The Musical” at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Photos By: Mikki Schaffner*

What a Gift is the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Like any fabulous play, there are people who don’t always get the recognition that they deserve. Who isn’t a huge fan of Roderick Justice, Artistic Director? He is one of the main players of making theater what it is in Cincinnati. Thank you, Roderick! Technical Direction, Maggie Foley & Andrew Nunley, Associate Artistic Director, Maddie Jones, Director of Production, Dani Lobello, and Production Stage Manager, Jadi Davis all played important parts in making this musical so successful. Wig Design, Candace Leyland, isn’t mentioned earlier because she does such a good job that one doesn’t even notice the wigs! These productions wouldn’t occur unless there was someone at the helm, that person is Kim Kern, The President & CEO.

Overall

This play will leave you in the holiday spirit, no matter what your age. For those with older elementary children there is a Show Companion and Activity Guide on the website, as well as a Podcast to go along with this delightful play.