Thursday’s rehearsal gave me a chance to see what’s in store for this weekend’s audiences, and this show will be a treat for all ages. The story centers around Eubie, the happiest elf at the North Pole, who wants to be a part of Santa’s sleigh team. But thanks to his not-so-nice lady boss, he’s assigned to checking the naughty-or-nice lists. While doing that, he notices that the whole town of Bluesville is on the naughty list. Eubie sets off to get them into the Christmas spirit.
This is a high-energy, feel-good show and Eubie is the most energetic of all. Jordan Eck plays Eubie with irrepressible enthusiasm that is infectious to the cast and audience. Eubie, along with his best friends, Hamm, played by Bailey Ammons and Gilda, played by Angela DeAngelo, bring joy and laughter to the stage, especially in a number called “Three” in the second act.
Offsetting the happy demeanor of the elves are the residents of Bluesville who live in a dark and unhappy community where no one has the Christmas spirit. Connick’s music choices here set the right tone for these scenes with jazz-influenced instrumentals.
Key Bluesvillians are Molly, played by Emily Leiboff , who is always on the naughty list; Curtis, her brother, played by Grayson Hale; and their parents played by Drew Eck and Melinda Sullivan.
Randy Miller is fun to watch as Santa, particularly in the number “Santarrific” and Barbara Yurick is delightful as Mrs. Claus when she snatches cookies from Santa, to keep him in shape.
Maddie Feeman proves she’s really good at being not-so-nice as Nora, the North Pole Workshop supervisor who is not very fond of Eubie and his friends. The scenes when she and Matt Ammons as Coppa chase Molly, Curtis and the elves through Bluesville are really fun to watch.
Kylie Reazor makes her presence known as Nora’s devoted follower. Not surprisingly, Abby Leiboff steals several scenes as the Youngest Elf.
Remaining cast members play multiple roles: elves, Bluesville citizens, Elfettes, and factory workers.
They are Ashley Baker, Ivy Bell, Layla Buckley, Alexia Cavalluci, Taylor Clark, Morgan Debiec, Riley Giblin, Pat Johnson, Dave Jones, Laura Kruse, Karen Levesque, Chloe Marturano, Myah Marturano, Karen Moreadith, Caitlyn Paige, Amanda Rivera, Griffin Saar, Madelyn Suppa, Katelyn Werner and Robert Werner.
The group number “The Wow Song” is definitely memorable – and the audience can sing along since the lyrics consist of one word “wow,” sung over and over again. Followed by “What A Night!” and “The Happy Elf,” the cast will send the audience home in a holiday mood.
Performances are Saturday Dec. 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $45 plus fees. For tickets go to Ticketmaster.com or to avoid service fees go to the Santander Center box office on Penn Street in Reading.
