ELVES in “A Holiday Gem” at the Gem Theater in Garden Grove (Soko/Gem photo).

By Thom deMartino/Orange County Tribune

Good things come to those who wait. After a notable absence in 2022, a beloved yuletide musical returns by popular demand to Garden Grove’s own Gem Theater.

An original work by the Gem’s One More Productions founders Damien Lorton and Nicole Cassesso (with book by Cassesso and Chris Harper), “The Holiday Gem” weaves the tale of a pair of show-stopping sisters — whose near-miss at stardom and diverging paths drives one to vow revenge, seeking to destroy everything her absent sister loves most… including Christmas.

Back in yesteryear, a pair of serenading sisters Agatha and Cicely Frost (Adriana Sanchez and Nicole Cassesso) are on the edge of success as they perform with their backup troupe (Erika Baldwin, Peter Crisafulli, Mary Desmond, Brittany Gerardi, Jordan Halloran, Courtney Hays, Julia Iacopetti, Jack Janowicz, Hayden Mangum and Matthew Rangel); that is, until Agatha closes the show with a shocking announcement — she’ll be retiring from the stage, getting married and leaving sister Cicely to her own solo career.

Fast-forward to decades later, when solo sister trades no longer in song, but in spells – becoming a frighteningly formidable wielder of magic. Yet, the intrepid young Jonathan (returning “Holiday Gem” alumni Tad Fujioka) still apprentices with her, struggling to learn the mystic ways and even trying to temper his mistress’s venom… but not even he can assuage her anger at her long-absent sister’s galling invitation to join her and hubby Santa Claus (Damien Lorton) up north to celebrate their anniversary.

Whisked away to the North Pole by Chief Transportation Elf Ellie (Kelli Hines) via a magic snow globe, Cicely and Jonathan are treated to cheery, festive melodies sung by her former backups turned show elves (much to her chagrin) … but now that she’s here in the hub of the holiday, what kind of monkey wrench might the seething Cicely throw into the gears to upturn her sister’s happy little life, as well as Christmas the world over?

“The Holiday Gem”, directed by Lorton, has been a staple in the Garden Grove community for a number of years now, although the show takes a periodic breather from time to time — often workshopping the story and characters, tightening up the production… and this iteration is definitely the sharpest to date.  

ADRIANA SANCHEZ (Agatha Claus) and Nicole Cassesso (Cicely Frost).

Sanchez has always stolen the spotlight as Agatha Claus in previous versions with her robust song and enormous… presence (what’s that look for?

I was going to say hairdo…) but Cassesso’s bombastic Cicely measures note-for-note with her over-the-top sonorous stage sister. Fujioka shines too, as the long-suffering but upbeat apprentice trying to rein in his mistress’s ire and prod her to mend fences (and herself in the process.)

 The musical numbers are powerful and moving, fun and frolicking by turns; the show elves are brought to festive life by many of One More Productions best and brightest, many of whom may be recognized from other Gem shows – a welcome sight for returning Gem Theater patrons.     

 Highlights include the high-energy dueling “Jingle Bells” between Sanchez’s Agatha and Cassesso’s Cicely; a frenetic rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, that doesn’t shy away from some of the tune’s creepier undertones; Erika Baldwin’s melodious and moving “Christmas Waltz”; and Matthew Rangel’s mischievous and playful “Dear Mr. Santa” is sure to entertain.

 A Christmas favorite returned to Garden Grove’s own Gem Theater, “The Holiday Gem” is a joy for all ages, raising the spirits of even the most resigned Grinches out there. (And as an extra Xmas gift to yourself, treat yourself to the special limited-time solo and group performances by Gem luminaries after the Sunday matinees in the upstairs “Bobbie’s Lounge” with tickets available online or at the box office.) The tap-dancing Santas are calling…

   “The Holiday Gem,” Adriana Sanchez, Nicole Cassesso and Damien Lorton star in this fun and festive celebration of holiday cheer. Playing through Dec. 17 at The Gem Theater 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information. Appropriate for all ages.