“THE HOLIDAY GEM” is at the Gem Theatre in Garden Grove (OMP photo).

By Thom deMartino
Orange County Tribune

This year’s holiday season just got exponentially merrier in Garden Grove.

The newest adaptation of the fan-favorite “Holiday Gem” is currently in full swing at the Gem Theater. Directed by Damien Lorton, the show is a collection of classic Christmas songs, beautiful choreography, and the tale of a pair of magical sisters – and the unravelling of their familial bonds.

As the house lights dim as the show begins, as a gigantic magical snow globe on stage begins to glow with life: flickering black and white images flash across, introducing the audience to the fabulous Frost sisters, and how after years of success their paths diverged as they grew up.

Agatha (Adriana Sanchez) chose love over stardom, eventually becoming even better known under her married name – Mrs. Claus, wife to the seemingly-ubiquitous Santa Claus (Damien Lorton). Her sister Cicely (Nicole Cassesso), on the other hand… has let her feelings of rejection and abandonment by her sister turn her to follow a darker, magical path.

But Cicely is not alone – she’s accompanied by her assistant, the plucky, kindly Jonathan (Tad Fujioka) – always upbeat and eager to help, despite her constant belittling of him. But though the sorceress has excelled in her learning, one final ability eludes her – teleportation.

But when the young elf Eli (Niles Gray) suddenly appears to the pair, sent from the North Pole with an invitation to the Claus’s anniversary party, Cicely secretly sees it as an opportunity both to sabotage her sister’s happiness and steal the Magic Snow Globe of Christmas Fantasyland ™ that enables Eli to travel instantaneously.

The trio are whisked away to the North Pole, where Mrs. Claus’s performing show elves sing and dance, weaving together a tapestry of favorite Christmas songs. But little do they know that Cicely’s devious plans are rapidly unfolding… and if she has her way, Christmas itself will be cancelled!

This is such a popular show with regulars of the Gem Theater that it’s staged nearly every other year: but always with little tweaks and adaptations to the formula. This year’s version is absolutely the best “Holiday Gem” yet.

Where to begin? The perfect chemistry, rivalry and harmony between Sanchez’s & Cassesso’s Mrs. Claus and Cicely? (Take note of the performance of their audience favorite from years prior, a frenetic dueling version of “Jingle Bells”.) The numerous costume changes for Cicely, each costume becoming grander and more ornate with each new appearance? This show is rich with toe-tapping musical and dance numbers (as well as the camaraderie between what is truly an extended family of players.)

The sisters’ story serves as a marvelous framework for the array of well-loved Christmas songs from years past, beautifully performed by the best of the best of the Gem’s “One More Productions” troupe.
Conductor and pianist Nick Bravo and the orchestra sit subtly behind the stage action as they provide the rousing score to the show, while Gem luminaries (and Show Elves) including Erika Baldwin, Peter Crisafulli, Sasha Baker, Kyle Hill, Trevin Stephenson, Jack Janowicz, Kady Lawson, Mary Desmond, Matthew Rangel, Courtney Hays and Julia Iacopetti, bring their beautiful harmonies to bear.

From the ensemble’s sonorous “Winter Wonderland” and “Christmas Song” (performed by Crisafulli, Hill and Stephenson) to the immensely fun, risqué “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and Rangel’s rendition of “Dear Mr. Santa”, to a beauteous ensemble version of “Carol of the Bells” – there’s plenty of familiar holiday favorites for everyone. There’s even a sing-along for the audience to join in the show themselves in the second act, and put their own vocal chops to the test.

Whether it’s your first time to the show, or you’re returning to take in this newest, preeminent iteration of the Gem Theater’s “The Holiday Gem”, you are in for a captivating Christmas treat – regardless whether you’re on Santa’s naughty or nice list.

“The Holiday Gem,” Nicole Cassesso, Adriana Sanchez and Tad Fujioka are among the myriad players bringing to life this beautiful and original work of the Gem Theater, that showcasing their talented performers through some of the most beloved Christmas songs.

Now playing through Dec.21 at The Gem Theater 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information.