New Christmas-themed musical The Nice List is holding staged industry readings in NYC this week, with performances set for September 12 and 13. Originally performed on Zoom during the pandemic, the property—with a book and lyrics by Phoebe Kreutz and music by Gary Adler (Altar Boyz)—is currently in development for a full stage production.
The family-friendly musical centers on Gumdrop, one of Santa's elves at the North Pole. When she finds herself in charge of Santa's titular Nice List, she must face her own naughty side to save the day.
The readings' cast will feature Alan H. Green (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Santa Claus, with Isabelle McCalla (Water for Elephants), Natalie Joy Johnson (Lempicka), Zach Bencal (Aladdin), Kathleen Kim (Sesame Street), Nick Kohn (Avenue Q), and Brad Weinstock (Aladdin) as his elves. Morgan Smith will read stage directions.
Emmy winner Alan Muraoka (Sesame Street) is directing, with Amanda Morton serving as music director and Aliyah Curry as stage manager.
The project is being produced by Telly Leung, Sing Out, Louise! Productions' Joey Monda, Maise Productions' Elliott & Cathy Masie, Starhawk Productions' Wendy Gillespie, Woolf Productions' Matthew Woolf, and Marshall Goldsmith.
Industry members interested in attending can email [email protected].