THE NICE LIST Comes to Bristol Riverside Theatre

Bristol Riverside Theatre will present the world premiere of The Nice List, a new musical featuring a book and lyrics by Phoebe Kreutz and music by Gary Adler. The production will run Tuesday, December 9 through Sunday, December 28. Directed by Emmy Award winner Alan Muraoka with music direction by Adler, the musical will introduce a new holiday story set at Santa’s North Pole workshop.

The Nice List follows two elves who are assigned to oversee the Nice List after Santa departs on an important trip. As they take on the responsibility, the pair soon discovers that maintaining the list is more complex than expected. When names begin disappearing and the list narrows to single digits, the elves must confront the growing uncertainty at the North Pole.

Korie Lee Blossey appears as Santa. Aaron J. Albano plays Chestnut, the Head Elf, and Diana Huey plays Gumdrop, a team-focused workshop elf. They are joined by Michelle Dowdy as Raisin, the caretaker of the workshop; Jennifer Barnhart as Cookie, whose role blends performance and puppetry; Kennedy Kanagawa as Marzipan, a character defined by bold imagination; and Brad Weinstock as Fruitcake, who takes a direct approach to problem-solving. The cast brings extensive stage experience, including Broadway credits, national tours, and regional theatre work, with each performer contributing individual expertise to the production’s ensemble dynamic.

In the musical, the central characters work together to keep the workshop running smoothly during Santa’s absence. As the challenges surrounding the Nice List intensify, the story examines themes of cooperation, responsibility, and support within the North Pole community. As Producing Director Ken Kaissar notes, “This show captures the joy and wonder of Christmas in a way that brings out the kid in everyone. The Nice List celebrates the fun of the season while reminding us that kindness never goes out of style.”

The creative team includes Phoebe Kreutz as book writer and lyricist, Gary Adler as composer and music director, Alan Muraoka as director, Dahlia Al-Habieli as scenic designer, Brian Hemesath as costume designer, Joe Doran as lighting designer, Ryk Lewis as sound designer, Kylie Clark as puppet designer, and Amy L. Massari as production stage manager. The band features Thuy Nguyen on violin; Shania Carinha and Nick Sontag as violin substitutes; Michael DiFebbo on electric guitar; Bob Gargiullo on electric bass; and Kathy Goff on drums.

Tickets for The Nice List range from $20 to $68 and are available through the Bristol Riverside Theatre box office at 215-785-0100 or online. The run will include several optional pre- and post-show engagements at no additional cost. Opening night on December 11 will be followed by a light reception. A Friday Festival event will take place on December 12. Wine Down Wednesday, featuring wine and desserts, will be held on December 17. Thirsty Thursday on December 18 will offer themed beverages before the evening performance.