A Standard ‘Spectacular’

There is nothing really spectacular about La Habra Depot Theater’s “A Christmas Spectacular,” but it has a lot of charm, and it is certainly chock-full of Christmas spirit.

Supposedly a group of friends and their children are getting together to sing Christmas songs. That’s all there is to the story. Beyond that it’s all singing, and, thankfully, everyone in the cast sings well, often adding inventive stylization.

Director-choreographer Larry Watts’ scenic design is overly busy (there are so many red ribbons on wreaths that they almost obscure the living room set), but that can be forgiven. Watts’ staging is at times is way too busy, but that is also forgiven once we’re into a song.

The standard holiday songs are all here, plus some non-holiday standards slightly rewritten to fit the season’s message.

Choral arrangements, directed by Patrick Copeland, are mostly standard as well.

There are some musical surprises, however. Copeland’s arrangement of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is grand and exciting, and a slightly syncopated “We Three Kings” is original and refreshing as performed by Norman Wilson, Scott Ruiz and Greg Knotts.

Interesting vocal quality makes some of the treatments unusual, as in Adriana Sanchez’s “Merry Christmas Darling,” and Amanda Loomer and Angel Batsel’s “Button Up Your Overcoat.”

Richie Sherwood’s buoyant spirit and delivery provide energy throughout, and following a touching “International Christmas Medley” by the youngest members of the cast, young Benn Hadland’s “Silent Night” is a heartbreaker. And one can’t forget the charm, unexpected sense of humor and stage savvy of 6-year-old Jared Olsen; his efforts are worth the price of admission.

* “A Christmas Spectacular” ends Saturday at La Habra Depot Theater, 311 S. Euclid St., La Habra. Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m. $10. (310) 905-9708. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Ensemble: Angel Batsel, Lynette Deveraux, Denise Hadland, Benn Hadland, Gillian Hadland, Chloe Hadland, Bradley Hanstad, Stephanie Hanstad, Greg Knotts, Amanda Loomer, Jared Olsen, Nicole Peek, Scott Ruiz, Adriana Sanchez, Richie Sherwood, Charlie Visnic, Norman Wilson

A La Habra Depot Theater production, produced by Christian P. Wolf. Conceived, directed and choreographed by Larry Watts. Musical direction: Patrick Copeland. Technical direction: Michael Ewing. Costume design: Tom Phillips. Stage managers: John and Verlene Van Amber.