A Christmas Jukebox Concept Musical
Written and Directed by Sharon Cook

CHRISTMAS•ISH is a lively holiday comedy blending beloved Christmas classics, Motown, R&B, and pop with family drama, neighborhood rivalry, and heartfelt moments. The production features live musical accompaniment.

Vocal ranges below are preliminary estimates, not strict limitations. Singers may be considered outside these ranges, and final keys may be adjusted. Performers should bring strong character choices, musicality, and a willingness to collaborate.

PRINCIPAL ROLES:

THE JENSEN FAMILY

ALBERDINE “MAMA DEE” Jensen — 60s+
Suggested vocal range: Alto/Contralto The flamboyant, outspoken family matriarch. Funny, loving, and occasionally controlling, Alberdine has spent the last two Christmases navigating life without her husband. Beneath her larger-than-life personality is a woman who longs for connection and belonging. Needs strong comic timing and emotional depth.

NATHAN “NATE” JENSEN — 40s–50s
Suggested vocal range: Tenor A devoted father and enthusiastic Christmas decorator who wants to recreate the magical Christmases of his childhood. His rivalry with his neighbor becomes a way of coping with grief and the fear that his own family traditions are slipping away. Needs warmth, humor, and emotional vulnerability.

JAZMINE “JAZZ” JENSEN — 40s–50s
Suggested vocal range: Alto/Mezzo-Soprano Nate’s practical, sharp-witted wife. She loves her family but refuses to let holiday perfection take over their lives. Grounded, perceptive, and funny, Jazz is often the voice of reason.

RODNEY JENSEN — 30s–40s
Suggested vocal range: Baritone Nate’s brother and the family’s comic observer. Rodney brings playful commentary and personality to the chaos, while his relationship with Rose reveals a more tender side.

MARI JENSEN — 17 - 18
Suggested vocal range: Mezzo-Soprano The oldest Jensen child. Image-conscious and seemingly more interested in appearances than family traditions, Mari hides a sentimental side that gradually emerges. Needs personality, comic timing, and emotional sincerity.

MARCUS JENSEN — 12–15
Suggested vocal range: Flexible youth voice The middle child and fourth-wall narrator. Witty, observant, and invested in having the perfect Christmas, Marcus guides the audience through the story while learning what the holiday truly means. Strong storytelling, clear diction, and audience connections are essential.

MALCOLM JENSEN — 9
Suggested vocal range: Flexible child voice Mikah’s twin. Impulsive, quirky, literal, and confident, Malcolm often acts before thinking. His big personality and comic instincts make him an entertaining presence.

MIKAH JENSEN — 9
Suggested vocal range: Flexible child voice Malcolm’s twin and older by thirty minutes. Analytical, quick, and sarcastic, Mikah frequently provides the logic Malcolm lacks. Needs sharp comic timing and a distinctive personality.

THE BUZZWALL FAMILY

FORD BUZZWALL — 40s–50s
Suggested vocal range: Baritone Nate’s competitive neighbor. Ford is proud of his elaborate Christmas displays and determined to outdo Nate, but he is not a villain. Beneath the rivalry is a man who values friendship, family, and community.

ELENA BUZZWALL — 40s–50s
Suggested vocal range: Mezzo-Soprano Ford’s warm, capable wife. She brings perspective and humor to her husband’s competitive streak and helps keep the neighborhood’s holiday spirit intact.

CRAIG BUZZWALL— 12-15
Suggested vocal range: Flexible youth voice Marcus’s best friend and a comic truth-teller. Greg begins as an amused outsider but gradually becomes part of the Jensen family’s holiday experience. His journey reveals that every family has imperfections.

ENSEMBLE — All ages
Singers, neighbors, shoppers, tree-lot workers, children, and community members who help create the world of CHRISTMAS•ISH. Strong singers, energetic movers, and versatile character performers are encouraged to audition.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
● Performers who enjoy comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and ensemble collaboration.
● Singers comfortable with Christmas standards, Motown, and R&B styles.
● Performers willing to work with live musical accompaniment.
● Youth performers with clear diction, confidence, and a willingness to learn.
● Versatile actors who can help create a vibrant neighborhood and a memorable holiday
celebration.

All vocal ranges are approximate.

Final casting, keys, and musical assignments will depend on the performers and arrangements selected for the production.