School's Original Play Explores Santa's Love Triangle

If you’d like to know the real story about Santa, where he grew up and how he came to meet Mrs. Claus,make plans to see Santa Baby, the new original holiday musical written and performed by students from Moorpark High School’s Musical Show Production Class.

According to producer Lauren Monahan and director Carly Paul, Monahan came up with the initial idea when the class first started in the fall.

“When Mr. Hebel told us we were going to have a holiday review, I took out a piece of paper and wrote down ‘Santa Baby, the story of Mrs. Claus,’ ” said Monahan. “I just felt that the idea of Mr. and Mrs. Claus being in love was a universally accepted idea and we felt like it was a story that had never been told, and it deserved to be told.”

Monahan and Paul spent considerable time together working out the plot.

“She came up with the idea and we sat in her room with chicken nuggets for a week and hammered out the details,” said Paul. “We wrote the whole script that week.”

The story revolves around a rivalry to win the heart of the young Mrs. Claus, formerly known as Holly Berry.

“There’s a love triangle between Santa Claus, Holly Berry, and Jack Frost,” said Monahan. “Holly and Jack were best friends in Jolly High School.”

Of course, all that changed when Santa showed up and pursued Holly. But the full story—well, you’ll have to find out the rest for yourself. Be assured, however, the production has a happy ending.

“It’s clichéd and glorious and cheesy,” said Paul, “and it’s a great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit.”

Hebel, who has been teaching at MHS for more than two decades, worked with a group of parents 15 years ago to design the initial musical show class. The course, which includes student writing, dancing, set and costume production, is unique among high schools here in the U.S.

“I don’t know of anywhere else in the United States that has something like this,” said Hebel. “UCLA, when they heard about it, wanted a curriculum because they never heard of anything like this.”

But Hebel’s previous classes had never produced a holiday show.

“It’s the first holiday-based show that we’ve ever put on,” he said.

He liked the idea of a Santa Claus romance, particularly since it was designed to appeal to a young audience.

“We talked some about the origins of Santa Claus,” Hebel explained, “but what they really wanted was a love story that appealed to teens.”

As for the way the production has shaped up, he’s especially pleased with the current chemistry of this year’s class.

“This class is the most like a team I’ve ever had,” said Hebel.

The show’s music is being produced by Corina Gonzalez and Zoey Nakaki and will feature familiar holiday songs with new lyrics.

“Everyone will know the tunes,” said Paul.

For Monahan, who started the ball rolling with a single brainstorm, some collaborative writing, and the consumption of lots of nuggets, the show is especially appealing.

“Santa Baby is a beautiful show about love and trials and will bring a smile to your face,” she said.

Santa Baby will be presented at Moorpark High School Performing Arts Center, 4500 Tierra Rejada Road. The show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Prices range from $5 to $7 dollars. The show is appropriate for all ages. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, call (805) 378-6305.