About the Play

Comedy. 75-85 minutes. 8-12+ any gender. Suitable for high school (and advanced middle school) and older performers, and upper elementary and older audiences.

Premiered at Possibilities Theatre Company (Chicago, IL).

The author grants productions pre-approval to make cuts/replacements to meet community standards regarding profanity and obscenity for Texas UIL and other one-act competitions.

Synopsis

Santa's been murdered! And with time running out like a reindeer, it’s up to wannabe elf detective Jangle to save Christmas. To do it, he'll have to stake out seedy cocoa bars, interrogate magical creatures and unwrap his own pent-up feelings. Can he crack the sugar-coated case, or will audiences be saying, "Forget it, Jangle. It’s Christmastown"? Intrigue flows like, well, eggnog in this heartwarming holiday comedy with a healthy helping of noir and a dash of nutmeg!

"Such a fun piece! Charming, hilarious, heartwarming and full of festive holiday spirit while dealing with characters coping with loss in a way that is both encouraging and real." - Dana Jackson, Dunmore High School co-director (Dunmore, PA)

"HBE:ACN hit me hard like the Polar Express. Peercy's gentle ease of Jangle's grief and despair at Christmas time pulls at your heart as you dive into the fantastical winter wonderland of characters and mysterious situations. I loved the Jack Frost and Mabel characters. This is a fun script, full of wit and curiosity, and would be magical to see as a full production during the holidays." - Kevin Blair, Possibilities Theater Company director (Chicago, IL)

"While most of modern theatre's attempts at holiday fare seem to be penned by young authors who think that they've invented overthinking something until it's no fun anymore, Hard-Boiled Eggnog takes the approach that the holidays can still be fun and lighthearted and silly while also broaching on grief and suspicion and confusing emotions. A joyful and family-friendly show that prefers to catch flies with sugared gingerbread rather than vinegar." - Nick McDonald, Blaine Community Theater artistic director (Blaine, WA)

"This play was a delight to produce. Versatile, accessible, and with a theme of 'meeting people right where they are during the holidays.' Audiences loved the switch from traditional Christmas to a more secular focus on empathy and self-care. This show reminds us to check in on ourselves and our loved ones who might be struggling during the holidays. A timely show in these trying times. Zack was incredibly gracious and responsive—an added bonus. Highly recommended!" - Dawn Ziviello, Off Pitt Street Theatre Company artistic director (Bedford, PA)