NELL OF GUMBLING

All of Gumbling is a stage as a holiday play challenges Nell and her friends.

In this charming third series entry, Nell and her friends are preparing for the Christmas-like holiday of Feszht by putting on a classic holiday musical, The Land of Toysensweetz (which is reminiscent of The Nutcracker). When Nell, who appears white, learns that she must co-direct the play with her archivist boss Birdneck’s grandson, Sam, she isn’t pleased—confident, exuberant Sam comes across as bossy and talks over her. Slowly, everything descends into chaos: The actors require a lot of attention, Nell’s busy BFF is in the play but not fully present, the chorus members feel underappreciated, and two ghosts haunt the theater. When the kids learn that their Feszht production will be broadcast live on TV, the stakes grow even higher. Naturally quiet Nell feels eclipsed by extroverted Sam, but as their dramatic tension grows, something romantic seems to be bubbling beneath the surface. Steinkellner’s latest installment is a gem, full of cozy whimsy but touching on some very real and important topics, like overscheduling and the importance of listening to others. The merging of Gumbling with our world (Black-presenting Sam and his family are from Chicago) makes the work even more accessible and will leave readers wishing Gumbling were real. The supporting cast shows a delightfully diverse and inclusive range of skin tones, heights, and body sizes.

Holiday hijinks worthy of a standing ovation.