A Canadian Christmas Musical
A high-spirited, fully-scored musical comedy for theatres worldwide
Official Selection & Recognitions
The Production
About the Show
"Candy Cane Kids is for the kid in all of us at Christmas"
When Christmas spirit across Canada drops to critical levels, McJingle's top Quality Control Inspectors, Cookie, Stripe and Pep, are given just one hour to turn things around. Suspecting the dreaded Humbugs are behind the cheer crisis, the cheery trio launch a live broadcast on their social platform, Jinglegram, in a high-energy, song-filled mission to raise Christmas across Canada.
Told in real time over seventy-five minutes, the story unfolds moment by moment, heightening the urgency, comedy, and excitement as Cookie, Stripe, Pep, and the McJingle's team race against the clock to raise Christmas spirit. Packed with original music, interactive audience moments, and colourful characters, Candy Cane Kids is a fast-paced holiday musical that proves joy is stronger when we create it together.
Setting
The lively, festive office of McJingle's Inc., where a sign proudly reads "McJingle's – Christmas Every Day." Bright, busy, and magical, the space is decorated in red, white, and green with garland, candy cane decorations, twinkling lights, and stacks of wrapped presents. Stripe, Cookie, and Pep each have their own rolling desks covered in candy cane jars, Christmas mugs, and holiday nick-knacks, each with its own laptop. An additional rolling table holds bowls, spoons, rolling pins, and cookie sheets, keeping the holiday cheer in constant motion.
Written By
Barb Mitchell
Awards & Recognition
Highlights & Recognition
Official Selection
Toronto Independent Film Festival of CIFT, Women in Film (2021)
CRTC Certified
Certified Canadian Program, Canadian Radio Television & Telecommunications Commission
Award Nominated
Best Family Musical Soundtrack, Calgary Music Awards
Press Feature
Featured in the Calgary Herald as part of Calgary's holiday arts programming
Educators' Stage
Presented at Calgary Teachers' Conventions, Canadian Content
Watch the Reels
See It Come to Life
Sizzle Reel
Short Reel
Bella Sizzle Reel
Press & Reviews
What People Are Saying
The Candy Cane Kids is being promoted by Canadian educators for its focus on Canadian culture, original homegrown Canadian music, and interactive dance styles. Both the movie and live show are part of the Calgary Teachers' Conventions in February.
Shaw Rocket Fund Showcase
Candy Cane Kids Holiday Musical, a popular, highly interactive children's performance. The musical is widely utilized in Canadian schools and community theaters for its engaging blend of storytelling, seasonal music, and interactive dance styles.
PLEDGE Project
Canadian Playwrights
The Candy Cane Kids Show is a gem of family entertainment originating from Calgary, bringing the festive spirit to life with their captivating live action production. Candy Cane Kids promises an engaging experience that can be tailored to suit various group sizes and venue spaces, making every performance as personalized and magical as the holiday season itself.
AGNT Talent
A seriously talented cast of actor-singers, brilliant performances, and upbeat numbers, perfect for all ages three and up.
Calgary Economic Development
Event Feature
Meet the Cast
The Characters
Pep
Spirit Inspector
Curious, funny, and impish, Pep is the heart of the Cheery Three-O with a secret dream of becoming a rockstar. He manages McJingle's Jinglegram channel and hides a guitar in his desk box.
Cookie
Spirit Inspector
Sweet, sensitive, and baking-obsessed. Cookie holds a PhD in Cookieology and believes every problem can be solved with fresh-baked goods. Her real name: Christina Victoria Angelina Maria Artino.
Stripe
Team Leader
Responsible, energetic, and fiercely devoted to Christmas spirit. Stripe earned her stripes and is dead serious about candy canes. She laughs uncontrollably in tense situations.
Eddie McJingle III
CEO
The grandson of McJingle's founder, loveable, good-natured, and completely new to the corporate world. Fresh off the slopes of the Canadian Rockies, this is his first ever job.
Holly Berry
Chief Operating Officer
Bright, driven, and devoted to McJingle's. Holly has been with the firm for five years and is the backbone of operations, always two steps ahead.
Mrs. Snooze
Office Manager
Stern, ultra-efficient, and the true sergeant major of McJingle's. Everyone depends on her. Beneath the iron exterior lies a heart of pure gold, and a perfectly preserved candy cane.
Fizzle
Antagonist
The lead Humbug of Humbugs Anonymous, disguised as McJingle's staff. Disillusioned by the greed of commercialism that has overshadowed the true spirit of Christmas.
Lumpy
Antagonist
The newest Humbug of Humbugs Anonymous, disguised as McJingle's staff. Feels unnoticed and left out of the Christmas fun. Wears a black hat.
Botch
Antagonist
A Humbug of Humbugs Anonymous, disguised as McJingle's staff. He misses the traditions of Christmas and yearns for the warmth of memories with family and friends.
The Score
The Music
14 original songs spanning comedy, heart, and spectacle, a complete, fully-produced score available for licensed productions.
Candy Cane Kids Overture
Company
Christmas Spirit
Holly & Eddie (Duet)
Humbugs
Mrs. Snooze & The Humbugs
Christmas Christmas
Pep, Stripe & Cookie
Look at Us We're Christmas
Pep, Stripe & Cookie
Candy Canes
Stripe (Solo)
Christmas Rock Star
Pep (Solo)
Baking Christmas
Cookie (Solo)
Christmas Dance Party
Full Company
Wrap Up Christmas
Pep, Stripe & Cookie
Christmas Cheer
Full Company
Jingle Bells (Finale)
Full Company
Available on all major streaming platforms
You
Kayla MacKenzie
Humbugs
Arlene Irwin
Christmas Spirit
Jason Lang & Linda Benoit
The Creators
Where We Started
Candy Cane Kids was initially produced by Occasional Notes duo Laurie Parente and Barb Mitchell, premiering in 2019 as a one-day-only Calgary event staged in a vacant shoe store transformed overnight into a black box theatre where families sat shoulder to shoulder and kids danced in the aisles. A talented Calgary cast brought Candy Cane Kids to life with joy, dedication, and a genuine love for the show, a true Calgary team effort from the ground up.
Barb Mitchell
Writer, Co-Composer & Creator
Barb Mitchell is the creative force behind Candy Cane Kids. She has crafted a fully original musical that brings together sharp comedic writing, heartfelt storytelling, and a complete original score. Her vision for a uniquely Canadian Christmas theatrical experience drives the entire production, shaping a show that's as funny and fast-paced as it is warm and full of heart.
Bobby Stagg
Co-Composer, Musician & Producer
Bobby Stagg recorded and produced the original Candy Cane Kids soundtrack and co-wrote the music alongside his sister, Barb. Together, the pair gave the show its signature sound, from high-energy ensemble numbers to tender holiday ballads. Bobby's musicianship and production work have been central to the show's growth.
As a brother and sister duo, their collaboration is the heartbeat of Candy Cane Kids, proof that the best holiday traditions are the ones you create together.
Production Photography
Photo Gallery
Production photography will be displayed here. Contact us to receive the full media kit.
Full Company Ensemble Number
Cookie at McJingle's Inc.
Stripe & Pep — The Cool Duo
Eddie, Stripe & Cookie
Baking Christmas
Cookie's Kitchen Chaos
Stripe Takes the Stage
The Cheery Three-O in Action
Christmas Rock Stars
Pep — Spirit Inspector
Company Finale
Christmas Dance Party
Pep — The New CEO
Spirit Inspector on Duty
Green Cape Finale
The Humbugs
Post Show Hugs
Post Show Hugs
The Stage
Meet and Greet with Little Fans
Meet and Greet with Stripe and Cookie — Kayla MacKenzie & Katie MacMillan
Stripe Takes Flight on Stage
Study Guide & Classroom Materials
For Educators
Bring Candy Cane Kids into the classroom, whether your school is attending a performance or producing the show for educational and entertainment purposes. Explore four curriculum themes with activities, discussion questions, and learning objectives tied to scenes and songs from the musical.
Learning Objectives
- ✦Identify how negativity spreads and how community spirit counters it
- ✦Analyze character roles and responsibilities within a team
- ✦Explore empathy and inclusion through character journeys
Classroom Activities
Overcoming the 'Humbug' Mindset
Mrs. Snooze and the Humbugs represent cynicism and isolation. Students discuss how negativity spreads in a group and how Pep, Stripe, and Cookie model resilience and optimism. Activity: In small groups, students map a 'Humbug moment' from their own experience and brainstorm how community spirit could change the outcome.
Teamwork & Collaboration at McJingle's Inc.
Pep, Stripe, and Cookie must work together at the candy cane factory. Students explore what happens when cooperation breaks down and how each role contributes to the whole. Activity: Assign factory roles and have students complete a collaborative task, then reflect on communication and responsibility.
Empathy & Inclusion
Eddie's journey shows how the characters welcome rather than exclude. Students trace Eddie's arc and discuss moments of belonging vs. exclusion. Activity: Write a short scene where a new character is welcomed into an existing group.
Community Spirit
The show's core message: the best traditions are created together. Students reflect on their own classroom or school community. Activity: Create a 'Community Spirit' charter inspired by the show's finale.
Discussion Questions
- ?What does it mean to be a 'Humbug,' and have you ever felt like one?
- ?How do Pep, Stripe, and Cookie show that working together is stronger than working alone?
- ?What traditions does your community create together?
Everything You Need
What's Included
Every Candy Cane Kids licensing package comes fully equipped. Everything your production needs from first rehearsal to opening night.
The Script
- ✦Full script (book)
- ✦Character breakdowns
- ✦Production and staging notes
The Score
- ✦Complete original score featuring 14 songs
- ✦Piano/vocal materials and lyric sheets
- ✦Musical cues and underscoring
Audio Tracks
- ✦Professional performance tracks
- ✦Rehearsal tracks
- ✦Original cast soundtrack recordings
Technical Materials
- ✦Cue sheets and technical reference materials
Marketing Resources
- ✦Marketing and promotional resources
Easy Regional Adaptability
While Candy Cane Kids was originally developed in Canada, the musical is easily transferable to American audiences. Canadian city references can be replaced with U.S. cities or local community references, creating a customized regional experience with only minor script adjustments.
Get In Touch
Licensing Inquiry
Interested in licensing Candy Cane Kids for your theatre, touring company, or investment portfolio? We'd love to hear from you.