Nonsense Christmas Special Review

Article written by Liam Halligan. 

When it comes to finding a good quality modern-day musical comedy Christmas special it can feel like “slim pickins.” But if you need something to put you in the Christmas spirit look no further than “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter.” With musical guest stars’ including Shania Twain, Kali Uchis, Chappell Roan, and Tyla; Celebrity guest stars like Quinta Brunson and Sean Astin this star-studded special has a little something for everybody. The special opens up with a comical solo—as any good musical comedy should—called “The Most Nonsense Time of the Year.” She then continues with solos from her 2023 Christmas EP; I particularly enjoyed Chappell and Sabrina’s rendition of “Last Chrismas” by Wham, this choice was a subtle (but effective) nod to the elusive queer love expressed in the 1984 hit. The special makes a few other nods to the gay community, including a tongue-in-cheek outtake referencing the iconic anti-homophobia ad featuring Hillary Duff from 2008, “When you say ‘That so gay’ do you know what you say?” The special also included hilarious holiday-themed comedy skits about the ghost of Christmas past present and future, what to get your brother-in-law, and when your older boyfriend turns out to be Santa Claus. Throughout the entire comedy, Sabrina performs solos from her Christmas EP Fruitcake. While I was not previously familiar with these songs I thoroughly enjoyed hearing some new high-quality Christmas songs. This special delivers classic Christmas cheer, with a high camp and hyper-femme twist.