I’ve always said that if a performance can capture the attention of a room full of children, that’s as glowing a review as any.

“Babes In Toyland,” as presented by Star Of The Day Productions, LLC, McCoole’s Arts & Events Place, Quakertown, where it concluded Dec. 13, brings a classic storybook fairytale to life that casts a spell upon youngsters and adults alike.

The requisite elements are all in place. There’s the fair maiden, Mistress Mary (Carolyn Boulay); her suitor and the tale’s dashing hero, Alan (Colin Smith); an evil villain, Barnaby (Michael Piz), and a couple of bumbling buffoons, Gonzorgo (Deven Windisch) and Roderigo (Zachary Webb). Windisch and Webb have an amazing chemistry on stage as the comedic duo.

Settings range from pastoral Mother Gooseland to a dark and scary forest filled with dead trees and a family of large carnivorous spiders hiding in the shadows. Mother Spider (Alexandra Racines) and her brood (Payton Armstrong, Annaliese Warnke, Breann Galea, Halle Washburn) prey on unlucky souls who accidentally happen upon the forest.

The basic premise of the story is that Widow Piper (Robin Leisher) is behind on her mortgage, for which dastardly Barnaby holds the note. Unless he gets paid, she and her 14 children will be tossed onto the streets. Barnaby desires the affection of Mistress Mary and will forgive the debt upon her acceptance of his marriage proposal.

What unfolds is a tale of adventure, magical places and the triumph of goodness over evil.

Before the start of the show, the audience was encouraged to “boo” each time Barnaby appeared on stage, while in contrast they swooned and “aahhhed” at Alan’s arrival.

Scene changes are accomplished by turning the pages of a larger-than-life book. There’s also a surprise “machine” that is revealed during the final act.

The lights and sounds from the machine delight the audience and add a neat effect. Lighting designer Scott Abbott, set designer and scenic artist Kait Stein and master builder Dirk Leisher can take a bow for successfully setting the mood for the various scenes.

There are several musical numbers during the production. “Toyland” is the show’s theme song and opens and closes the show. Music accompaniment is provided by prerecorded soundtrack. Sound designer Chris Hamm is tasked with keeping the volume consistent and also with providing the sound effects throughout the show.

All of the Christmas productions that I have reviewed this season have featured at least one tap dance number and “Babes In Toyland” continues the tradition. There is a marvelous tap dance number performed by six toy soldiers portrayed by Ashlee Galea, Deborah Katz, Jonathon Krippe, Paige Horvath, Eric Smith and Abigail Garrigan.

I was surprised to learn from choreographer Kirsten Almeida that the young dancers had no tap experience prior to this production and learned their steps after a only a few training sessions. Hats off to Almeida and the dancers for their efforts and the ultimate result that was displayed on stage.

Amanda Carol Pascale, making her Lehigh Valley directorial debut, also serves as music director and she does an outstanding job leading the large ensemble cast. It is no easy feat to direct a musical, but she proves herself up to the challenge.

Assisting Pascale and also deserving of credit are stage manager Gabrielle Rhoads and assistant director Lindsey Hresko.

Other notable performances are from area stage favorite Jerry Brucker as the Master Toymaker, Rachel Knappenberger as Gumio and Paul Knappenberger as Inspector Marmaduke. The Knappenbergers are father and daughter and are one of several family members performing on stage together, some for the first time.

Remaining members of the ensemble cast, Ashlee Galea, Porter Gradin, Charlotte Myers, Reilly Leisher, Jack Warnke, Gabrielle Vecciarelli and Maggie Toner, are all delightful young performers. Many of them were tasked with multiple roles as Widow Piper’s children and other assorted characters.

Although “Babes In Toyland” is geared to please youngsters, there is plenty of humor and entertainment for adults. It strikes a perfect balance.