Isaac Austin and Chris Krahulec
A new holiday tradition is about to swim into Harrisburg, as Open Stage this month opens the Pennsylvania premiere of “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.”
Running through the holiday season, this wholesome tale tells the story of kind-hearted characters, their hard work and the sacrifices they make for their loved ones.
Open Stage is excited to begin a new tradition by including “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” in the lineup this holiday season, something that has been in the works for ages. In fact, Open Stage is one of the first theatre companies to produce this new adaptation.
“I hope the audience walks away with warm holiday feels,” said Open Stage Artistic Director Stuart Landon.
The story was originally a 1971 children’s book written by Russel Hoban and illustrated by Lillian Hoban. In 1977, Jim Henson (“The Muppets,” “The Dark Crystal”) directed a television holiday special, employing his signature use of puppetry as an elevated art form, with a catchy score by Paul Williams (“The Rainbow Connection,” “Evergreen”). Timothy A. McDonald and Christopher Gattelli have adapted the beloved tale into a stage musical, featuring some new songs by Williams.
In a quaint, Appalachian-inspired village called Frogtown Hollow, Emmet and Alice “Ma” Otter live a humble life. They survive on the meager means Ma makes from doing laundry and what Emmet earns from odd jobs around the community. Though times are hard, they find solace in the memory of their recently passed “Pa Otter” and the folk songs they sing together.
As Christmas draws near, Emmet and Ma quietly yearn to buy a proper gift for one another. They each secretly enter a Christmas Eve talent contest in Waterville, just a boat ride away, with the hope of cashing in on the $50 prize. Joining, however, comes at a great cost.
Since its release in the 1970s, Emmet and Ma have captured the hearts of many through their toe-tapping tunes, sweet spirit and a down-home charm that resonates with an entire generation.
“If you don’t know it from your childhood, please give it a chance,” said Chris Krahulec, who plays Ma. “It is all about love and how sacrifice can come back in ways you don’t even expect.”
“Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” is directed by Stuart Landon with Brianna Dow serving as production stage manager and TJ Creedon as assistant director. The production team includes Kalina Barrett, Kevin Cole, Carly Lafferty, Anthony Pieruccini, Delaney Reed, Zsuzsanna Smith and Andrew Whitman. The design team comprises Becky Arney, Rachel Landon, Jacob Schlenker and Tristan Stasiulis.
The cast features Isaac Austin as Emmet Otter and Chris Krahulec as Alice Otter. The ensemble includes TJ Creedon, Patty Cole, Joshua Dorsheimer, Bobby Downey, Jasmine Graham, Jessica Logan, Carly Lafferty, Drew Patti, Luke Rider, Delaney Reed, Michael Rodriguez, Karen Ruch, Jason Samarin, Brian Schreffler and Suzanne Thomas. The band is comprised of Brad Barkdoll, Adrienne Connaghan, Jon Godinez and Anthony Pieruccini. The youth cast includes Nick Caton, Bryce Carter, Beckett Copus, Ian D’Andrea, Annie Logan, Xavier Logan, Annika Nguyen, Zoe Park, Selena Swigart and Lucas Terry.
Whether the title brings a sense of nostalgia or curiosity, “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” is a family must-see this holiday season.
If you were looking forward to Open Stage’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” don’t fret. Open Stage is touring a new production to schools, libraries and retirement communities and is having a public performance on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the theatre.
“Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” runs from Nov. 22 to Dec. 23 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets and more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”
A madcap spin on the classic vampire tale
Through Nov. 1
EFF Live!
Erotic fan fiction performed live
Thursday, Nov 13 at 7:30 p.m.
BaRPG
Tabletop roleplay meets comedy and cocktails
Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
A heartwarming holiday musical based on the Jim Henson special
Nov. 22 to Dec. 23
Court Street Cabaret
An open mic–style night of song from Broadway and beyond
Sunday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.
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