Foxy, Fun and Filled with Music

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins – Strawdog Theatre Company

Adapted from Eric Kimmel’s beloved holiday picture book, which earned the 1990 Caldecott Honor Award, this 60-minute holiday play is back for another Hanukkah season at Strawdog Theatre. The family entertainment was written by ensemble member Michael Daily and features spirited ethnic music and lyrics, by Jacob Combs. The story theatre production is presented almost totally in-the-round and without an intermission. In it, a troupe of six players, all of whom portray an array of characters and play a variety of musical instruments, pack up their belongings and take their act on the road. 

Resembling a holiday variety show aimed at younger audiences, this lively, laugh-provoking entertainment is actually a play-within-a-play. Through music, folk dance, puppetry and the audience’s own imagination, the play tells the story of a Jewish folk hero named Hershel of Ostropol. A clever trickster, kind of like a European version of Anansi the Spider, or the witty Hebrew cousin of the American Br’er Rabbit, this year Hershel is portrayed with glee by ensemble member Jack Morsovillo. He’s supported by a company of multitalented actors and musicians who include Sarah Bacinich, Brianna Joy Ford, Cohen Kraus, Josh Pennington and Leo Zhu.
After traveling a long way, the troupe stops at a village where they ask the local innkeeper for food and a place to sleep. Penniless, the troupe leader offers to entertain the man and his guests (the audience) in exchange for his generosity.

Finally given the opportunity, the company of players perform the tale of Hershel of Ostropol. In the play, Hershel has discovered a sad little town where Hanukkah is no longer celebrated. The reason for this, the townsfolk lament, is that their temple has been overtaken by goblins who forbid the townspeople to light the menorah candles. Hershel accepts the town’s challenge to spend the next eight nights in their temple, whereupon he’ll try to trick the goblins, including the fearsome Goblin King, into lighting the menorah themselves, and thus bring brightness and holiday joy back to the village.

The production is guided with spirit and sparkle by Lauren Katz. She artfully draws out the skills and strengths from each of her ensemble members and keeps her production in constant motion. Yair Farkas musically directs this talented cast, who are all  suitably attired in clownish costumes, courtesy of Elle Erickson.

Providing arts and crafts activities in the lobby, prior to each performance, Strawdog Theatre’s second helping of their family holiday play is foxy, fun and filled with music. It radiates with  warmth, wonder and humor. Youngsters already familiar with Eric Kimmel’s delightful picture book will enjoy seeing the story come to life. Leaning how Hershel gets the best of a band of bogeymen, in order to restore Hanukkah to a town plunged into darkness, is great fun for audiences of all ages. Theatergoers unfamiliar with the Festival of Lights, will not only be delighted by this well-told folktale, but will learn a little bit about the Jewish tradition. This is a humorous holiday treat that offers one more option for Chicago audiences at this festive time of year.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas   

Presented on Saturdays and Sundays, December 7-29, by Strawdog Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to www.strawdog.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.