A Virtual Folktale Retold

Hershel & the Hanukkah Goblins – Strawdog Theatre

For the past two seasons, Strawdog Theatre has presented a special family holiday offering that’s aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the Jewish community. Experienced live, the 60-minute Hanukkah-themed children’s play was always entertaining, educational and because it was based upon a book, it even promoted reading. The show was delightful. It was filled with kid-friendly riddles, songs, simple dances, games and all sorts of interactive fun for both the children and their parents. They even provided printed puzzles and coloring sheets for the kids to work on before the play, or to take along home with them as a souvenir of their experience.

But 2020 has been a very different year. With the Covid-19 virus still raging throughout the nation, it’s become impossible to present live entertainment in front of an actual audience. The danger of spreading the pandemic is constantly on our minds, especially as the holiday season arrives. Strawdog Theatre, like so many other others nationwide, is offering a virtual performance of one of their most popular plays. “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” is Michael Dailey’s dramatic adaptation, complete with music and lyrics by Jacob Combs, and based upon Eric Kimmel’s beloved Caldecott Honor Award-winning picture book. It retells a delightful, well-known folktale that’s been part of many Jewish heritage for generations.

Using folksy charm, catchy music, childlike humor and engaging enthusiasm, four young actors take on multiple roles in a Zoom presentation of Strawdog’s captivating play. Hershel is played this year by the effervescent Rebecca Keeshin. She, like her cast-mates, are not only excellent actors but they are also musically talented. Ms. Keeshin plays a number of stringed instruments and sings beautifully, as do Julia Atkin, Sonia Goldberg and Ian Michael Minh. These three actors play several characters and operate the simple Goblin puppets, possibly created by Manny Ortiz, who provided the props.

This year’s production was directed by Spencer Ryan Diedrick, with musical direction by Celia Villacres. Kudos go to Kyle Hamman, the production’s virtual production director, for trying to recreate the spontaneity of the original experience. The problem with such an interactive play is that it relies heavily upon audience participation. The only way those watching the presentation can take part is by typing their responses into the “Live Chat” area, on the right side of the Zoom screen. When Hershel asks the audience for magic word suggestions, or to express an opinion about the Goblins, the children at home must read what others have written and then type their responses. Obviously, this method lacks the excitement generated by a live audience. Also, the unmasked actors, in order to remain safe, are each shot in isolation, individually filmed on separate screens. The effect is like the opening credits of “The Brady Bunch.”

Strawdog Theatre’s attempt to join the many Chicago venues who are presenting holiday plays and musicals, while trying to keep their audiences safe and their actors and theatre artists employed, is admirable. This year’s viral presentation is, unfortunately, not quite as thrilling as the company’s previous live presentations of this family play. It does fill a void in the holiday offerings, but with a little more imagination this refreshing children’s play might’ve been more captivating.

Somewhat Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 5-20 by Strawdog Theatre.

Tickets are available for this viral presentation at www.strawdog.org.

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