A Sweet Christmas Story

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

Back in 1977, during the holiday season, a sparkling, brand new television special aired that was directed by Jim Henson. It was a sweet Christmas story called “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” based upon the popular children’s book by Russell Hoban. The story was a takeoff of O. Henry’s classic short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” in which a loving young, but impoverished, married couple each make sacrifices in order to buy a treasured gift for their spouses. But the irony of their sacrifices is discovered when each opens his or her gift on Christmas morning. For Emmet and his widowed Ma, the sacrifices each makes deeply affects their livelihood.

 There’s a brand new talent contest being held in Frogtown Hollow during the holidays. Both Emmet and his Ma float the idea of entering, in order to hopefully win the $50 prize. But Ma spends her days doing the laundry of well-to-do citizenry in her washtub, bringing in just enough money for Emmet and her to scrape by. Using the toolkit that Pa left him, Emmet helps out by earning extra cash doing repair work for his neighbors. When Ma dreams of having a piano, and Emmet confesses that his Christmas wish is a guitar, both mother and son secretly make plans. Each decides to make a big sacrifice in order to try to win the prize money and buy each other their dream gift. But, as they always do, complications arise. But Jim Henson’s 75-minute musical confection eventually ends on a happy note.

This holiday treat features a brilliantly multi-gifted cast of actor/singer/puppeteers. The cast is a combination of outstanding New York and Chicago talent, who bring these delightful characters to life. The company is led by brilliant Broadway and television actor and author, Andy Mientus, as Emmet Otter. Amiable and appealing, Mr. Mientus brings a boyish earnestness and innocence to his role. Lovely, talented actor and songstress Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleone beautifully plays Ma Otter. Her powerful voice caresses each song and her love and selflessness brings a tear to the eye. She may be remembered for her appearance on NBC’s reality show, “GREASE: You’re the One That I Want.” Both actors bring gorgeous, trained voices and charismatic characterizations to this story. The soulful truth and sentiment found in this entrancing, eye-catching story flows over the footlights and into the hearts of each audience member.

The supporting cast features a large ensemble of fantastic talents. Seen in the original Broadway casts of “Spamalot,” “Memphis” and the revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” character actor Kevin Covert is absolutely hilarious as Mayor Fox. He serves as the Emcee of the Talent Show and the actor’s quips and commentary are as funny as his priceless facial reactions and body language. Mr. Covert’s performance is matched by Chicago favorite, Emily Rohm as his haughty wife, operatic soprano, Gretchen Fox. Ms. Rohm will be remembered for her balletic portrayal of stripper Tessie Tura, in Marriott Theatre’s recent production of “Gypsy.” But Emily, who is also the puppeteer for Hetty Muskrat and Owl, was equally glorious as Jane Doe in CST’s wonderful “Ride the Cyclone,” and as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.” Together these two talented performers rein supreme over this production.

Two more gifted local triple-threats help make this production so much fun. Beautiful Sharriese Hamilton is very funny as Mrs. Mink. Known for her captivating characterizations and soaring voice, Ms. Hamilton was in the International Tour of “Come From Away,” and recently wowed audiences in the Goodman Theatre’s splendid “The Nacerima Society.” Sawyer Smith, who always brings his superb vocal and choreographic talents to every role, portrays Madame Squirrel. Playing their part with sparkling, star-quality magnificence, Smith will be recognized for their many performances around Chicagoland. Most recently Sawyer was a member of Broadway-bound musical, “The Devil Wears Prada,” as well as stopping the show as the bugle blowing Miss Mazeppa, also in Marriott’s production of “Gypsy.”

Other standouts in this family fare include Nick Cearley, as Charlie Muskrat; Jordan Brownlee, as a humorous Doc Bullfrog, Tiny Squirrel and Chuck Stoat; Matthew Furtado as Stinky Skunk and Stan Weasel; a charming Steven Huynh as Emmet’s pal Wendell, the Porcupine; Ben Mathew as Harvey Beaver; Anney Ozar, very funny as Old Lady Possum, as well as Nutella Squirrel and Howard Snake; James Silson as Fred Lizard and Jiffy Squirrel; David Stephens as Yancy Woodchuck, Skippy Squirrel and Scatfish; and talented Chicago actor/singer/puppeteers Leah Morrow and Adam Fane have the daunting tasks of serving as Swings, Chorus and Understudies for this cast.

Tony Award-winning Broadway director and choreographer, Christopher Gattelli, who adapted and co-wrote the winning script with Timothy Allen McDonald, has guided his cast with unbridled spunk and holiday spirit. The hummable score, which includes some lovely bluegrass tunes, is the work of Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winner, Paul Williams. The toe-tapping songs include “When the River Meets the Sea,” “Barbecue,” “Our World,” “Brothers” and company production number, “Waterville.”

The behind-the-scenes artistry that brings this story to life includes Anna Louizos’ colorful, storybook quality scenic design, embellished by Jen Schriever’s heavenly lighting. Prolific and talented Broadway costumer Gregg Barnes, a Tony Award-winner for the musical, “Some Like It Hot,” has created the gorgeous anthropomorphic animal costumes that help make the characters in this production especially fantastic. He’s assisted by brilliant Chicago makeup and hair coordinator, Megan E. Pirtle.

But it’s certain that this production wouldn’t be what it is without the magical and creative handiwork provided by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. In addition to the fantastic cast, the beautiful songs and the gorgeous sets and costumes, the professional puppetry provides so much of the heart and humor in this beautiful, live holiday musical. It’s a show that will charm every theatergoer in Chicago, young and old.          

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 15-December 31 by iTheatrics and The Jim Henson Company at the Studebaker Theatre in the Fine Arts Building, 410 South Michigan Ave. Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Studebaker Theatre box office, by calling 312-753-3210 or by going to www.EmmetOtterLive.com.

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