Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas

[kdogg36]

Posted: 12/14/21 at 10:30am

I haven't seen anyone post about this holiday production at the New Victory Theater. My friend and I saw it on Sunday morning and loved it. I've been a fan of the TV special since I was very young, so I expected to like the stage show, but I am glad to report that I was delighted beyond all expectations. It does not stray very far from the original, but the performances are great and there are some very creative additions.

I wrote a fuller (gushing) review this morning on my friend's blog - you can view it here. 

Is anyone else planning on seeing this?

[adotburr]

Posted: 12/14/21 at 10:33am

I’m trying to go Sunday. Right now, doesn’t look like I’ll make it (waiting list for the bus) so I’ll just buy the digital copy and watch later in the week instead. 

[kdogg36]

Posted: 12/14/21 at 8:49pm

Apropos of nothing, I had always (naively, in retrospect) thought that the New Victory might have a conservative bent because of its name and repertoire. I was pleasantly surprised to find pronouns in every bio and an acknowledgment in the pre-show announcement of the indigenous people displaced in the development of Manhattan. 

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 12/14/21 at 9:13pm

kdogg36 said: "I haven't seen anyone post about this holiday production at the New Victory Theater. My friend and I saw it on Sunday morning and loved it. I've been a fan of the TV special since I was very young, so I expected to like the stage show, but I am glad to report that I was delighted beyond all expectations. It does not stray very far from the original, but the performances are great and there are some very creative additions.

I wrote a fuller (gushing) review this morning on my friend's blog - you can view it here.

Is anyone else planning on seeing this?"

Is it done with muppets or actual actors?

[kdogg36]

Posted: 12/14/21 at 11:09pm

Matt Rogers said: "Is it done with muppets or actual actors?"

It's mainly done with actual actors in costume, including the adorable Colin Trudell in the title role. But there are a lot of puppets, too, and that adds a lot to the show. 

For more details on how everything is executed, I'd refer you to my review linked in the original post on this thread.

Updated On: 12/14/21 at 11:09 PM

[markhenryfrench]

Posted: 12/15/21 at 1:44am

Wish I could see it in person. Heard it's great. Not sure whether I should watch it on screen, might take away some of its power.
Best,

Mark Schweiz

[DearTheodosia]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 12:25pm

Thinking of getting tickets in the balcony. Is it a small theater?

[kdogg36]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 1:17pm

DearTheodosia said: "Thinking of getting tickets in the balcony. Is it a small theater?"

It is. It's like a miniature version of one of the older Broadway theaters.

[DearTheodosia]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 3:41pm

Thanks! I also meant to ask you if the audience is masked, or vaccination required?

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 4:30pm

Masks required. Vaccination proof required. And one of the only venues (perhaps THE only venue??) with distanced seating.

[Streganona]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 8:18pm

markhenryfrench said: "Wish I could see it in person. Heard it's great. Not sure whether I should watch it on screen, might take away some of its power.
Best,

Mark Schweiz"

Here's a link to NYT article+photos to help you decide; no paywall if you've read less than 10 articles this month.  I think it will be wonderful even streaming and wish that I could figure out how to also rent it as a gift for my neighbor's family.                                                         https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/09/theater/emmet-otter-jug-band.html

 

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 12/24/21 at 11:46pm

I saw this today and it was so heartwarming, charming, funny, and well-executed. This was the perfect show to see on Christmas Eve (the climactic event happens on Christmas Eve). The show lovingly pays tribute to the special it’s based on but makes it work perfectly as a stage show for all ages. The mix of live actors and puppets is so clever. Case Morgan as Ma Otter is perfect casting. I think I laughed or had a smile on my face the entire time. If you have a chance to catch this production, you are in for a treat.

At today’s performance (and last night’s, I believe), there was an understudy who covered two roles in a split track. I have no idea how they made it work especially considering the puppetry, but if they hadn’t announced there was a swing on in a split track, I wouldn’t have known at all. Bravo, Jason Jacoby!