Jim Henson's EMMET OTTER Returns For Another Christmas at Goodspeed 12/5

Come celebrate Christmas at the Opera House! Goodspeed Musicals, the only two time Tony Award winning theatre in the country, is proud to announce the return of last year's hit musical production Jim Henson's Emmet Otter. Families across Connecticut are invited to continue this holiday tradition complimented by the beauty of the Goodspeed Opera House bedecked for the season. "Last year audiences experienced the joy and magic of Christmastime in this idyllic holiday setting. It truly is the perfect backdrop for such a timeless tale," Executive Director Michael Price commented, "Emmet and Ma's story of giving is one we are excited to share once again with audiences. The wonderful music, charming characters, and a cast of exceptional performers make for a festive celebration for all ages." Emmet Otter will run December 5, 2009, through January 3, 2010, at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut.

This year a new special event has been added. What better way to start your Goodspeed day than with a wonderful Breakfast with Santa at the Gelston House? A special Breakfast with Santa package is available for matinees on December 6, 13, 20 and 24 at 10:00 a.m. prior to the 12:00 p.m. performance. Call the Box Office for details.

Evenings more your style? Other special events include Meet the Puppeteers immediately following the December 10, 7 p.m. performance. Discover first hand the secrets to making puppet magic. Take part in a lively post-show audience discussion with the puppeteers who help bring the world of Emmet Otter to life! And on December 17, join the cast for Backstage at Goodspeed, a lively post-show discussion. Both of these events are free with a ticket to that evening's performance.

As Christmas approaches the world of Frogtown Hollow, Emmet Otter and his Ma can only dream of buying each other gifts. So when a Christmas Eve talent contest is announced, both secretly enter hoping to win the prize money. In a heartwarming twist on "The Gift of the Magi", Emmet and Ma risk all they have and end up with the greatest grand prize of all. Featuring a lovable mix of actors, puppet characters from The Jim Henson Company, and a toe-tapping score, it's a classic holiday musical for all ages!

This joyous musical is based on the book "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas" by Russell and Lillian Hoban, and the ground-breaking all-puppet HBO special of the same name directed and produced by Jim Henson and written by Jerry Juhl. This production is a unique collaboration among Goodspeed Musicals, co-book writers Timothy A. McDonald of iTheatrics and Christopher Gattelli, Paul Williams who contributed the music and lyrics, and The Jim Henson Company.

The stage version of Emmet Otter is produced in association with The Jim Henson Company, with Chairman Brian Henson spearheading the project on the Company's behalf. The Jim Henson Company has been an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years, known for such productions as "Fraggle Rock," "Labyrinth," and "The Dark Crystal."

Emmet Otter is produced for Goodspeed Musicals by Michael P. Price.

Emmet Otter will run December 5, 2009, through January 3, 2010 [Official Press Opening December 16, 2009]. Curtain times: First performance December 5 at 8:00 p.m.; Wednesdays December 9 and 16 at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays December 23 and 30 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Thursdays December 10 and 17 at 7:00 p.m.; with special performances on Christmas Eve at 12:00 p.m., New Year's Eve at 12: p.m. and New Year's Day at 2:00 p.m.; Fridays December 13 and 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday December 12 at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Saturdays December 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Saturday January 2 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tickets start at $39 for children under 12 and $49 for adults. A limited number of $26 Second Row Side Mezzanine (restricted view) seats are available for each performance.

Tickets are on sale now to Goodspeed Members only and will go on sale to the general public on September 11. For more information call the Box Office at 860.873.8668 or visit www.goodspeed.org.

 

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