New York theater critics have given generally positive reviews to the Off-Broadway stage adaptation of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, based on the 1977 TV special that was adapted from the children’s book by Lillian and Russell Hoban. The creative team includes Timothy Allen McDonald (book), Christopher Gatelli (book, direction, choreography), Paul Williams (music, lyrics), Larry Pressgrove (music direction, arrangements), Dan DeLange (orchestrations, arrangements), Anna Louizos (sets), Jen Schriever (lights), Gregg Barnes (costumes), Matt Kraus (sound), Jim Henson’s Creature Shop (puppets), and John Tartaglia (puppet direction). The limited engagement continues at New Victory Theatre through January 2.
The cast includes Cass Morgan (Ma Otter), Colin Trudell (Emmet Otter), Jordan Brownlee (Doc Bullfrog), Kevin Covert (Mayor Fox), Steven Huynh (Wendell Porcupine), LaVon Fisher-Wilson (Mrs. Mink / Hetty Muskrat / Mme. Squirrel), Beverly Badger (Mrs. Fox), Matt Furtado (Skippy Squirrel / Yancy Woodchuck / Stan Weasel), Jakeim Hart (Harvey), Anney Ozar (Old Lady Possum), J. Antonio Rodriguez (Charlie / Will Possum), and James Silson (Jiffy Squirrel / Fred Lizard).
JK’s Theatre Scene (Mike Murphy): New Victory’s version … is not only just as delightful as the original, but enhances and expands on the experience in unexpected ways. The design elements closely match those seen in the TV special, but build on them in some important respects, and of course are rendered more magical by seeing them live and in person. … I recommend this production to everyone, young and old. If you’ve seen the TV special, you will savor the familiar and eat up the new elements. If you haven’t seen it, you’re in for a treat, and you can rest assured that it will be an easy story to follow, even for young kids. Grade: A.
New York Times (Alexis Soloski): [Gattelli and McDonald] have gussied up the libretto nicely, giving the furry characters a bit more depth and enlivening the talent show. Mostly unchanged are Paul Williams’s superb songs. … Williams’s music is naïve without condescension, as playful as it is heart-whole beautiful. … The message, which celebrates fellow feeling and mutual care, is especially welcome right now. I would have taken home every single squirrel.