Jim Henson's Emmet Otter Returns to Goodspeed

Jim Henson's Emmet Otter, the delightful holiday program with music and lyrics by Paul Williams returns to the Godspeed Opera House Dec. 5-Jan. 3.

Timothy A. McDonald and Christopher Gattelli's book, based on the children's classic by Russell and Lillian Hoban and on the HBO special produced and directed by Jim Henson and written by Jerry Juhl, features live actors and puppets directed and choreographed by Gattelli. Connecticut native Meg Guzulescu, who recently delighted audiences in the Broadway hit Billy Elliot and appeared in Gypsy with Patti LuPone, will play Jane.

Here are the fast facts:

Synopsis:
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.

Set Designer: Anna Louizos
Costume Designer:Gregg Barnes
Lighting Designer: Brian MacDevitt
Music Director: Larry Pressgrove
Assistant Music Director: Ian Schugel
Resident Music Director: Michael O’Flaherty
Music Arranger: Gregory M. Brown
Orchestrations:Dan DeLange

Tickets start at $39 for children and $49 for adults.

Performances are Wednesdays, Dec. 9 and 16 at 12 pm and 7 pm; Wednesdays, Dec. 23 and 30 at 2 pm and 7 pm; Thursdays, Dec. 10 and 17 at 7 pm; Fridays, Dec. 11 and 18 at 7 pm; Saturdays, Dec. 5 at 8 pm, Dec. 12 at 12 pm and 4 pm, and Dec. 19, 26 and Jan. 2 at 2 pm and 7 pm; Sundays at 12 pm and 4 pm; with special performances on Christmas Eve at 12 pm, New Year’s Eve at 12 pm and New Year’s Day at 2 pm Tickets start at $39 for children under 12 and $49 - $59 for adults. A limited number of $26 Second Row Side Mezzanine (restricted view) seats are available for each performance. For more information call the Box Office at 860.873.8668 or visit http://www.goodspeed.org/.

Special Events:
--Breakfast with Santa: Buffet Breakfast at the Gelston House followed by the noon performance. Sundays Dec. 6, 13, 20, and 24 at 10 am. Package is $60 for children and $70 for adults.

--Bonus Days for Kids: Child ticket only $25 with purchase of adult ticket for performances on Wednesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 10.

--Meet the Puppeteers immediately following the December 10, 7 pm 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.

--Backstage at Goodspeed: Take part in a lively post-show discussion with the cast. Immediately following the Thursday evening performance on Dec. 17.

Meet the Puppeteers and Backstage at Goodspeed events are free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.