South Pacific's Gattelli to Direct Stage Version of "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas"
By Andrew Gans
29 May 2008
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Christopher Gattelli
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| photo by Aubrey Reuben | A stage version of the classic Jim Henson holiday favorite "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas" is currently in the works.
The new musical — based on HBO's Ace Award-winning 1977 all-puppet television special — will be produced by Brian Henson of The Jim Henson Company and iTheatrics' Tim McDonald.
McDonald and Christopher Gattelli, a 2008 Tony nominee for his choreography for the acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater revival of South Pacific, will pen the book for Emmet, and the production will feature new and original music by Paul Williams, who scored the original TV special.
Gattelli will also direct Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, which will feature a mix of stage actors and puppet creations. Opening date and other details for the musical, which is currently in developmental workshops, will be announced at a later date.
The musical, according to press notes, "follows the story of Emmet Otter and his Ma, two poor but musically gifted otters, who each secretly enter into a talent show in hopes of converting the prize money into a special holiday gift for the other."
In a statement Brian Henson said, "'Emmet Otter' is a beloved story that has remained a favorite with fans around the world. I continue to admire the work of Tim McDonald and iTheatrics, as they create highly entertaining and faithful stage adaptations which stay true to the heart and spirit of the original material. Having Paul Williams on board to write our new songs ensures that our musical production stays true to Emmet's story."
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