Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas Musical

[Zack the Dog]

UPDATES:

From RavageFrackle's post:
Reply TO email, Regarding Emmet Otter

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear James,
The title is in very early development--there have been no auditions announced (or planned.)

Please let the rest of the folks know--we're being deluged with requests.

Many thanks,
Tim McDonald

(On to the original Post #1 of this thread:)

Hello guys,

Well late last night I got a call my friend in NYC and he told me that he had gotten word that there was some type of audition today for an Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas Musical that may come to Broadway or at least a staged version of the show. I don't know when, or where, or why but it would be done with puppets and that i think the Jim Henson company would be doing it.
That's all i know! nothing really other then the idea of it.

My friend was in shock as much as I. Please take with a grain of salt because i can't confirm anything but i was told it wasn't a secret. I haven't seen any news about it on-line unless i missed something?

Who knows?:confused: It would be cool idea, as i love Emmet Otter! So many questions come to mind! would it work? I don't know if it would take off in the way like Ave Q. I'm sure it would have to be written longer and maybe need more songs, maybe more from the Nightmare Band. What about Kermit being it? Probably not. I wonder if Paul Williams would be involved? It would most likely be new puppeteers to be doing it. All these things are more are flying around my head! But if it's true i would hope it would lead to a full version copy of the original to be released on dvd!:) The songs would be AMAZING sung live, i'd want to sing right along!

Well, "We're closer now then EVER before!"

[TheJimHensonHour]

One could only hope the amazing Paul Williams would be involved!
This is great, thanks for sharing.

[Zack the Dog]

I really do hope it's true! Paul Williams would really make it really special and i'm sure it would be done right and treat as the classic it is!
If, if, if, this is for real i wonder if it would only be a holiday thing? Emmet Otter isn't a Christmas special that blasts about Santa Clause, presents, Talking snow men, or flashy decorations so it could be something that could run longer then just the holiday season. I wonder if it would really be on Broadway, i mean wow! Then there would be a Puppet staged show aimed at for all ages!

Oh i'm such in an Emmet Otter singing mood again!

Again i can't confirm anything and it could be just talk or some mixed up information at this point.

[Erine81981]

This would be so awsome! I would love to see this if i could or maybe i'll get to see it.

[heralde]

Surprising, but if it did happen that could be great. Emmett Otter doesn't go on and on about Santa and presents, but it does represent what's most important about Christmas--generosity and bravery. :)

[Cammioh]

The story comes from Russell Hoban's children's book and could feasibly have nothing to do with Henson's retelling. It may not have any of the same songs or Muppet-y characters at all. The book's illustrations were done by Hoban's wife, and Henson used these to help design the characters.

[heralde]

That's a good point! Either way, I'd be interested. :)

[TheJimHensonHour]

Yes I'm thinking it could be all people, and hopefully it doesn't get turned into a race thing...like I'm thinking it could.

[Zack the Dog]

Oh yes that's true, but at least from the source i got from was that it was with the Jim Henson company and that it would be done with puppets. I'll have to call my friend to see if he's got anymore info.

[BEAR]

The rumors are true. I did a bit of research. The writer's name is Timothy A. McDonald and he is collaborating with Paul Williams and the Jim Henson Company on the adaptation.

[TheJimHensonHour]

Oh sweet! That is soooooo awesome!

[Phillip Chapman]

Yes, this is real and happening. It's something Paul Williams has wanted to do for a long time.

[anytimepally]

looks like I'm heading back to Broadway!

[erniebert1234ss]

Yeah, it's an excuse to go back for me too. The last time I hit Broadway, it was to see Wicked with Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty in the roles of Elphaba and Galinda; and Avenue Q with much of the original cast!

BJ

[BEAR]

This writer is also working on an adaptation of James and the Giant Peach.

Here is a link to an article I found:

http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/BAA.Web/Pages/News+isSTH+0+city+Baltimore+storyId+7234.html

You can also go to the author's website at www.timothyamcdonald.com

[Zack the Dog]

Hooohooo hoo hoo hoo hoooo! Yes! I'm glad that this IS happing but i'm also glad I posted real live Muppet news!:)

"We've made curtains and handkerchiefs
and clothing for the pooooooooor!
From the one bathing suit
That your grandma otter wore!":insatiable:

[heralde]

Wow cool! I mean, kinda hoped it would be true, but I'm also surprised as well. I'll look forward to updates. (Do we need a Wendel Porcupine smiley now or something?)

[Erine81981]

Now this will be cool to see or to hear maybe a CD that'll be out. Can't wait for more new updates.

[Fozzie Bear]

Zack, you have GOT to go audition!

[frogboy4]

This is such an odd and interesting concept for a show that I think it could work! This classic is beloved by many even non-Muppet fans I have met.

Now that Disney has the Muppets - and is doing something with them these days - it frees up the Henson Company to focus on many other projects - Fraggles, Crystal, Emmet Otter. There is the beginning of a renaissance in Jim Henson's properties. I hope it continues.

[BEAR]

Zack, you have GOT to go audition!

I'd like to know when it is so I can go out there and audition!

[Zack the Dog]

Zack, you have GOT to go audition!
I know that i should and i would if i could i just don't know where yet! I know that there has already been one audition from hearing from my friend in NY but he heard that from a friend of a friend. I would try out if i could. I mean i don't mind going back to NYC!

"Hey lady! If they didn't want these thing's ta roll they shoulda made 'em square!"

"Here ya go, it ain't even hurt!"

[ravagefrackle]

I wonder how much of this is really confirmed Fact.

After talking to my many Puppeteer associates here in NJ, and NYC, no body has heard anything about this.

although i had heard rumblings of this idea before, not one Puppetbuilder, or performer I know has any moer knowlegde that what was written on Muppet News Flash.

not saying its not possible, just wondering if we are all putting the cart before the horse so to speak

[BEAR]

All I know is the articles I have read and there is a biography online of Timothy McDonald stating he is working on an adaptation. Plus, I don't think Phil Chapman would make an announcement about it if it wasn't truth.

[ravagefrackle]

All I know is the articles I have read and there is a biography online of Timothy McDonald stating he is working on an adaptation. Plus, I don't think Phil Chapman would make an announcement about it if it wasn't truth.


despite all that , all of my many cotacts in the industry both in theatre, and film and Tv no nothing ,so while it may be something that is in development, i have yet to hear anything concrete confirming all of this, so until then i think we should be treating it as a development rumor, and nothing more.

[Luke]

I don't think Phil Chapman would make an announcement about it if it wasn't truth.

A lot of the time things just get announced very early into the devlopment process, much like the Henson biographical film. The Muppet websites just pass on whatever news or press releases there are but so many things have been rumoured and announced and never been made. It's quite common with Henson - they option about 10 books a year even and we've only ever seen one make it.

I hope it does make it though, it sounds really good. I think a lot of people remember Emmet fondly. Also well done Zack for scooping all the Muppet websites, lol!

[Zack the Dog]

I think it has been taken as a rumor. To start as how i posted it in my first post. It's an idea and it appeares that it is offical but that doesn't mean it's going to happen right away and with anything unfournutly it can be cancled or pushed back. just like all the rumored Muppet movie and show ideas in the pass. This seems to be just the start of the idea from what we know so far, i'm sure with time, like with anything and everything we will find out more!:) I just like to say that this is a really GOOD idea and i hope it does happen!

"Who are they Ma?"
"Beats me!...Probaly some of them River Bottom boys..."

Blooper
"Who are they Ma?"
"Oh! WHO CARES? ! ? !"

[ravagefrackle]

Dear James,
The title is in very early development--there have been no auditions announced (or planned.)

Please let the rest of the folks know--we're being deluged with requests. :)

Many thanks,
Tim McDonald

[GelflingWaldo]

Thanks for the update, James. I'm glad you were able to get a response from Tim regarding auditions. Although the details of the show are being kept tightly "under-wraps" by all parties, I was able to get confirmation from several people at Henson about the development of the project and that Henson, Paul Williams and Tim McDonald were collaborating on a stage adaptation of "Emmet Otter".

As for auditions, the folks at Henson didn't say anything about auditions, but several reputable NYC talent agencies were listing auditions for the show taking place in the coming month -- I guess some wires got crossed there and possibly the word of the show being in development got mixed with the word of some other auditions. Glad to have the confusion cleared up regarding that aspect of the project.

[Fozzie Bear]

Thanks, James and Greg!

Should I begin editing the very first post to include updated information?

[dabauckham]

I am THRILLED about this prospect! :zany:

I can really envision this working well. And it's basically impossible not to fall in love with the characters, story, and music in the piece. I mean, the whole otter jug-band thing is just so great. And let's not forget the bad-*** teddy bear.
:D

It's quite simply one of the most charming stories Henson ever adapted and produced. :halo:

Thanks for the information, everyone, and I look forward to hearing more!

[heralde]

Wow, I still can't believing it! :)

[Zack the Dog]

There is a bit of some new information posted on theMuppetnewsflash.com! It all sounds great, This should be a wonderful project!:)

[ToasterBoy]

Hey Gang-

I'm doing an interview for the Henson.com Podcast about this project tomorrow. I'd love to get some questions to ask, so if you have any send them over to podcast@henson.com before 11AM Pacific time and I'll do my best to work them in! Thanks!

[ToasterBoy]

That's 11AM Pacific on Friday, May 30. Sorry I should have included that. Already got a few good ones.

[uppitymuppity]

VARIETY:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117986597.html?categoryId=2430&cs=1

[GelflingWaldo]

As previously announced, The Jim Henson Company and Goodspeed Musicals are preparing a live-action stage musical based on "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas". The show is set to run from December 7, 2008, through January 4, 2009, at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Featuring an unique mix of actors, and puppet characters from The Jim Henson Company, the show will also feature several all-new songs by Paul Williams (songwriter for the original special).

This musical was adapted for the stage by Tim McDonald and Christopher Gattelli; and is being directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli.

You can listen to exclusive sneak-peaks of two new songs ("Waterville" and "Keep Dreaming Alice") which were composed by Paul Williams for the show right here (http://www.muppetnewsflash.com/2008/09/get-your-tickets-for-emmet-otter-stage.html). You can hear these new songs, sung by the composer, while viewing some of the preliminary character sketches made by costume designer Gregg Barnes.

Tickets are now on sale for this show -- for more information, and to reserve your tickets, call the Godspeed box office at 860.873.8668 or visit the online ticket office (https://www.goodspeed.org/peo/show.asp).



Links:
More information (http://www.muppetnewsflash.com/2008/09/get-your-tickets-for-emmet-otter-stage.html)
"Waterville" demo and constume designs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZipQucyHJQ&eurl=http://www.muppetnewsflash.com/)
"Keep Dreaming Alice" demo and constume designs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XkR3Q_mqU8&eurl=http://www.muppetnewsflash.com/)
A note from the director (https://www.goodspeed.org/uploadedfiles/shows/2008/emmet_otter/eodirector'svision.pdf) (.pdf)
Order tickets online (https://www.goodspeed.org/peo/show.asp)

[The Count]

Um Greg? Where are the links to listen to the songs? All I get is some Macromedia Flash Movie text with nothing to click on to hear the samples. Thought I'd point that out, thanks for all your hard work as our #1 Muppet Newsman.

[GelflingWaldo]

Where are the links to listen to the songs?

The links seem to work for me. I put the samples up on YouTube. Here are the links to "Waterville" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZipQucyHJQ&eurl=http://www.muppetnewsflash.com/) and "Keep Dreaming Alice" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XkR3Q_mqU8&eurl=http://www.muppetnewsflash.com/).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZipQucyHJQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XkR3Q_mqU8

[Ilikemuppets]

Oh wow! I hope that somebody here gets a chance to see this live!

[GSmiley2007]

As an avid Muppet fan, I definitely want to see this show, but since I live so far away from Connecticut, it might not happen. :( (Would be cool if I did get to see it, though.)

[Mongoose]

I'm very much looking forward to the play! I was wondering if anyone here could suggest a hotel in the area....:search:

[Phillip Chapman]

Now that the musical has debuted, we're moving the discussion here. If you're lucky enough to attend the performance be sure to share your thoughts.

http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=40506