Summary:
This is a collection of Jewish cultural stories and moral lessons centered on the multi-level meaning of Hanukkah, celebrated through a combination of music from The Nutcracker with revised lyrics, and traditional Hanukkah melodies. Presented by an ensemble cast of capable singers and dancers (two of whom co-wrote the show), this amusing, educational G-rated production is best appreciated by Jewish families with young children.
The MeshugaNutcracker! is a full-length musical comedy that features the wonderfully silly sensibilities of the folklore of Chelm (the fictional town of fools) underscored by an invigorating, Klezmer-ized orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite”, now with original lyrics that celebrate Chanukah. Judah Maccabee’s triumphant saga and accounts of perseverance during the Holocaust as well as the celebration of the first Chanukah in the new state of Israel emerge with a genuine sense of wonder as the Chelmniks tell eight stories that pay tribute to the holiday. Add in dancing dreidels, singing sufganiot, and surprise guest stars and you have the perfect recipe for a holiday gathering. Some might call it crazy…we call it The MeshugaNutcracker!
Released December 19, 2017
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