‘The MeshugaNutcracker!’ debuts in movie theaters nationwide on Dec. 19
Shannon Guggenheim, left, and Jeremy Kreamer perform in “The MeshugaNutcracker!,” a full-length musical comedy that will be shown in Wooster for one night only.
An “enchanting festival of light-hearted glee and meaningful warmth,” according to the Los Angeles Times, arrives in celebration at the end of Chanukah when the musical comedy, “The MeshugaNutcracker!,” debuts in movie theaters nationwide on Dec. 19, putting a unique spin on the classic “Nutcracker” ballet.
A local showing will begin at 7 p.m. at the Movies 10 Wooster, located at 4108 Burbank Road, Wooster.
Presented by Fathom Events in partnership with Guggenheim Entertainment, “The MeshugaNutcracker!” will be shown in U.S. cinemas for one night only. During this screening, Emmy Award-winning and Broadway star Bruce Vilanch will appear on screen as a special guest.
Tickets for “The MeshugaNutcracker!” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 350 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website. (Theaters and participants are subject to change.)
“It’s a show that’s really never been done before,” said Susan Gundunas, one of the stars of the ensemble cast, “not just because there’s finally a big, beautiful show about Chanukah in the same way there are big, beautiful shows celebrating Christmas, but also because the cast is singing an amazingly challenging score that was originally intended for musical instruments. We get to sing the piccolo line and clarinet line of melodies you’ve had in your head forever but that have been wordless for hundreds of years. It’s a real treat to sing such melodious, grand music.”
“The MeshugaNutcracker!” showcases eight stories that pay tribute to the first celebration of Chanukah in the new state of Israel as well as Judah Maccabee’s triumphant saga and accounts of perseverance. The full-length musical comedy features original lyrics in honor of Chanukah and includes dancing dreidels, singing sufganiot and special guest stars.
“We are always thrilled to embrace the holiday spirit with audiences and celebrate such a special time of year, and this year there’s no better way than watching a fun twist on a beloved classic,” said Kymberli Frueh, Fathom Events VP of programming. “This performance is a fun way for audiences to learn more about the history and traditions of Chanukah in a kitchy spin, using the ‘Nutcracker’s’ classic music in a way they’ve never experienced it before.”
“No matter what religion you are, no matter what you celebrate this time of year, it’s about finding the light in people, finding light in yourself, letting the holidays truly illuminate everything around you,” said Shannon Guggenheim, lyricist and one of the co-producers. “And yes, it does sound schmaltzy, but that’s why we balance it with a lot of schmaltz in our show. That really is what we’re trying to do: give families something bright and fun but also poignant and meaningful to celebrate this time of year.”
This musical event is produced and directed by Scott Evan Guggenheim with adapted music, lyrics and choreography by Shannon Guggenheim. Musical direction and arrangements are by Stephen Guggenheim and Thomas Tomasello, costume and set designs are by Julie Engelbrecht, lighting is by Derek Duarte, sound design is by Steven Cahill, and film editing is by Kyle Burke.