Strawdog Theatre Company in partnership with the Chicago Loop Synagogue presents Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins. In this musical adaptation of Eric Kimmel's Caldecott Honor-winning book, a traveling troupe of actors comes to town to find no one celebrating Hanukkah. To save the holiday, they must tell the tale of Hershel of Ostropol and his quest to outwit the goblins who haunt the old synagogue!
Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins
book by Eric Kimmel
published by Holiday House Inc.
adapted by Mike Dailey
music & lyrics by Jacob Combs
directed by Noah Elman
music direction by Matthew Pollack
Location
The Chicago Loop Synagogue
16 S Clark Street, Chicago Il, 60603
Performance Dates
December 3 - 23, 2023
Previews
November 30 & December 2
Time
Thursdays & Saturdays at 7pm
Sundays at 11am and 2pm
Runtime
1 hour, no intermission
For all ages!
All accessible performances will be available in person and via live stream. If attending in person, the space is wheelchair accessible via elevator and lift. All live stream performances will have captions.
Please email accessibility@strawdog.org with any questions!
Accessibility Performances & Information
Sensory Friendly
Sunday, December 10th at 2:00pm
Click here to download a Social Story PDF for the performance.
At the Sensory Friendly performance, sound levels will be lowered, flashing lights will be adjusted, house lights will remain on, and surprising moments will be forecasted with the raising of a glow stick. There will be a movement space inside the theatre and a quiet space outside the theatre. Audience members will be welcome to move through the space and react to the show in whatever way is comfortable. Sensory Packs will be available with headphones, ear plugs, sunglasses, and fidgets.
Audio Described
Sunday, December 17th at 11:00am
Touch Tour at 10:15am
Email accessibility@strawdog.org to reserve a spot for in-person Audio Description.
ASL Interpreted
Sunday, December 17th at 2:00pm
Let's Make Art About It: Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins
This studio style workshop explores key moments and themes from the production and transforms them through process oriented creative play. Participants of all ages are guided through self-directed art-making, including drama and visual art, giving all of us the opportunity to “Make Art About It!”
This workshop is drawn from the Jewish Studio Process and facilitated by Becca Levy, Strawdog Theatre ensemble member and Jewish Studio Project Fellow.
Post Show Creative Workshops
Workshops will follow performances:
Sunday, December 10th at 11:00 am
Sunday December 10th at 2pm
This free of charge post-show experience is offered in-person only. Space is limited, and an RSVP link will be sent out with ticket reservations for these performances.
Understudy Performance
Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm
Cast
Amanda Giles (Hershel)
Peter Stielstra (Max)
Heather-Grace Bach (Al)
Corin Wiggins (Gavi)
Sarah Welford (Leor)
Ray Post (Sammy)
Mia Marks (Understudy - Hershel)
Erin Williams (Understudy - Max)
Norah Flaherty (Understudy - Al)
Abbie Brenner (Understudy - Gavi)
Linnaea Groh (Understudy - Leor)
Cassidy Keenan (Understudy - Sammy)
Creative Team
Mike Dailey* (Adapter)
Jacob Combs (Music & Lyrics)
Noah Elman (Director)
Matthew Pollack (Music Director)
Ellie Levine (Movement & Accessibility Director)
Marcus Klein (Scenic Designer)
Sam Anderson (Lighting Designer)
Brandon Reed (Sound Designer)
Rain Foiles (Costume Designer)
Rocio “Chio” Cabrera (Props / Puppets Designer)
Becca Levy* (Dramaturg, Cultural & Education Consultant)
Kyle Hamman* (Streaming Designer)
Line Bower (Technical Director)
Mikayla De Guzman (Stage Manager)
Jillian Resnick (Assistant Stage Manager)
Patrick Starner (Assistant Director)
Karissa Murrell-Myers* (Casting Director)
Kamille Dawkins* (Producer)
* Denotes Strawdog Ensemble Member
Strawdog Theatre Company is supported in part by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, The Saints Grant Commission, and The Puffin Foundation.
Thank You To Our Supporters
Click Here to see full list of donors.