A holiday classic returns for the 7th year! Strawdog Theatre Company 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 Brady McNeil
Location
325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, IL
Writers Theatre
Green Family Rehearsal Room
Performance Dates
December 14, 2024-January 5, 2025
Previews
December 13
Time
Saturday & Sunday 4pm & 7pm
Runtime
1 hour, no intermission
For all ages!
The theatre space is wheelchair accessible and there are accessible parking spaces located outside the building. Sensory Packs with headphones, sunglasses, and fidgets are available to borrow at all performances. Please email accessibility@strawdog.org with any questions!
Accessibility Performances & Information
Sensory Friendly
Saturday, December 21st at 4:00pm
Read the Social Narrative here!
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.
ASL Interpreted
Saturday, December 21st at 7:00pm
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 facilitator.
Post Show Creative Workshops
Workshops will follow performances:
Sunday, December 22nd at 5pm
Sunday December 29th at 5pm
This free of charge post-show experience is offered in-person only.
Space is limited, please get your tickets for these special events here:
Cast
Esther Fishbein (Hershel)
Abbie Brenner (Gavi)
Lydia Moss (Sammy)
Fiona Walsh Calton (Al)
Linnaea Groh (Leor)
Elizabeth Avery (Max)
Emi Fishman (Understudy: Hershel)
Andrew Seller (Understudy: Al)
Yongwoo Park (Understudy: Leor and Max)
Mary Margaret McCormack (Understudy: Gavi and Sammy)
Creative Team
Mike Dailey* (Adapter)
Jacob Combs (Music & Lyrics)
Noah Elman* (Director)
Brady McNeil (Music Director)
Ellie Levine* (Movement & Accessibility Director)
Manuel Ortiz* (Scenic Designer)
Elliot Hubiak (Lighting Designer)
Heath Hays* (Sound Designer)
Rain Foiles* (Costume Designer)
Mantra Radhakrishnan (Props / Puppets Designer)
Becca Levy* (Educational Director, Dramaturgy)
Carmine Grisolia* (Technical Director)
Sara Segneri (Stage Manager)
Jillian Resnick (Production Manager)
Corin Wiggins (Assistant Director)
Karissa Murrell-Myers* (Casting Director)
Kyle Hamman* (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.