The MeshugaNutcracker – Fantastic Musical Comedy for the Holiday Seasona
Fathom events and Guggenheim Entertainment present The MeshugaNutcracker! This Chanukah musical will play in select cinemas nationwide for a special one-night event on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. This musical comedy features the wonderfully silly sensibilities of the folklore of Chelm (a fictional town of fools) underscored by an invigorating Klezmer-ized orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” including original lyrics that celebrate Chanukah. Add in dancing dreidels, singing sufganiot, and surprise guest stars and you have the perfect recipe for a holiday outing! Jews and non-Jews alike will delight in this original musical celebrating all things Chanukah. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maria G. comments, “This full-length musical comedy is not afraid of getting a bit silly with its several stories and performances. It is fantastic musical to experience during this holiday season, filled with amazing performances, beautiful costumes and songs that will motivate you to sing along.” See her full review below.
The MeshugaNutcracker
By Maria G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18
The MeshugaNutratcker is not your average Christmas musical.This full-length musical comedy is not afraid of getting a bit silly with its several stories and performances. It is fantastic musical to experience during this holiday season, filled with amazing performances, beautiful costumes and songs that will motivate you to sing along. This is a must see family musical that you, like me are sure to enjoy watching.
‘Tis the season for celebrating Chanukah in the first ever Jewish centered musical comedy, The MeshugaNutcracker which takes place in the small fictional town of Chelm where you will relive eight distinct stories, all relating to the story of Chanukah. The whole performance captures and compliments the essence of the original songs that celebrate the story of Chanukah. In the new state of Israel, The MeshugaNutcracker recounts the story of Judah Maccabee, the perseverance of the Holocaust and the celebration of the first Chanukah, all while being filled with silliness and glee.
The acting in this musical is Emmy Award worthy and is performed by a group of actors that came together to produce a grand piece. From the producers to the writers to the actors, we see the results of a team of talented individuals that bring this show to life. Written and directed by Scott Evan Guggenheim, Shannon Guggenheim and Stephen Guggenheim, the musical comedy features the silly sensibilities of the folklore of Chelm (a fictional town of fools), an invigorating orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” and eight talented actors including Jackson Davis, Lynda DiVito, Susan Gundunas, Jeremy Kreamer, Benjamin Pither, Krista Wigle.
Whether or not you partake in the celebration of Chanukah, this two-hour musical will capture your heart in so many amazing ways. My favorite parts are the costumes and production itself. The eye catching and distinct vibrant color of each character’s costume gives them a unique identity. The costume designs are particularly interesting with all the Jewish symbols that are used. The symbols help to embodying the Jewish culture throughout the film. Furthermore, I enjoyed watching the production aspects of the musical and seeing how they transition from different scenes in a matter of seconds. The production team switches from different sets and props in the blink of an eye.
From the phenomenal acting to the original songs, this is the perfect musical comedy to watch with your whole family during this holiday season, particularly if you are Jewish. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. This film is being brought to select theaters through Fathom Events on December 19, 2017 so check your local theater for details.
