The Jim Henson Company and iTheatrics to Develop Musical Stage Version of ‘Emmet Otter’ Collaboration to Adapt Classic Holiday Favorite to Musical Theater

The Jim Henson Company has partnered with iTheatrics to develop a musical stage version of its classic holiday television special, "Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas." 

The announcement was made today by the show’s producers, Brian Henson, co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company and Tim McDonald, CEO of iTheatrics.   The show will feature a mix of stage actors and puppet characters and a toe-tapping score of new and original music by Paul Williams, who wrote the music for the award-winning original special.

“Emmet Otter” was a ground-breaking all-puppet television special that debuted in 1977 on HBO and received the Ace Award for Excellence in Pay Cable.  The original show, produced and directed by Jim Henson and based on the book by Russell and Lillian Hoban, has become a beloved holiday classic with continuous successful releases on VHS and DVD.  

The musical follows the story of Emmet Otter and his Ma, two poor but musically gifted otters, who each secretly enter into a talent show in hopes of converting the prize money into a special holiday gift for the other.

The stage production is currently in development workshops.  The opening date and other production plans will be announced at a later time.  McDonald will co-author the book with Christopher Gattelli.  Gattelli, who will also direct the new Emmet Otter production, was recently nominated for a 2008 Tony Award for Best Choreography for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific. 

“‘Emmet Otter’ is a beloved story that has remained a favorite with fans around the world,” said Brian Henson. “I continue to admire the work of Tim McDonald and iTheatrics, as they create highly entertaining and faithful stage adaptations which stay true to the heart and spirit of the original material.  Having Paul Williams on board to write our new songs ensures that our musical production stays true to Emmet’s story.”

“This show holds a beautiful message about how much we gain when we make a sacrifice for those we love,” said McDonald, “I am delighted to be working with The Jim Henson Company and Paul Williams to allow old and new audiences to experience this classic story in a new way,” said McDonald.