Justin Bohon, Kathy Fitzgerald Head Cast of Goodspeed’s Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter

Justin Bohon and Kathy Fitzgerald will star as Emmet and Ma Otter, respectively, in Goodspeed Musicals’ Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter, to play the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut, December 5-January 3. Christopher Gattelli will once again direct and choreograph.

The musical had its world premiere at Goodspeed in 2008. Based on the book Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas by Russell and Lillian Hoban, the story revolves around the impoverished Emmet Otter and his Ma who both secretly enter a Christmas Eve talent contest hoping to win the prize money. This production is a unique collaboration among Goodspeed Musicals, co-book writers Timothy A. McDonald of iTheatrics and Christopher Gattelli, Paul Williams who contributed the music and lyrics, and The Jim Henson Company.

The cast will also include Jill Abramovitz (Mrs. Mink and Hetty Muskrat), Stanley Bahorek (Charlie Muskrat), Scott Barnhardt (Wendell Porcupine), Jennifer Barnhart (Mme. Squirrel), Stephen Bienskie (Russ and Stan Weasel), Thomas Cannizzaro (Mayor Fox), Leo Daignault (Doc Bull Frog and Chuck Stoat), Matt Furtado (Harvey Beaver), Meg Guzulescu (Jane), Lisa Howard (Mrs. Gretchen Fox), puppeteer Anney Ozar (Old Lady Possum), puppeteer James Silson (Howard Snake), and puppet captain David Stephens (Yancy Woodchuck, Fred Lizard and Pa Otter). Jessica Elovsson and Craig Glenn Foster will be swings.

The creative team will include Anna Louizos (sets), Gregg Barnes (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Larry Pressgrove (music director), Gregory M. Brown (arrangements), and Dan DeLange (orchestrations).

In conjunction with the musical, Goodspeed will also present a new special event: Breakfast with Santa at the Gelston House, available for matinees on December 6, 13, 20 and 24 at 10:00 a.m. prior to the 12:00 p.m. performance. There will also be a Meet the Puppeteers event immediately following the December 10, 7 p.m. performance, and a post-show discussion with the cast on December 17.

For more information, visit www.goodspeed.org.