Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

December 6-8, 2024

• Friday, December 6 @ 7pm

• Saturday, December 7 @ 2pm

• Saturday, December 7 @ 7pm

• Sunday, December 8 @ 2pm

Music & Lyrics by Paul Williams
Book by Timothy A. McDonald Christopher Gattelli

Based on the book Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas by Russell & Lillian Hoban and the television script by Jerry Juhl

Jim Henson's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is a stage musical adaptation of the 1977 television special Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, first performed in 2008. The show was developed by Goodspeed Musicals and the Jim Henson Company, with a book by Timothy A. McDonald and Christopher Gattelli, with Paul Williams both revisiting his score for the 1977 special and writing new songs exclusively for the musical. The production features a mix of live actors and stage puppets.

The musical closely follows the plot of the television special. One difference is the addition of a conflict where Alice Otter is initially prevented from performing in the talent contest by Harrison Fox due to arriving too late. Where the 1977 special was narrated by Kermit the Frog, the musical is narrated by fellow amphibian Doc Bullfrog.

Marissa Beiter is so excited to do her fifth show at Riverside Theatre with all her friends and is so thankful for God, her mom, Kevin, and Debbie for letting her follow her dreams.

Bronwyn Canipe is a third grader and recently performed in Riverside Theatre's Shrek the Musical KIDS, as a Lord Farquaad guard. She is excited to have the opportunity to be on stage and has been inspired by her sister Emma. Bronwyn is adventurous and loves the outdoors as she plays soccer, golf, tennis, and snowboards. Piano, singing, and guitar are all part of her passion for music. Most of all Bronwyn enjoys her time with family and friends.

Emma Canipe is currently in fifth grade. She has performed in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR., Seussical JR., Newsies JR., Tinsel & Tidings, and most recently played Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical KIDS at Riverside Theatre. Emma has a passion for theatre but also enjoys reading, golf, soccer, and piano. She is thankful for her friends and family's support as well as to Riverside Theatre for giving her this opportunity.

Finleigh Capra is so excited to be back on the Riverside Stage! She loves being a part of the cast and crew. Fin is a fourth grader with a love for learning and adventure.

Mars Capra is very excited to be a part of another show at Riverside. She played Aphrodite in Xanadu and Mama Bear in Shrek The Musical JR. this past summer. She loves Riverside Theatre and can’t wait to be in more shows.

Charlie Clark loves to sing, dance, paint, design and travel. She plays percussion in the Gifford Middle School Band and plays tennis for the GMS tennis team.

Cameron Croumie is thrilled to be a part of the Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas cast! This is his third Riverside production and Cameron is excited for the opportunity to participate in future shows. Cameron is in fifth grade. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, video games, and singing. Cameron wants to wish the cast and crew happy holidays and thank his parents for all that they do for him!

Ivy Cunningham is thrilled to be performing in Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas! Ivy is in 10th grade and loves performing at Riverside Theatre. This will be her 14th show after most recently performing in Shrek The Musical JR. and Guys and Dolls JR. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and driving her all the long hours to Riverside, the directors for making this show happen, and God for giving her this opportunity!

Josie Frazier has performed in shows across New England and is excited to be performing at Riverside Theatre. She is a fan of Disney and is interested in being an Imagineer in the future. She would like to give special thanks to her family, friends and the theater for this opportunity.

Evie Fusselman is in sixth grade and this is her sixth performance with Riverside Theatre. She would love to be a professional singer or actress one day. Evie enjoys hanging out with friends, helping with the two-year-olds at church, and most of all – performing!

Lydia Fusselman is an eighth grader and this is her second show with Riverside Theatre. She enjoyed being a Duloc Villager in Shrek The Musical JR. and her favorite play to watch was Newsies. Lydia likes to do gymnastics at Christi's, help with the three-year-olds at church, and hang out with her friends.

Lilia Hayes is a seventh grader and is so grateful for the ongoing opportunities offered to participate in the performing arts through Riverside Theatre. She has especially enjoyed playing Nemo in Finding Nemo JR. and Race in Newsies JR. at Riverside Theatre. She looks forward to continued growth as she enjoys being part of the shows.

Hudson Hirst had an absolute blast playing Lord Farquaad in Shrek The Musical KIDS and is excited to be back performing with Riverside again. He would like to send a huge thank you to his Dad for being his biggest inspiration!

Madelynne Hirst is beyond excited to perform with Riverside again! She had a blast playing Gingy in Shrek The Musical KIDS and a Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls JR.! Always thanks to Mommy, Daddy, Hudson & Yeshua!

Sebastian Holbrook is thrilled to be back on the Stark Stage for the fourth consecutive Riverside Theatre Holiday Production! He loves playing guitar and piano, building Lego and playing with his friends.

Elizabeth Kelly is a sixth grader. She started singing at the age of six. Her favorites hows are Heathers, Mean Girls and Beetlejuice. She loves to be on stage singing and performing. She recently was in Shrek The Musical KIDS, originated as Princess Fiona l. She has also performed in: Disney's Finding Nemo JR., Honk JR., and Shrek The Musical JR. She hopes to continue performing at Riverside Theatre.

Marley Keppel is honored to be a member of the cast of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Residing in Fellsmere with her family and a variety of animals, Marley is currently in the fifth grade and is home-schooled. She has participated in several productions at Riverside, with her favorite role being Captain of the Guards in Shrek The Musical KIDS. Marley extends her gratitude to Miss Jenn, her acting mentor, for her time and commitment and to her parents for their unwavering support. She also values her friends who attend her performances and cheer her on. Additionally, she appreciates Riverside for providing her with this enriching experience.

Sophie Laufersweiler loves musical theatre and performing at Riverside Theatre. She is very thankful for her theatre friends, Kevin, and Debbie. Watching Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is a cherished annual tradition for her family, and Sophie is very excited to be a part of the show and share it with you. In her free time she enjoys drawing, horseback riding, and spending time with her guinea pig, Choco. She would like to give a special thanks to God, her family, and her friends.

Carlee Miranda is very excited to be in another show at Riverside! She is a sophomore in high school, and loves dogs. Some of her favorite roles at Riverside have been Witch (Into the Woods JR.) and Santa Claus (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR.). She would like to thank her awesome parents, sisters, everyone at Riverside, and God for this amazing opportunity.

Ava Monroe is nine years old and is thrilled to be performing in her fourth show on the Stark Stage. She fell in love with musical theater following her role in Disney's Finding Nemo JR. and is very grateful for another opportunity to perform at Riverside Theatre. Shrek The Musical KIDS has been her favorite of the shows she’s been in. Ava would like to thank her parents, sister, and friends for always believing in her and supporting her dreams.

Mollee Moore is 12 years old and has been acting at Riverside Theatre for almost three years! Her favorite production was Shrek KIDS. She played the part of Donkey! She is also excited to perform Disney's Finding Nemo KIDS with her little brother! Riverside has been so good to her. She can not wait to see what else she can do here. She would like to send a thank you to Riverside Theatre!! 

Audrey Ortega-Cowan is a third grader and is making her stage debut in Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. She was inspired to audition after a trip to NYC where she enjoyed watching live shows on and off Broadway. Audrey enjoys spending time with her human friends and pets Joey & Olive and wants to be a mom and a veterinarian when she grows up. That is, unless Broadway beckons.

Noah Ortega-Cowan is a fifth grader and enjoys reading, playing outdoors with friends, and learning how to play drums. He is making his stage debut in Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas and is looking forward to developing his musical talent with this, and future productions. He loves to travel and in addition to seeing the world, wants to be a rocket scientist when he grows up. In the meantime, he is soaking up fun experiences close to home.

Yahir Ramierez is ten years old. His favorite thing to do is to participate in plays. His favorite role was Shrek in Shrek The Musical KIDS. Currently, he is participating in Guys and Dolls JR. He is looking forward to performing at Junior Theatre Festival in Georgia. When he grows up he wants to become a professional actor. He wishes to perform more at Riverside Theatre.

Alyssa Sales is in ninth grade. She loves singing, acting, and recently started dance. She fosters kittens, and really enjoys it. She would like to thank God for this opportunity, her mom and dad and brother, all her friends at Riverside who support her, and the Riverside staff for making this show possible. Enjoy the show!

Katerina Strelkova is eight years old and is in third grade. Katya enjoys playing tennis and dancing. She is a big dog lover. Katya is very happy to be a part of her first theatre production. 

Keira Taylor is 12 years old and in the seventh grade. She loves singing and dancing and acting on stage.  She has performed in Elf The Musical JR., Disney's Newsies JR., and Guys and Dolls JR., here at Riverside Theater. Outside of theater, Keira loves dance, fashion, swimming, playing with her friends, and going to the beach with her dog. She would like to thank all at Riverside and especially her family for their love and support.

Jasmine Tuller is a homeschooled kid, with a love for all things art! She particularly excited about this show because of its use of puppets, a passion of hers for almost a decade. She has dreams of pursuing the arts and becoming an animator. Special thanks to her family for all the time they've sacrificed to let her pursue her dreams.

Reed Ullian is in third grade. He loves to perform and is very excited to be participating in his second show at Riverside. This past summer he really enjoyed his role as Papa Bear in Shrek The Musical KIDS! Reed wants to thank his family and friends for always supporting him.

Melody Van Os is in third grade and after watching her friends perform at Riverside over the years, she’s ready for her turn on the stage. She’s enjoyed watching Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas with her family every holiday season starting when she was a few days old and can’t think of a better first play! Outside of school she enjoys reading, gymnastics, arts and crafts, and playing the piano.

Casey Watkins is thrilled to be performing in her 11th show at Riverside Theater. She loves to sing, dance, read, and spend time with her friends. Her favorite musical is Disney's Newsies which she watches at least once a week! She is so grateful to Kevin, Debbie, her family, and friends for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!

Ella Whitelock is ten years old and in fourth grade. She has been in multiple shows at Riverside Theatre and has enjoyed each and every one. As her true passion, Ella hopes to continue with theater for a very long time. Her other hobbies include lacrosse, dance, baking, and spending time with her friends. Ella would like to thank all of her family and friends for their support!

Jenna Wickre is so happy to be in Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, especially at this festive time of year! She absolutely loved Winterfest and how busy yet exciting the weekend was. Jenna is an eighth grader and is nervous yet excitedly preparing for high school in both school and theatre! A few of her favorite roles at Riverside Theatre were Davey in Disney's Newsies JR. and Young Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad! She hopes this show really puts you in the Christmas spirit!

Ella Wolf loves everything about theatre and treasures her time spent on the Riverside stage. Her favorite roles have been Oscar Delancey in Disney's Newsies JR., an Angelfish and Jellyfish in Disney's Finding Nemo JR., and a Duloc Performer in Shrek The Musical JR. Ella would like to thank her family, Kevin, and Debbie, and her voice teacher, Kate, for supporting her in all of her theatre goals!

Creative Team

• Director - Kevin Quillinan

• Music Director - Deborah Quillinan

• Additional Vocal Coaching - Peyton Dickens

• Puppetry Coach - Jasmine Tuller

• Scenic Designer - Emily Luongo

• Prop Designer - Emily Luongo

• Puppet Designer and Build - Austin Peer & Mackenna Riggle

• Costume Designer - Kelby King

• Lighting Designer - Genny Wynn

• Sound Designer - Rhiannon Blanchette