The MeshugaNutcracker! Coming to Heritage Theatre Dec. 25-28

An all-new version of the popular holiday musical comedy, “The MeshugaNutcracker!,” which has played to rave reviews throughout the West Coast, returns to the Bay Area stage for a limited run this holiday season, in anticipation of making its New York City debut in 2015.

The zany, family-friendly, original musical, celebrating the history and heroes of Chanukah, is set to play to audiences at Campbell’s Heritage Theatre, December 25-28, 2014, following a San Francisco run Dec. 4-14 at Marines’ Memorial Theatre in Union Square.

The 120-minute stage production is presented by The National Jewish Theatre Festival and the California Academy for the Creative & Performing Arts in association with Guggenheim Entertainment Inc.

“The MeshugaNutracker!” made its world premiere in December 2003, delighting both Jews and Gentiles. Being familiar with Judaism is not necessary to enjoy the production, which boasts Peter Tchaikovsky’s outstanding musical score, re-imagined with a Klezmer/Broadway fusion style by authors, Scott Guggenheim and Shannon Guggenheim, lyricist Shannon Guggenheim, and music arrangers, Shannon Guggenheim and Stephen Guggenheim.

The libretto tells the tale of eight Chelmniks (citizens of Chelm, a fictional town of fools) who gather annually to perform their Chanukah festival. During the two-act musical they tell eight stories honoring the triumphs of Chanukah heroes from the Maccabees through modern day—all in silly and sentimental Chelm style. Audiences will long remember gags including “To be or Maccabee,” and “Seven Maideles for Seven Boychiks,” as well as clever costumes including doughnut tutus and latke hats.

SHOWTIMES

Campbell, Heritage Theatre

December 25-28

Thursday, Dec. 25 at 2pm and 7:30pm, Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

Box Office: 408-404-7711

San Francisco

Marines’ Memorial Theatre

December 4-14

Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

Box Office: 415-392-4400.

For ticket information, call the San Jose box office at 408-404-7711. For the San Francisco performances, call 415-392-4400.

For more information, visit: http://themeshuganutcracker.com.

What the Critics Say:

Loopiness rules in a classic turned nutty. When Tchaikovsky’s melodies meet Chanukah, The MeshugaNutcracker!, a wacky musical, results. -The Los Angeles Times

Light! Happy! Fun! Joyful! An explosion of ideas! So creative. You are in for a treat! It’s a marvelous production! Something completely original. The story of Chanukah told to the music of Tchaikovsky. It’s absolutely marvelous! -John Rothmann, KGO-810

This truly is a first-rate production, not only in terms of talent, but with the sets and costumes as well as the technical work. Best of all, when the calendar is getting this close to Christmas, it’s amazing just how appreciated some non-Christmas holiday entertainment can be....A warm Jewish twist on the holiday season....A delightfully silly and amazingly touching story. –San Jose Mercury News