Movie Title: MeshugaNutcracker
Grade: A
Rating: G, 2
hours 11 minutes (including an entertaining 15 minute intermission).
In a Nutshell: Fathom Events brings stage productions and
other special events to theaters across the country for limited release.
For
the month of December, it’s showcasing MeshugaNutcracker, a creative mix of
Chanukah stories and songs set to the music of Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker
ballet. Sounds pretty crazy, right? "Meshugana" means crazy!
I need to disclose that this movie was co-created and
directed by an old friend of mine from high school, Stephen Guggenheim! We sang in choirs and performed in school
productions together, but he was always the one with true talent. I’m so
excited for him and proud of him! He co-created the production, directed the
film, did all of the vocal arrangements, and stars as the Mayor of Chelm.
Talented indeed.
This is a film version of a stage production that was first
workshopped in 2003, which has been performed every year since. The moving stories illustrate Jewish
strength, tradition, and faith. Just so
you know, no actors were harmed in the reenactment of the Maccabean
revolt. (wink)
Uplifting theme:
- Heroism
- Jewish
tradition and values
- “Light
can always overcome the darkness.” – Jacob (Jackson Davis)
- “Light
is everything. Together, our lights
can shine more brightly.” – little girl (Shannon Guggenheim)
- We
witness miracles every day and sometimes take them for granted.
- Hope
Things I liked:
- Cute introduction
by Kevin Weisman in the film version of the stage production.
- Get
that phlem going as you learn about the foolish people of Chelm, a
mythical town in Poland of Jewish folklore.
- Eight
actors perform 20 original songs. You’ll also
hear Handel’s famous “Messiah” being sung with new lyrics about
dreidels. It is also the number
eight that represents the number of times the funny cast yells, “Oy!” ha ha
- The
costumes are clever and colorful, incorporating symbols that represent various
traits of the characters, such as corn fields, scrolls of the Torah, a
Kiddush cup, and the Jerusalem skyline.
- Continue
watching during the final credits in the end for more clever jokes,
video clips of the cast, and upcoming features that are coming soon to the Theater of Chelm.
- Christians
will be able to learn about Jewish customs and stories appreciate the rich religious and culture celebrated this time of year.
- You’ll
want to stay seated during the intermission just to enjoy the entertaining
lessons and quizzes on Yiddish sayings, Jewish traditions, and items for
discussion.
- Cute,
whimsical set.
- Talented cast!
Things I didn’t like:
- I love
that each time the cast performs live, they invite a celebrity to
surprise the audience in the end.
This movie version of the show features Bruce Vilanch, who was an embarrassing
disappointment, bumbling his way through his parts. Granted, he was only given minutes to
prepare, and I’m sure not many of us could do any better under those
circumstances. On another note, I
loved his “Jewbacca” t-shirt.
- After
the intermission, you get a quick glance of the surprisingly small audience
that watched the production while it was being filmed. I’m so glad that it is now being seen in
movie theaters across the country through Fathom Events so that more
people can enjoy it.
Tips for
parents:
- Challenge your children to find the hidden gold coin
on each of the characters’ costumes.
- The second act may prove too long for children, who might get antsy.
- Safe entertainment for all ages.
- Christian children will probably be unfamiliar with the Jewish stories and history lessons, so it's a great opportunity to expose them to this faithful nation.
@trinaboice
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