Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
adapted by Scott Zenreich
from the book by Eric Kimmel,
illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman
music by Patrick Emile
directed by Amelia Acosta Powell
December 11-22, 2024
Live in the Bingham Theater

In this playful adaptation of the classic Caldecott Honor-winning children’s book, Jewish folk hero and trickster Hershel of Ostropol confronts the Hanukkah-hating goblins who keep blowing out the candles of every menorah in town. Can he outsmart these wicked creatures who haunt the old synagogue and restore the celebration of the Festival of Lights? Whether you celebrate Hanukkah every year or it’s your first time learning about the tradition, we welcome you to come experience the showdown between Hershel and the King of the Goblins in this imaginative tale filled with wonder, humor, puppetry, and original music. 

Specifically welcoming young audiences and families, the production’s run includes a series of weekday matinees as well as daytime and early evening performances. If you would like to bring your class or group to a daytime performance during the week, please fill out the request form here.

MEET THE ARTISTS

ARRIVAL GUIDE

 Sensory Friendly Performance: Saturday, December 14 at 11 a.m.*

 Closed Captioned Performances: Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m. and Friday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m.** 
 ASL Interpretation &  Audio Description: Available by request. Email boxoffice@actorstheatre.org to make arrangements.
Run Time: Approximately 70 minutes with no intermission.
Age Recommendation: 8+, accompanied by an adult
Grade Recommendation: For student matinees, the production is recommended for grades 3-8.
Content Warning: Production contains loud sounds, dark lighting, and bright flashes. This is a non-exhaustive list, as it can be challenging to recognize how elements will affect individuals. Please email boxoffice@actorstheatre.org if you need more information.
Weekday 10 a.m. Matinees: 
Wednesday, December 11
Thursday, December 12
Friday, December 13
Tuesday, December 17
Wednesday, December 18

*The sensory friendly performance will include adjustments such as keeping house lights partially up on the audience and space for audience members to fidget and move around. A sensory-intense moment list will be available in advance. This performance will also include the opportunity for a touch tour of the stage area.

**On the scheduled dates, Closed Captioning is available on your personal mobile device. Any smartphone browser can access the transcription during the performance. The link to access the Closed Captions will be available at the ticket scanning stations as you enter the theater. For any guest who needs a device on which to access closed captions, the Radical Hospitality Team can assist with providing a tablet.

Adapted from the book HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS
by Eric Kimmel, Illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman
© 1989 Eric Kimmel, Trina Schart Hyman
Available from Holiday House

By special arrangement with Gurman Agency LLC.

World Premiere by Amphibian Stage, December 2015
Kathleen Culebro, Artistic Director