World Fantasy and Mythopoeic Award-winner Ellen Kushner has adapted her book The Golden Dreydl as a stage piece, and it will be running at New York City’s Vital Theatre from 6 December to 3 January 2009. The Klezmer Nutcracker tells the story of Sara, who “is miserable at the family Chanukah party. But when mysterious Tante Miriam arrives with the gift of a Golden Dreydl, everything changes. The Dreydl, an enchanted princess in disguise, whirls Sara away on an exciting adventure through a magical world. A delightful holiday tale for everyone, that weaves together threads of folklore and tradition with fantasy and humor.”
The Klezmer Nutcracker will be presented Saturdays and Sundays at 11AM and 1PM, with special school holiday performances at 1PM from 29 December to 2 January. Additionally, there will be shows at 7PM on 18, 19, 22, and 26 December, and “Dreydl Delight Origami” workshops at 2PM on 13, 20, 30 December and 1 January. All tickets are $20, and are available through the Vital Theatre’s web site, by calling 212-579-0528, or in person at the box office, 2162 Broaday (at 76th Street), 4th floor.
Kushner, who also appears in the play, will “discuss the development of her story from a Klezmer-inspired public radio special to illustrated children’s book to Vital’s full-fledged theatrical production” after the 7PM shows on 18 and 22 December.
The Klezmer Nutcracker‘s book is by Ellen Kushner. Music is by the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra. The show is directed by Linda Ames Key, and choreographed by Dax Valdes. For more information, see this page.