Ferrum, VA, November 25, 2025 —A holiday tradition at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre continues as the musical “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” returns for its third run this year in Sale Theatre, with nine performances December 4-15. The ensemble cast, directed by Emily Blankenship-Tucker, program coordinator for Music and Theatre, will perform with many puppets created by Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Rebecca Crocker and her students.
The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre and Ferrum College are thankful for the support of Carter Bank, a sponsor of this year’s production.
The article below is reprinted from The Iron Blade. It describes the cast and crew’s unexpected break from rehearsing on November 19 to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner in the Ferrum College dining hall. Robyn AbshireSims, who is quoted in the article, is one of the community members who will perform along with the college students, faculty, and alumni in the cast and crew.
Click here for information about dates, times, and meals available before most shows.
November 22, 2025
By Danielle Wilburn, Assistant Editor
Rehearsals for Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas have continued, filling the theatre with music, movement and the kind of steady togetherness that echoes the story at the heart of the show. The production, based on the Jim Henson classic, follows a mother and son facing a holiday season with very little money but a great deal of love for one another.
This year, for many of those involved, those themes hit especially close to home. Several cast and crew members have recently undergone tragic losses within their families, bringing an added layer of tenderness and delicacy to each rehearsal.
“There may be times during this process when we must rely on one another to do the things that someone else may not be able to, and that’s okay,” explained Director Emily Blankenship-Tucker to the cast and crew.
Rehearsals have included working on building harmonies, blocking, and ensemble character and puppetry work, and are fueled by lots of hot coffee, laughter, and encouragement.
On Wednesday night, the cast experienced an unexpected surprise when President Mirta Martin stepped into the theatre and extended an open invitation for everyone involved.
“Stop what you’re doing, right now, and come and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with us,” Martin told the group.
The cast shared a meal among campus friends, complete with mashed potatoes, before returning to rehearsal.
“Even during hard times, you must embrace the moments of joy when they come,” said Robyn AbshireSims. “It’s important to hold on to the good things in life.”
With harmonies and strengthening, scenes taking shape and the cast growing closer, the production is moving steadily toward opening night. Performances for Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas will be held Dec. 5–14. Tickets are available here.
