How Murray Saved Christmas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids How Murray Saved Christmas |
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DVD cover
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| Written by | Mike Reiss |
| Directed by | Peter Avanzino |
| Starring | Jerry Stiller Sean Hayes Kevin Michael Richardson Jason Alexander John Ratzenberger |
| Narrated by | Dennis Haysbert |
| Music by | Walter Murphy |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Claudia Katz Lee Supercinski |
| Editor(s) | Paul D. Calder |
| Running time | 42 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Rough Draft Studios Universal Animation Studios |
| Distributor | Universal Television |
| Release | |
| Original network | NBC |
| Original release | December 5, 2014 |
How Murray Saved Christmas is a fun animated musical television special from 2014. It was directed by Peter Avanzino and written by Mike Reiss. Many famous voice actors lent their talents to the show. These include Jerry Stiller, Sean Hayes, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jason Alexander, John Ratzenberger, and Dennis Haysbert.
The special first aired on December 5, 2014, on the NBC television network. It was even nominated for an Emmy Award for its amazing original music and lyrics. This show was also the first time Universal Animation Studios made something for NBC.
Contents
Story of How Murray Saved Christmas
The story takes place in a secret town called Stinky Cigars. This town is hidden away and filled with famous holiday characters from all over the world. You can find Santa Claus and his busy elves there. Other well-known figures like Cupid and the Easter Bunny also live in this special place. Even less famous characters like the Arbor Day Aardvark are residents.
The story is told like a poem and features many catchy songs. It follows two main characters. One is Edison Elf (Sean Hayes), a hopeful inventor who creates a rather risky new toy. The other is Murray Weiner (Jerry Stiller), who owns the town's diner and is a bit grumpy.
When Santa Claus (Kevin Michael Richardson) gets hurt on Christmas Eve, Murray is the only one who can deliver the presents. His amazing talent for delivering food orders makes him the perfect, though unwilling, replacement for Santa.
Voice Cast
Here are the talented actors who voiced the characters in the special:
- Jerry Stiller as Murray Weiner
- Sean Hayes as Edison Elf
- Kevin Michael Richardson as Santa Claus and Easter Bunny
- Jason Alexander as Doc Holiday
- John Ratzenberger as Officer Bender
- Dennis Haysbert as the Baby New Year and the Narrator
- Nick Jameson, Tom Kenny, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille and Billy West as various characters
Making the Special
How Murray Saved Christmas was created by Universal Animation Studios. The actual animation work was done by Rough Draft Studios. Both of these companies are located in Glendale, California.
Mike Reiss, who wrote the special, also worked on The Simpsons. He wanted to bring a similar funny and clever style to Christmas shows. He based the script on his own children's book from 2000, which had the same name. He also used ideas from its 2002 sequel, Santa Claustrophobia. Both books were illustrated by David Catrow.
Awards and Recognition
In 2015, How Murray Saved Christmas was recognized for its great music. The composer, Walter Murphy, and the writer/lyricist, Mike Reiss, were nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. This nomination was for "Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics."
Release Information
The special was released on DVD shortly after it aired on TV. You could buy How Murray Saved Christmas on DVD starting December 16, 2014.
