Puppetry is an ancient art form that has been around for over 4,000 years! Throughout numerous cultures and across many countries all over the globe, people have used puppets as a means to communicate ideas and needs of societies. In today’s world puppets are still a popular means of communication, especially in the form of puppet shows. Here in New York, we’re lucky enough to have Symphony Space, a popular local theater that’s holding no less than four different puppet shows this winter. Each show is a winner of a Jim Henson Foundation grant and is unique in its own way.
Go Home Tiny Monster, from Bonnie Duncan and The Gottabees (January 19th at 11 am & 2 pm)
One day, Sylvie and her family of handmade creatures suddenly find themselves in need of a new home. Luckily, they have an audience full of people who can help them out. Go Home Tiny Monster features The Gottabees’ trademark mix of puppetry, joyously absurd silliness, physical theater, live music, and surprising poignancy.
The Doubtful Sprout, from Liz Joyce and a Couple of Puppets (February 9th at 11 am & 2 pm)
Get ready to explore the world under your feet in this underground puppet adventure. Tunnel down with Worm and Sprout as they discover the mysterious life found in soil. Along the way, kids help figure out the secrets that help Sprout grow. Acclaimed master Puppeteer Liz Joyce, brings this ecological wonderland to life with several styles of puppets, projections and song.
The Amazing Story Machine, from Doppelskope (February 23rd at 11 am & 2 pm)
The Grimm family is on the verge of presenting their amazing new Story Machine, which runs on steam and dreams and promises to revolutionize how stories are told and how people connect. When their fabulous contraption malfunctions, they have to invent a new way of storytelling on the spot, using puppets and help from the audience. The Grimms explore some of their favorite fairy tales, including The Hare and the Hedgehog, Hansel and Gretel, and The Brave Little Tailor. The show features multiple styles of puppetry, including tabletop puppetry, object theatre, and shadow puppetry, as well as live music, projections, and physical comedy.
Beauty and the Beast, from the National Marionette Theatre (March 9 at 11 am & 2 pm)
This classic tale of the ferocious looking Beast with a kind heart is a perennial favorite with audiences worldwide, and is brought to vivid life through stunning marionettes. Join Beauty, our brave heroine, as she discovers there are many ways that one can be beautiful in this world, and how one looks on the outside can be very different than how one is on the inside.
All performances take place at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, (at 95th St.) The shows are appropriate for kids ages 2 and up and are $17 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.Click here to purchase tickets. Puppet Shows Galore at Symphony Space
I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for eighteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 11, 9 and 6) and loves finding great products for her family.
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