Move over Kermit! There are some new puppets in town. Puppets Off Broad Street is making waves in the Richmond area by hosting the second annual RVA Winter Puppetfest. This year, the Festival is taking place at the Triangle Players Theatre with productions from three award-winning puppet companies from December 26 until January 1st, with the exception of New Years Eve.
I just attended the production of “The Pirate, the Princess, and the Pea” presented by Crabgrass Puppets as a part of Puppetfest and thoroughly enjoyed myself. And I wasn’t alone! The production was very well attended and ran about an hour long. The audience ranged from babies to grandparents and everyone remained engaged for the entire performance. After the show ended, the puppet master came out to explain how the puppets and props work. He also remained by the stage after the show ended and the audience was encouraged to ask questions and take pictures, which they didn’t hesitate to do.
This is a fantastic show for kids of all ages and a great way to create a special memory over winter break.
REMAINING PERFORMANCES
Dec. 29th and 30th: The Velveteen Rabbit by Applause Unlimited (10:30am and 1pm)
Have you ever had a stuffed animal that you believed (or wished) was real? Applause Unlimited brings to life Margery Williams’ classic tale of how toys become real with their beautiful and heartwarming performance. Journey with us this season into this timeless tale of friendship, changes, and magic.
Jan. 1st: Little Red & the Gingerbread Man by Barefoot Puppet Theatre (10:30am and 1pm)
Two tales rolled into one, tasty, wintry treat for family audiences! Join Little Red as she builds a snowman, yearns for cookies, and pursues a mischievous Gingerbread cookie through the woods to Grandma’s house. But watch out — that cookie smells really good, and there’s a Big Bad Wolf! Will Red make it to Grandma’s house or be forever lost in the snow-filled forest? Who will get that cookie?
Tickets are $10 and are available through the website at www.puppetsoffbroadstreet.org or by calling the Box Office at 804-852-2810.
Puppets Off Broad Street will also be hosting two more shows in January at The Firehouse Theatre.
January 9th: Tales of Beatrix Potter by Applause Unlimited (10:30am and 1pm)
January 23rd: OOEY GOOEY by Barefoot Puppet Theatre (10:30am and 1pm)
