PuppetFest MidWest, an annual puppetry festival, will be held once again in Trenton at North Central Missouri College on July 11-16.
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PuppetFest MidWest, an annual puppetry festival, will be held once again in Trenton at North Central Missouri College on July 11-16.
Festival Directors Peter Allen and Debbie Lutzky Allen from Jamesport, are pleased to announce the slate of performers for this season.
This event is funded by the Rumpelstiltskin Society, a not-for-profit corporation created to inspire, strengthen and renew commitment to good puppet theatre.
Puppet enthusiasts from all over the U.S. and Canada attend PuppetFest MidWest. Festival registrants stay in the NCMC dorms and attend an entire week of puppetry workshops taught by some of the best puppeteers in North America.
This year PuppetFest MidWest presents five remarkable performers. All performances will be held in Trenton at the Hoover Theater on the third floor of the Grundy County Jewett Norris Library. These puppet performances are for adults and children 6 years of age and older.
On Tuesday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m., The Paul Mesner Puppets from Kansas City will perform SLEEPING BEAUTY. Set in a tall, majestic castle, this is the classic fairy tale you already know, retold with some slightly quirky twists. For adults and children 6 years of age and older.
On Wednesday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m., Coad Canada Puppets from North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada will present THERE’S A DINOSAUR IN THE CLOSET. Can Darryl keep his forbidden pet from being discovered? And can he keep it from eating everything in his room? For adults and children 6 years of age and older.
On Thursday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m., The David Simpich Marionettes from Colorado will present PILGRIMÆS PROGRESS.
David is featured in the role of John Bunyan as he recounts his fantastic dream of the journey of a burdened man from the City of Destruction to the Celestial Gate. This performance is for adults and older children (age 12 and over)
On Friday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m., Nappy’s Puppets from Connecticut will perform JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, a terrific show for younger children. In between this American classic there is a roller coaster ride of short stories, vignettes and songs from children’s literature, traditional puppet theater, and the imagination of the puppeteer.
The show features hand crafted shadow figures and is fast paced, action-packed, and full of laughs. For adults and children 6 years of age and older.
On Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m., Grey Seal Puppets from North Carolina will present SHOW OF VIRTUES. Inspired by the William J. Bennett book, The Children’s Book of Virtues, Grey Seal has produced an entertaining and enlightening program of stories from around the world including "The Little Hero of Holland," "The Tortoise and the Hare," "Please," and "Why Frog and Snake Never Play Together." For adults and children 6 years of age and older.
There will also be an exhibit of puppets at the Dorris Rider Art Gallery at North Central Missouri College in Trenton. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. Large groups such as church/fraternal organizations, Scouts or Red Hat Ladies are encouraged to reserve a guided tour. Please contact Vicki Weaver at NCMC at (660) 359-6948 (ext. 403).
During the Grand Opening of the Puppet Exhibit on Wednesday, July 12 at 4:30 p.m., the exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions and maybe even demonstrate their creations. The exhibit will be open to the public from Thursday, July 13 through Saturday July 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be there to answer your questions about the puppet exhibit.
For more information about PuppetFest MidWest, please call (660) 684-6825 or go online to www.puppetfestival.org.