The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will host its Summertime Saturday Puppet Show Series on five Saturdays from July 13 to August 10, 2019, featuring an exciting variety of puppet styles. Each show will be performed twice, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. All performances will take place at the Ballard Institute Theater located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.
The schedule of the Summertime Saturday Puppet Show Series includes the following:
July 13: Aesop’s Fables by Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre
Aesop, one of the greatest storytellers of the ancient world, had a great sense of humor. And it’s a good thing, because when Tuckers’ Tales tells his stories, they take a few unexpected twists. The Tortoise & the Hare is a hare-raising adventure of Olympic proportions; in The Fox & the Crow the crow’s meal is interrupted by a lesson in the dangers of self-admiration. The Ant & the Grasshopper advises us to take care before you wind up as a “grass-sicle” in winter’s freezer; and The Frog & the Ox shows that sometimes trying to prove that you are not impressed with immensity may have immense consequences! This show is 40 minutes long and is recommended for ages 3+.
July 20: A Woodland Cinderella by Deborah Costine Nature Puppets
Cinderella is a fairy who lives with her stepmother and stepsister in an enormous old tree in the forest. The King of all woodland fairies wants his son to marry a fairy princess, but none can be found. The Prince is looking for someone who is kind and good. The mean stepsister is sure that having the most stuff makes her the best. The King hosts a great ball and commands that every single fairy maiden in the land must attend. He is hoping that a fairy princess will come, and he knows the secret to identifying a true fairy princess. This show is 45 minutes and recommended for ages 4+.
July 27: Cinderella in the Wild West by Robert Rogers Puppet Company
This Cinderella is an All-American version of the famous fairytale. Cindy Lou lives on a ranch where she’s learned the skills of roping cattle and riding horses. Instead of a Fairy Godmother, she relies on the help of a Native American spirit guide, and instead of dancing at the Prince’s ball she competes in a rodeo on the back of a bucking bronco. This show is 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 3+.
August 3: Sheldon Explains It All: Under the Sea! by Zach Broome
Sheldon the turtle is back, and this time he is exploring his roots as he shows you all of the cool, colorful plants and animals of the sea. Join him as he basks in the sun with crabs and starfish; follow close behind him as he navigates the treacherous waters inhabited by jelly fish and electric eels; and bring along your scuba gear as he takes you on a dive into the world of some of the weirdest, wildest creatures of the deep. This show, by UConn Dramatic Arts graduate student Zach Broome, is 45 minutes and recommended for ages 4+.
August 10: Judy Saves the Day! by Sarah Nolen
After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy has had enough! Cheer her on as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap. This modern interpretation of the traditional Punch and Judy show by Puppet Showplace Theater Resident Artist (and UConn Puppet Arts alumna) Sarah Nolen is a hilarious, timely, handcrafted farce that the whole family will enjoy! This show is 45 minutes and recommended for ages 4+.
Ticket Prices: Adults: $12; Members/Seniors: $10; Students: $8; Kids: $6 (12 years and under)
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, by calling 860-486-8580, or online at bimp.ticketleap.com. A surcharge will be added to any purchases made online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ballard Institute on the day of performance starting at 10 a.m. There will be open seating and no reservations. Visitors can park in the Storrs Center Garage located at 33 Royce Circle. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum charge of $8. For more information about these performances or if you require an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860-486-8580 or bimp@uconn.edu.