Puppeteers from around the world will be arriving in Trenton for the eighth annual PuppetFest MidWest.
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PuppetFest MidWest, a yearly puppetry event, will be held in at North Central Missouri College and the Hoover Theater on July 6-11. Peter Allen and Debbie Lutzky Allen from Jamesport are the festival directors and have announced 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 live puppet theatre. Additional funding is provided by the Missouri Arts Council.
PuppetFest MidWest registrants stay in the dorms at NCMC and attend an entire week of puppetry workshops taught by some of the best puppeteers in North America. Puppet shows and a new puppetry exhibit are open to the public.
Persons who have talked to anyone who attended performances at any of the last seven PuppetFest MidWest events will find converts to the philosophy that puppets are not just for children, according to the Allens. Through the skill of the puppeteer, audiences can believe that the puppet they see before them is actually thinking, feeling, moving and living at that very moment.
This year, PuppetFest MidWest presents five puppet shows. All performances will be held at the Hoover Theater on the third floor of the Grundy County-Jewett Norris Library. General Admission is $5. These puppet performances are for family audiences. Some of this year’s performances are recommended for adults and older children. All shows are at 7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, July 6, the Huber Marionettes from Tennessee will present “Suspended Animation.” The Huber Marionettes serve up “solo” performances by a succession of puppets so convincing you no longer see the real virtuoso behind them – master puppeteer Phillip Huber – who manipulates a formidable tangle of strings in plain view of the audience. From a complicated trapeze act, to a violinist whose fingering is fascinating, to an uncanny Liza Minnelli marionette belting “City Lights,” the manipulations are nothing short of riveting. For adults and children 10 years of age and older.
On Wednesday, July 7, Monica Leo of Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre from Iowa will present a very personal work of art. “Finding Home” is a trilogy of pieces, poignant, joyful, and humorous, about Monica’s parents and their immigration experiences. For adults and children 10 years of age and older.
On Thursday, July 8, Drew Allison of Grey Seal Puppets from North Carolina will perform the lively show, “Tangle of Tales.” Three favorite folk tales from around the world come to life with a touch of the familiar and a taste of the new. Using a variety of puppet styles, “The Frog Prince” from Germany, “Three Billy Goats Gruff” from Scandinavia and “The Three Little Pigs” from England are each told with refreshing wit and wisdom. In between each of the tales there’s a whole menagerie of zany characters to see and enjoy. For adults and children 5 years of age and older.
On Friday, July 9, Paul Mesner Puppets from Kansas City presents “Puss In Boots.” The Paul Mesner Puppets presents the tale of an old miller who divides his property amongst his sons, leaving the youngest son with nothing but an old cat. The cat promises the miller’s son riches in exchange for a pair of boots. With this new feline footwear, the cat leads his master on a rollicking adventure. Puss in Boots and the miller’s son meet the king and his daughter, become local celebrities, and defeat an evil ogre that has been terrorizing the countryside. For adults and children 5 years of age and older.
On Saturday, July 10, Randel McGee of McGee Productions, California returns to Trenton with the show, “Randel McGee and Groark.” A gifted and imaginative storyteller, writer, musician and performer, Randel McGee enthusiastically performs with his adorable puppet pal, Groark the Dragon. As a seasoned performer, Randel McGee’s fast-paced, high-energy blend of stand-up comedy, witty banter, original songs, and hilarious storytelling appeals to young and old alike around the world. For adults and children 5 years of age and older.
There will also be an exhibit of puppets at the Dorris Rider Art Gallery on the NCMC campus. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. Large groups are encouraged to reserve a guided tour. During the grand opening of the puppet exhibit at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, the exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions and maybe even demonstrate their creations. The exhibit will be open to the public on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be there to answer your questions about the puppet exhibit.
Tickets for the performances may be reserved but must be picked up at the box office at least 15 minutes before the performance. For reservations or more information about PuppetFest MidWest, person can call 684-6825 or go online to www.puppetfestival.org.