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The Rumpelstiltskin Society |
PuppetFest MidWest 2010 is over but not forgotten. Please read about the 2010 festival, and join us at the next PuppetFest MidWest!
Read what our 2010 Scholarship recipients had to say about PuppetFest 2010:
Daniel Dold
Stan Gulick
Camilla Henneman
Marianne Mettes
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PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPS
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PuppetFest MidWest 2010 Performances
Tuesday, July 6th |
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"The Huber Marionettes... serve up captivating "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." In 1980 Phillip Huber and David Alexander collaborated to form The Huber Marionettes. Since that time, their highly sophisticated, visually oriented, marionette review has received enthusiastic acclaim worldwide. There is no language barrier here. The universality of their work for stage, television, and film is apparent and their performances have been highly-praised by audiences and critics alike. The term "puppet", or in this case "marionette", conjures preconceived images which have little to do with The Huber Marionettes. This company has always had a primary appeal for adult audiences. Phillip Huber's manipulation is the key to their success. In a series of variety vignettes, he reveals incredibly compelling characters of humor, pathos, drama & grace. Fantasy is imbued with a sense of reality. These are not performances of grand spectacle, but rather ones employing subtle artistry to touch the innocence within us all ..... an entertainment that makes you "smile with your heart" . |
Wednesday, July 7 |
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FINDING HOME is a trilogy of pieces, poignant, joyful, and humorous, about Monica’s parents and their immigration experiences. The first piece, My Father’s Imaginary Friend, uses candlelight and shadows to interpret the story of her father’s hope and survival during his incarceration in a concentration camp. The second piece, German Eggheads in Rural Texas, traces the family’s life in a Lutheran parsonage in rural Texas. Monica uses her mother’s illustrations to create puppets and scenery that tell droll stories of language and cultural mix-ups and misunderstandings. The third piece, Mutti’s Muscles, uses dolls and other objects to follow her mother’s rebirth as a metal sculptor and political activist in the United States after her father’s death. |
Thursday, July 8 |
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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. Tangle of Tales is fun for everyone! |
Friday, July 9 |
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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. Script adaptation: Mike Horner Directed: Paul Mesner and Mike Horner Music: Brad Cox Puppeteers: Mike Horner and Gabby Baculi Set & puppet construction: Paul Mesner, Mike Horner and Gabby Baculi, Anja Sieger and Thomas Sciacca |
Saturday, July 10 |
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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. The hilarious antics and frolicking high energy of Groark leave the audience in stitches. This perfect comedic pair has been together for over 20 years; in fact they have become inseparable (at least on stage). People quickly relate to this loveable yet mischievous dragon as he stumbles through the mishaps of life. Randel McGee is always close by his side to point him in the right direction when he goes off course. These two also make beautiful music together. With Groark being the only guitar-playing dragon that we know of, this musical duo has people cheering for more and singing for days. Stories and songs are a powerful means of teaching values and positive character traits, as well as motivating children to read and write. Randel McGee uses stories to help his audience understand values such as courage, diligence, fairness, responsibility, compassion, and respect. Their shows are motivating as well as entertaining in all situations from school programs, library shows, and family concerts to community halls and colleges. |
PuppetFest MidWest 2010 Workshops
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Drew Allison - Grey Seal Puppets
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Nick Barone - Nick Barone Puppets
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Luman Coad - Coad Canada Puppets |
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Art Gruenberger - Puppet Art Theater Co. |
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Phillip Huber & The Huber Marionettes
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Monica Leo -Eulenspiegel Puppets
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Lynne Jennings - Puppetry Center of San Diego |
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Randel McGee - McGee Productions |
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Paul Mesner - Paul Mesner Puppets
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Pix Smith - Dallas Puppet Thrater
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M'el Reum
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Join us at the next PuppetFest MidWest!