November 12-19, 2010

Cinderella
By Mark LaPierre

Stylized puppets and rich costumes dance and swirl in this original musical based on the French classic. Even beyond her nagging stepsisters, Cinderella discovers her biggest obstacle is believing she can achieve her dreams. Two talented vocalists tell the story using kid-sized puppets that help children see their own worth. This play teaches children how to effectively deal with obstacles in their own lives.

• Learn about folk/fairy tales
• Learn the importance of self esteem in overcoming obstacles
• Learn how stories can be told with songs as well as dialogue

Grades K-3
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December 16-17, 2010

The Shoemaker and the Elves
By Bobby Box and Lorna Howley
Originally produced by The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta

The Shoemaker and the Elves is based on a folktale/fairytale recounted by The Brothers Grimm. Our “toe tapping” adaptation of this classic story sparkles with wit and humor as two endearing elves come to the rescue of shoemaker Mel Footmeyer and his wife Tootsie. Each night these displaced elves create more shoes and soon everyone wants a pair. The play is performed with rod puppets, hand-rod puppets and shadow puppets.

• Learn about “fractured fairy-tales”
• Learn how an old tale can be re-interpreted by modern artists.

Grades 1-4
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February 2-11, 2011

The Bridge of the Gods
By Ed Edmo with poetry by Elizabeth Woody

Based on Native American legends, The Bridge of the Gods is a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and jealousy. The story tells of a fight between two brothers that caused the great land bridge in the Columbia Gorge to collapse. It also explains the origins of the Columbia River (Chewana,) Mt. Hood (Wyeast,) Mt. Adams (Klickitat,) and Mt. St. Helens (Loowit.) “This is one of the first plays I’ve seen that was done mainly by native people. It should happen more often.” Lillian Pitt, Designer

• Learn a Native American explanation for the collapse of the Bridge of the Gods.
• Learn Native American names for the river and nearby mountains.
• Learn about the role of Coyote in Native American tales
• Learn to appreciate Native American culture through its stories.

Grades 2-5
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April 7-15, 2011

The Ugliest Duckling
By Marc Dunworth

The Ugliest Duckling is a retelling of the famous story by Hans Christian Anderson, set in Australia and staring little Yuckay, a platypus, in the role of the duckling that grows up to become a swan. However, since a platypus won’t grow into anything but a larger platypus, The Ugliest Duckling is a story that teaches children that everyone is different and unique for their own reasons. Along little Yuckay’s journey of self-discovery he comes across an array of Australian creatures such as the kangaroo, koala bear, spinney anteater, kukubara and dingo.

• Learn that everyone has special talents and abilities
• Learn about the colorful ecology unique to Australia

Grades K-3