PUTNEY — Southern Vermont's favorite puppet theater event for young audiences returns for its 11th season of performances, workshops, and school engagements.
Sandglass Theater's Winter Sunshine Series kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with two public performances at Sandglass Theater on Kimball Hill.
Punch and Judy On Ice celebrates the season with a story of the world's most well-preserved puppet character.
In this ever-evolving saga by Modern Times Theater, Mr. Punch is trying to beat the winter blues. He dances with his wife Judy, subdues a crocodile, trains his dog Toby (who looks suspiciously like a skunk), and more.
Live music (played on everything from the ukulele to the bicycle pump) accompanies his journey. According to a news release, “this skillful performance brings a puppet classic to life with a contemporary vaudeville flair and a modern family-friendly sensibility.”
Organizers say these up-cycled puppets are a means to engage children with their imaginations, encourage creative play, break down barriers, and provide an effective means of communication. The story is told with hand puppets and recommended for ages 4 and up.
Modern Times Theater has been adapting and updating Punch and Judy shows for over a decade. Founders Rose Friedman and Justin Lander are a husband and wife duo, co-founders of Vermont Vaudeville, and alumni of the Bread and Puppet Theater. Parents themselves, they strive to present quality entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.