Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry Presents THE FAIRY CIRCUS by Tanglewood Marionettes

As part of its 2018 Fall Puppet Performance Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut is pleased to present The Fairy Circus by Massachusetts' famed Tanglewood Marionettes on Sept. 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

Tanglewood Marionettes' presentation of The Fairy Circus begins with a brief demonstration of the art of puppetry. Through humorous interplay, the audience will learn about various forms of puppets, from simple glove puppets to sophisticated marionettes. Then it's on with the show! Featuring over twenty beautifully handcrafted marionettes, The Fairy Circus is a showcase for turn-of-the-century-style trick puppetry. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music of favorite composers! This show is 45 minutes long and recommended for ages 4+.

Founded in 1993 by Anne Ware and Peter Schaefer, Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette theater based in New England. Their repertoire consists primarily of classic tales performed by skilled puppeteers who have spent many years perfecting their art. The company's large, beautifully handcrafted marionettes, colorful sets, and integrated lighting and sound create a fully immersive theatrical experience. Tanglewood Marionettes has received two Citations for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry from UNIMA-USA (the American center of the Union International de la Marionette).

Peter Schaefer was born into a family of puppeteers, and has been performing with hand puppets, rod puppets, and marionettes since he was knee-high. After refining his skills with a local puppet company for several years, he decided to join forces with a fellow puppeteer and form a new company - Tanglewood Marionettes. Since its inception in 1993, Tanglewood Marionettes has toured nationally with great success.

Upcoming Fall Saturday Puppet Shows include:

Oct. 27: Sir George and the Dragon by Pumpernickel Puppets
Join an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Along the way you'll meet Zelda the babysitter, a silly bat, Sir George and his clumsy dog, and of course the lovable dragon. Will Sir George slay the dragon? Not to worry--everything ends happily in this fun show. Presented with large colorful hand puppets and live voices and sound effects. Recommended for ages 3+.

Nov. 10: The Fairy Tailor by Sarah Nolen
Meet the Fairy Tailor, hard at work in her enchanted shop, where dressing racks and laundry baskets are known to have minds of their own. Watch as she transforms everyday garments into extraordinary characters, and shares stories of bravery, from Little Red Riding Hood(ie), to The Emperor's New Clothes. With the audience's help, the Fairy Tailor summons the courage to take a stand against a giant, crafting a solution that combines cleverness with creativity. Recommended for ages 4+.

Dec. 1: The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets
"Run, run, as fast as you can-you can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!" The Gingerbread Man is the classic story of a little running cookie-with a Christmas twist. Watch as the Gingerbread Man outwits and outruns various hungry animals-and figures out what he really wants for Christmas. This handpuppet show is performed in a traditional puppet booth. Recommended for ages 3+.

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.

Photo courtesy of Tanglewood Marionettes