The last time Atlanta hosted a major puppet festival, puppeteers came from all over the world. But 2002's Puppets Take Atlanta mostly remained inside the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown — an important but somewhat insider-y and overlooked event.
This time, the festival is branching out, quite literally. Calling itself Puppets Take Atlanta and Beyond, it will play venues around the metro area. The festival overlaps with the annual Puppeteers of America conference (which will bring some 600 puppet pros to town). From July 6-26 groups from Spain, France, Canada and Puerto Rico will put on shows at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, the Woodruff Arts Center and the Southwest Arts Center, among other venues.
The centerpiece is a performance by Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop. Lewis and her adorably saucy sidekick are carrying on the tradition of her mother, the late Shari Lewis, well-known to TV viewers of a certain generation. "She's a hoot. She's absolutely hilarious," Center for Puppetry Arts artistic director Jon Ludwig says of Lewis. "And Lamb Chop is just as sassy as always, maybe sassier."
Here's a quick look at some festival highlights; check out atlanta.net/puppets for more details.
FOR ALL AGES
Coad Canada Puppets of North Vancouver, Canada: "The Box? A Show of Feelings"
A child and a dog (created by hand and glove puppets) mime the emotions of curiosity, sadness, frustration, fear, happiness, anger, loneliness and love. A masterful piece. July 6-11. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. 770-594-6232, www.roswellgov.com
"Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop"
After her mother's death in 1998, Lewis resurrected her mom's signature puppet on the advice of family friend Dom DeLuise. Lewis and her endearing sock puppet/little sister will perform 45 minutes of songs and comedy. July 11: Woodruff Arts Center. 404-733-5000, woodruffcenter.org. July 12: Pearce Auditorium, Brenau College, Gainesville. 770-534-2787, theartscouncil.net
Teatro SEA of Puerto Rico and New York: "La Muela del Rey Farfán" ("The Toothache of King Farfán")
A king's dental problems create a royal pain for his monarchy. The Broadway-scale features 40 lifesize puppets, plus singers and musicians. In English and Spanish.July 21-26. Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391, puppet.org
FOR AUDIENCES 18 & OLDER
Bob Théatre of Rennes, France: "Nosferatu (Dracula)"
Everything you remember from the classic vampire tale, using found objects like coffee grinders, light bulbs, suitcases and a table top that scrolls out to reveal scenery. When the life is sucked out of a victim, the light bulb dims. Part of the French duo's schtick is that they speak in English with a fake German accent. July 10-12. Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391, puppet.org
Compagnie La Pendue of Herbeys, France: "Poli Dégaine" ("Punch Draw")
Using simple glove puppets and object manipulation, La Pendue creates a Pulcinella show that spins out of control. In this visceral Punch-and-Judy variation, Judy is not a punching bag but rather a very strong woman. July 24-26. Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391, puppet.org
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