Snow, ice rock Center for Puppetry Art’s ‘Weather Rocks,’ but artistic director rolls with it

On stage

“Weather Rocks”

Through March 23. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 3 p.m. Sundays. $16.50, free for under age 2. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org.

Even as an Illinois native, Center for Puppetry Arts artistic director Jon Ludwig couldn’t have forecast what happened in Atlanta this week so soon after opening his new family show “Weather Rocks.”

Wednesday and Thursday performances of the musical — in which a cool band of meteorologists explore fun facts about rain, snow, hurricanes, sunshine and more — were canceled because of Atlanta's winter "weather event" (check www.puppet.org for updates). Fortunately the show, in which five puppeteers employ hand, rod, shadow, body and string puppets, is in for a long run, through March 23.

With the puppetry center closed Wednesday, we tuned into a “Weather” update with Ludwig via email.

Q: You wrote a show sunnily titled “Weather Rocks.” Given recent events, do you still believe weather rocks?

A: Weather definitely rocks. There is no stage or screen that is any bigger than the weather.

Q: Did it strike you as ironic that “Weather Rocks” had performances canceled by, well, weather?

A: Yes. Good thing we weren't doing "Hamlet."

Q: Were you one of the unlucky ones who got stranded in the first snowfall?

A: Took MARTA until it thawed out.

Q: What’s your best tip for dealing with snow and ice?

A: Stay home. Read a book. And if you must drive, GO SLOW!

Q: Did growing up in the Chicago area give you insight into dealing with harsh weather?

A: Well, I left because I couldn't take the cold winters.

Q: Do you enjoy shut-down weather like we’re experiencing this week, or not so much?

A: It is beautiful at first and then … arrg! I hope the power stays on for as many people as possible.

Q: Are you a Weather Channel or local weather junkie?

A: I like both. I love the weather reports. It's my favorite app.

Q: Have you ever noticed that not all weather forecasts are accurate? Why is that?

A: I am amazed at how correct meteorology has become from when I was a kid.

Q: As a child, did you live for those days when school was unexpectedly canceled?

A: Sure. What kid doesn't!

Q: What did you learn about weather in the process of creating “Weather Rocks?”

A: Weather affects us all no matter who or where you are. Basically it is warm air and cold air fighting it out.

Q: Atlantans are calling this week’s event “Snowpocalypse 2.” Will there be a “Weather Rocks 2?”