The Ugly Duckling
Center for Puppetry Arts
Through September 18
The
Ugly Duckling is a quirky, comedic adaptation of the long-loved
fable. The main character, a hatchling, tries in vain to find its match. Deemed
"ugly" by the fellow forest dwellers, the would-be duckling braves the Winter
snows and awakens to Spring as an elegant swan. The 35-minute production
features a host of cute (and sometimes cruel) creatures which are brought to
life by two forest sprites using overt tabletop puppetry. Brilliantly, the
entire dialogue of the story consists of four core words, driving home the
harmony and importance of finding beauty in our differences.
Specifically designed to engage younger audiences, this
transformative tale also features live music. As the two sprites frolic through
the forest, they herald in the changing seasons by playing musical
instruments incorporated directly into the set. With a
marimba and bongos in the forest floor, a
zither and tom tom in an ancient oak and metal
bells molded into flowers, the cast of creatures interact and expose the
power of words, appearance and being true to oneself. (An adorable play, to be
sure! My guy and I found ourselves laughing and tapping our toes along with the
toddlers.)
The Ugly Duckling
launches the Center's 2011-12 Family Series and
is performed every Thursday-Sunday. Thursday and Friday matinees are at 10 a.m.
and 11:30 a.m., Saturday shows are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. while Sunday
performances begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Coming up next: Old Man and the
Monkeys & Other Chinese Tales. Beginning September 21, this show
recounts stories of Ancient China, teaching compassion and consideration
through elegant imagery and stunning effects.
For all you kids at heart: don't forget, the Center
for Puppetry Arts also offers a Teen & Adult Series which
incorporates pop culture craves and characters with traditional (and sometimes experimental)
puppetry for a unforgettable evening of live theatre.
