Events
Production of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Tanglewood Marionettes
Announcing our Winter/Spring Season
See below for more info.
You can now buy tickets online. Cash and cards still accepted at the door.
All shows are held at the
East Lyme Community Center
41 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357
$7 per ticket.
Join our mailing list below to be the first to know about upcoming shows and events!
Humpty Dumpty and Friends by Playdate Puppets
Humpty Dumpty is finally off the wall and back together again with all his friends! Humpty still engages in many risky tricks, but he is finally succeeding with the help of the audience. Humpty even teaches kids a few tricks they can immediately show off! Ms. Dumpty’s tricks are wackier and even more impressive and interEGGtive than Humpty’s EGGtempts. Also, don’t miss the story of The Silly Scarecrow who ends up off the farm and stuck in the city, and only learns to get along in his new and unfamiliar circumstances through the assistance of kids in the audience.
Recently, we have EGGSpanded the show and its interEGGtive EGGSperience by creating a dozen mini marionettes built to be puppeteered by those in our audience, even the youngest of members. When we lend out these puppets a "puppet party" is the culmination of the show, with kids front and center as the stars!
Tickets are $7 each person, cash, or charge. No refunds.
Please join us before the show at 1:15 for our Sock Puppet workshop. Each puppet is $10 and we ask that a parent assist with their child’s creation. See our Workshops page for more information.
Cinderella by Tanglewood Marionettes, and food drive with Care and Share
CARE AND SHARE WILL BE AT THE SHOW COLLECTING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS. Please donate.
Set in the eighteenth century and featuring a dozen lavishly costumed 30” marionettes, this production of Cinderella is a Tanglewood Marionettes showpiece. The story unfolds as the pages of a giant book open to reveal each beautifully painted setting – the village square, the rustic kitchen, the magnificent ballroom, plus many more. All your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious stepsisters and the charming Prince, and each marionette is manipulated with precision and grace by our talented puppeteers.
Our telling is based on the original beloved tale, but we do offer a few new surprises: Cinderella’s conveyance to the ball is NOT the traditional horse-drawn coach, and, when all hope seems lost, a clever little bluebird saves the day! A classic fairy tale told with wit and style, Cinderella is sure to please audiences of all ages.
Running time: 45 minutes
Recommended grade levels: Appropriate for preK - 6
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
Jack and the Beanstalk by Nappy's Puppets
Though English in origin, Jack has become a true American folk hero. Jack and the Beanstalk focuses on Jack and his many adventures: from Jack B. Nimble, Jack Horner, Big Jack and Little Jack to the popular Jack and Beanstalk. Based on the Appalachian folk tales collected by Richard Chase.
Nappy's Puppets is dedicated to presenting quality puppet theater to audiences of all ages. The goal of each performance is to entertain, inspire and educate the audience on the range and scope of puppetry as an art form.
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
Dusty & Dott Live Show
“Dusty & Dott Live!”
Dott (like the polkadot), and her dog Dusty (like the dust), want YOU to become part of the pack! Hoowwwll! This girl n’ dog duo, seen on PBS, are taking their act “on the road” to celebrate what humans (and talking dogs?) do best, creating the perfect story!
"Dusty & Dott Live!", is all about the human art of storytelling. In this show, we become storyMAKERS! Audiences will master Dott’s five storytelling FUNdamentals (Setting, Character, Wish/ Wants, Obstacles, and Choices). Together, we’ll put them to the test while we utilize puppetry, costumes, games, improv and imagination. The goal? To create “A GENUINE, one of a kind story”, or a story that’s never been heard before! We can do it, with your help of course. Hooowwwwll!
To find out more about Dusty & Dott, (and to download your free “Dusty Ears” pattern) visit their website https://www.dustyanddott.com/ or follow them on Instagram @dustyanddott.
The Reluctant Dragon by Lionheart Puppets
What happens when Harold, a young village boy, discovers a dragon in the mountains? Can Harold convince the villagers that the dragon just wants to be friends?
Based on the story by Kenneth Grahame, The Reluctant Dragon is a great way to introduce children to literary adaptations, as well as loyalty and the arts.
This show is suitable for ages 4-11.
Tillie the Terrible by Cinta Productions
Join us for Tilly, the Terrible Swede, a show for the whole family featuring marionette puppets, live performances, and most importantly- a bicycle!
Based on the true story of pioneering sports woman Matilda Anderson, the play shows us how she emigrated from Sweden to Chicago in 1891, working as a seamstress saving money to buy herself a bicycle. And once she was riding, she became good- like the best bicyclist in the world kind of good.
Written and directed by Cinna Vesterberg, puppets and set designed by Kevin White, Tillie the terrible Swede takes audiences across the journey of working hard to follow your dreams, and never giving up
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
The Dandelion's Wish by Skylark Arts Studio with book signing by Fatima Sambo Schoenfelder
The Dandelion’s Wish is based on a children’s book by Fatima Sambo Schoenfelder who also directed this show. Book signing to follow performance.
Get your passport ready and join Dani the dandelion as he travels around the world through many different cultures in The Dandelion’s Wish, a story for dreamers and explorers of all ages!
The Dandelion’s Wish is a story about a lonely dandelion who wishes to travel the world, but is attached to the ground. Following the passage of time, and driven by the spirit of never giving up, the dandelion comes across a curious child who helps him realize his dream.
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
You can purchase The Dandelion’s Wish by Fatima Schoenfelder by clicking HERE (Amazon) or HERE (Barnes and Noble).
Photo credit - Richard Termine
An Arabian Adventure by Tanglewood Marionettes, with Care and Share non-perishable collection and Sock Puppet Workshop
We will be joined by Care and Share who will be collecting non-perishable food items. Please consider donating!
A swashbuckling tale set in exotic lands and featuring our signature story book backdrop, An Arabian Adventure tells the tale of a prince who is thrown into a dungeon because of his love for a beautiful princess. Facing danger at every turn, the courageous prince must use his wits to escape his prison, defeat the diabolical Vizier, and save the princess from a tragic fate.
Replete with clever stage illusions and lighting effects, An Arabian Adventure is a fast-paced, action-packed drama that is especially good for older children.
Running time: 40 minutes
Recommended grade levels: Appropriate for 1 - 6; best for 3 - 6
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
Please join us before the show at 1:15 for our Sock Puppet workshop. Each puppet is $10 and we ask that a parent assist with their child’s creation. See our Workshops page for more information.
The Legend of the Banana Kid by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers
Little Chucky heads to the Wild West to outwit outlaws in this cowboy adventure! With a fistful of bananas, Chucky rides into town on his trusty goat for a showdown with Big Bad Bart and his gang of bandits. (*please note that there are no guns in the show).
“The Legend of the Banana Kid” features 20 of our hand-crafted glove, mouth and rod puppets, and a slew of flying and twirling styrofoam bananas.
Length of show: approx. 45 minutes
Recommended audience: ages 4 and up
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
Oma by Sandglass Theater
Oma says that knitting is not just pom pom hats and sweaters. Oma's knitting contains whole stories! This new family show by Shoshana Bass and Jana Zeller is an intergenerational tale that revolves around Grandma or “Oma." It is her birthday and all are preparing for the celebration. While the grown-ups manage work phone calls, playdate logistics and other such tasks, the children get into mischief with party decorating, present wrapping, cake baking. Finally they all gather around for one of Oma's stories told in yarn. One character emerges from the tangle of wool and nearly ruins the party. But not to worry, all ends well at Oma's house.
Oma is for audiences Pre-K - 4th (ages 4 - 9/10)
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
***PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW STARTS AT 3PM unlike our other shows***
Peter Rabbit by Pumpernickel Puppets
Pumpernickel Puppet shows are presented with a cast of colorful puppet characters, audience participation, live voices and sound effects and fast paced scripts that not only entertain, but stimulate children's imagination and creativity. A demonstration period follows every performance giving the audience some insight into what happens behind the scenes.
Performance is approximately 40 minutes and is appropriate for children ages three and up.
The show will be held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
All tickets are $7. We accept cash, check and are now able to accept credit and debit cards!
Hansel and Gretel by Tanglewood Marionettes, and we will be collecting for Care and Share
Hansel and Gretel is based on the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, and features melodies from the Humperdinck opera. The colorful set is in the shape of a giant story book; as the pages turn, each new and exciting scene is revealed. All the staging, scenery, and marionettes are handcrafted by Tanglewood Marionettes and together represent over a year of construction time.
The story itself is set in the mid-nineteenth century. As the tale unfolds, Hansel and Gretel must call upon their inner reserves and learn new methods to overcome the challenges they encounter while lost in the wood.
Running time: 45 minutes. Recommended grade levels: Appropriate for K - 6; best for 1 - 6
We will have Care and Share representatives at the show so please bring non-perishable food items for donation.
All shows are held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
Tickets are $7 each. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
Marvelous Metamorphoses by Sova Dance and Puppet Theater
“Marvelous Metamorphoses” unravels to present bizarre and beautiful transformations in our world like caterpillar to butterfly, polliwog to frog, and more! In this indoor performance we dance & sing our way through these cycles celebrating them for our sustained joy and ecological health on this planet. Do you want to hear a caterpillar rap? Your neurons may sparkle as we bring annual cycles to life through live music and the art of puppetry. Come and enjoy the marvels of nature and art together.
The show will be held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
All tickets are $7. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards.
The Three Little Pigs by OompaPossum Puppets and free children’s paper workshop
OompaPossum Puppets presents the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs. This shadow puppet show is performed with a script as twisty as a pig’s tail. The Three Little Pigs prove that with hard work, collaboration and compassion, they can do anything.
45 min. Indoor performance.
Join us after the show for a free children’s paper workshop!
The Pied Piper of Hamelin by CactusHead Puppets
The town of Hamelin has a rat problem, and there's only one person who can help! CactusHead Puppets brings the story of The Pied Piper to life in this comedic, updated adaptation of the traditional folktale. Not only does the town find a musical solution to pest control, but the kids of Hamelin also teach the grownups a lesson about generosity. In the end, the townspeople all come together in celebration. Join puppeteers John and Megan Regan as they present this classic tale, told with multiple puppetry styles, and plenty of dancing rats!
Show length- 40 min. plus Q&A after the show.
Carnival del Mundo by Butterworth Productions
Carnaval del Mundo is a unique experience in puppet theater: a true World Carnival of music, dance, and magic.
A parade of characters to delight viewers of all ages moves from the highly decorated stage up in the air and right out into the audience.
The stage itself is a puppet. Large pieces move up and out as the show celebrates its conclusion. The performance begins with the magical creation of a marionette character. These marionettes are 'state of the art'- hand carved and costumed with 16 moving pieces and up to 18 strings. They can dance, fly, leap, and spin.
Professional musicians have recorded the music including pathos, humor, and strong dance rhythms.
http://butterworthproductions.org/
Jack Tuesday: Fairytale Investigator by Lionheart Puppet Company
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them
But Jack Tuesday's the guy who can figure out why someone would try to hide them.
On a chase through the city to the homes of three piggies and other popular tales
He'll track down the thief who has stolen the sheep and make sure that the thief lands in jail
A (semi) original story from Lionheart Puppets, Jack Tuesday: Fairy Tale Investigator is a fun-filled mystery starring several favorite story-time characters.
This show is suitable for ages 4-11.
We will be collecting non-perishable food items for Care and Share so please bring something to donate to this great cause.
All tickets are $7. We accept cash, check and are now able to accept credit and debit cards!
The Dragon King by Tanglewood Marionettes
A terrible drought has overtaken the land, and all the world has turned brown and lifeless. The Dragon King is ruler over all things water, and the people are beginning to wonder why he has not brought the life-giving rains in such a very long time. An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. Colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off! All this and more can be found in this award-winning production.
Running time: 50 minutes
The show will be held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
All tickets are $7. We accept cash, check and are now able to accept credit and debit cards!
The Three Billy Goats Gruff & The Lion and the Mouse by Pumpernickel Puppets
Pumpernickel Puppet shows are presented with a cast of colorful puppet characters, audience participation, live voices and sound effects and fast paced scripts that not only entertain but stimulate children's imagination and creativity. A demonstration period follows every performance giving the audience some insight into what happens behind the scenes. All performances last approximately 30 - 40 minutes and are appropriate for children ages three and up.
The show will be held at the East Lyme Community Center, 41 Society Rd, Niantic CT.
All tickets are $7. We accept cash, check and are now able to accept credit and debit cards!
Sleeping Beauty by Tanglewood Marionettes
***DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS PRESENTATION BY TANGLEWOOD MARIONETTES WILL BE SLEEPING BEAUTY, NOT THE DRAGON KING AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED***
A charming tale which appeals especially to younger children, Sleeping Beauty begins in King Felix’s great hall where guests from across the land have gathered to celebrate the birth of Princess Aurora. The party goes awry when the wicked witch arrives and curses the baby princess. Will the curse come true? Will someone with a "true heart" appear? You will know when you see Tanglewood Marionettes’ presentation of this beloved classic.
In this retelling, a painted story book opens to reveal each scene. Beautifully hand-crafted marionettes are brought to life by a master puppeteer as the dramatic events unfold.
Running time: 40 minutes
Tickets are $7 each, CASH OR CHECK ONLY at the door.
Magnificent Monster Circus by CactusHead Puppets
Come one, come all, to a circus like no other! Encounter magnificent creatures from the wilds of your imagination as their quirky human caretaker tries to teach them new tricks. Kids can lend a hand to Eustice the Unicycling Unimonster, make friends with a Fiery Fanged Worm, cheer for Agnes the many-legged Acropod, and more! This colorful, silly, multi-sensory show full of friendly monsters is a perfect match for young audiences.
Show length- 40 min. plus Q&A after the show.
Tickets are $7 each, CASH ONLY at the door.
‘Humpty Dumpty and Friends’ EGGSellent Puppet Show by Playdate Puppets
PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE TWO SEPARATE SHOWS THIS DAY!
The first show will be at noon, the second show starts at 2. Ticket pricing is for EACH show.
Humpty Dumpty is finally off the wall and back together again with all his friends! Humpty still engages in many risky tricks, but he is finally succeeding with the help of the audience. Humpty even teaches kids a few tricks they can immediately show off! Ms. Dumpty’s tricks are wackier and even more impressive and interEGGtive than Humpty’s EGGtempts. Also, don’t miss the story of The Silly Scarecrow who ends up off the farm and stuck in the city, and only learns to get along in his new and unfamiliar circumstances through the assistance of kids in the audience.
Recently, we have EGGSpanded the show and its interEGGtive EGGSperience by creating a dozen mini marionettes built to be puppeteered by those in our audience, even the youngest of members. When we lend out these puppets a "puppet party" is the culmination of the show, with kids front and center as the stars!
Tickets are $7 each person, each show, CASH ONLY at the door.
Cinderella by Tanglewood Marionettes
On Sunday, February 23 at 1PM, The East Lyme Puppetry Project invites families young and old to enjoy Tanglewood Marionettes’ classic fairytale “Cinderella” and to help re-stock Care and Share of East Lyme’s shelves by bringing food donations to the show. All tickets are $6.00 plus a canned good or cash donation to Care and Share.
Set in the eighteenth century and featuring a dozen lavishly costumed 30” high marionettes, this production of Cinderella unfolds as the pages of a giant book open to reveal each beautifully painted setting – the village square, the rustic kitchen, the magnificent ballroom, a GIANT PUMPKIN COACH, plus many more (some scenes even “pop” right out of the book!). All your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious step-sisters and charming prince, and each marionette is manipulated with precision and grace. The program is perfect for families and includes both a puppetry demonstration prior to the show, and a Q and A Session following it.
Sir George and the Dragon by Pumpernickel Puppets
Come join us at Sir George and the Dragon by Pumpernickel Puppets on Sunday! Tickets at the door are $6.00 each person.
Follow an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Along the way, meet Zelda the babysitter, a silly bat, Sir George and his clumsy dog, AND the lovable dragon. Will Sir George slay him? Not to worry, everything ends happily in this fun show. Presented with large colorful hand puppets and live voices and sound effects.
I Love Tacos by Paper Hearts Puppets
Puppetry Project Presents “I Love Tacos” by Paper Heart Puppets. All tickets are $6.00 per person
There is joy the puppet world, and for Mexico’s adorable White Nosed Coati and his amazing wildlife friends, this joy comes wrapped in a tortilla! Join the East Lyme Puppetry Project on Friday, June 21st at 1:00PM, at the East Lyme Community Center for Paper Heart Puppets’ Showcase Presentation of I Love Tacos!, a trilogy of original Mexican fun-and-folktales that celebrates both tacos and the place where they were created. Each story is packed with humor, adventure and colorful characters, so get ready for magical Qeutzal birds, taco monsters, the mystery of the volcano rabbit and his ultimate salsa and more! See you there!
An Arabian Adventure by Tanglewood Marionettes
Join the East Lyme Puppetry Project on Sunday, February 24 at 1:00p.m., at the East Lyme Community Center for Tanglewood Marionettes’ performance of An Arabian Adventure and help re-stock Care and Share’s shelves by bringing a food donations to the show. All tickets are $6.00 plus a canned good or cash contribution.
This year’s show has it all – comedy, drama, a swashbuckling tale set in a far off land – and a love story! The marionettes will be in full view, so the audience can see first-hand the mechanics of puppet manipulation. Replete with clever stage illusions and lighting effects,” An Arabian Adventure is action-packed and sure to delight audiences of all ages while introducing them to the magical world of puppet theater.
The 45 minutes performance is perfect for families of all ages and includes a pre-show puppet demonstration and a post-show “meet the marionettes” activity. See you there!
The Legend of the Banana Kid by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers
The East Lyme Puppetry Project (ELPPI) invites families young and old to join us for the hilarious cowboy adventure The Legend of the Banana Kid presented by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers on Sunday, November 4 at 1:00PM at the East Lyme Community Center. Then stay for our Sock Puppet Make and Take Workshop immediately following the show. All show tickets $6.00 at the door.
Little Chucky heads into the Wild West to outwit outlaws! Armed with a fistful of bananas, he enters town on his trusty goat for a showdown with Big Bad Bart and his gang of bandits. (please note that there are no guns in this show). The Legend of the Banana Kid features 20 hand-crafted glove, mouth and rod puppets – and a slew of flying and twirling styrofoam bananas.
This year ELPPI and The Frogtown Puppeteers will also offer a 45 minute make and take sock puppet workshop for school age children immediately following the 45 minute show. Workshop size is limited to 30 children and costs $4.00 per child paid upon arrival for the 1:00 p.m. show. Parents must stay and help their children at no charge. Materials will be provided. Just bring your creativity and imagination. Call Suzanne Smith or email at suzsmith35@gmail.com.
The Dragon King by Tanglewood Marionettes
East Lyme Puppetry Project presents The Dragon King show which is a Fundraiser for Care and Share . This show features an ancient Chinese tale of wind, water, magical dragons – and grandmothers!
This wonderful show will help re-stock East Lyme's Care and Share’s shelves. All tickets are $5.00 plus a canned good or cash donation. Food is distributed to families throughout East Lyme, Niantic and Salem.
Tanglewood Marionettes production of this Chinese undersea fantasy tells the tale of a wise Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, and get the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. Meet colorful sea creatures and take an exciting adventure with all the visual splendor that audiences have come to expect from a Tanglewood Marionettes production. The Dragon King is a heart-warming tale that will thrill young and old alike. There will also be a lively puppetry demonstration prior to the show, and a Q and A Session following it. The show is about 45 minutes long and is perfect for families of all ages – including grandmothers! Hope to see you all there!
Pied Piper of Hamelin by CactusHead Puppets
Join us for CactusHead Puppets' performance of The Pied Piper of Hamelin and then stay for a paper bag puppet making workshop on Sunday, November 5 at 1PM. Show tickets $5 each. Workshop is $4 per child and parents are free. See you there!
Dan Butterworth’s Intergalactic Circus
Step right up ladies, gents, boys and girls. You're invited to a spetacular hands-on out of this world puppet performance by Award Winning Dan Butterworth Marionettes' Intergalactic Circus! Puppets dance and whirl through air and right out into the audience until the whole stage becomes part of the show. Perfect for famiies with children. Demo and Q and A too. See you there!!! All tickets $5.00 at the door.
The Reluctant Dragon by Lionheart Puppets
Join us on Sunday, August 14 for another great puppet show. Based on the story by Kenneth Grahame, The Reluctant Dragon by Lionheart Puppets is the story of Harold, a young village boy, who discovers a dragon living in the nearby mountains. What happens next? Can Harold convince the villagers that the dragon just wants to be friends? Suitable for families and children ages 4 – 12, The Reluctant Dragon introduces children to literary adaptations, as well as loyalty and the arts, and includes a puppet demonstration and discussion following the show. All tickets are $5.00
Sleeping Beauty by Tanglewood Marionettes
Join us Sunday, July 10 at 1PM, at the East Lyme Community Center, The East Lyme Puppetry Project for Sleeping Beauty by Tanglewood Marionettes. All tickets are $5.00.
Sleeping Beauty begins in King Felix’s great hall with the celebration of Princess Aurora’s birth. The party goes awry when the wicked witch arrives and curses Princess Aurora. Will the curse come true? Will someone with a “true heart” appear? You will know when you see Tanglewood Marionettes’ presentation of this best-loved tale.
The show includes a fun puppetry demonstrations where the audience learns about various forms of puppets, from simple glove puppet to sophisticated marionettes. A life-size painted storybook reveals each scene and beautiful hand-crafted marionettes are brought to life by master puppeteers as the dramatic events unfold. See you there!
Aesop's Fables by Sparky's Puppets
The East Lyme Puppetry Project will host a Sparky’s Puppets presentation of “Aesop’s Fables” at East Lyme Community Center this Sunday. All tickets are $5.00. See a timid mouse rescue a fierce lion in “The Lion and the Mouse.” Sing along with “The Grasshopper and the Ant.” Meet “The Country Mouse and the City Mouse. “ Root for your favorite critter in “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and see what happens when a boy cries “Wolf!” one too many times. Award winning Rhode Island based puppeteer Sparky Davis retells each ancient tale with beautiful hand crafted “characters,” lively humor and plenty of audience participation in this special Father’s Day performance.