KCMETROPOLIS - Paul Mesner Puppets Review
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Fillmore Chapel at the Unity Temple on the Plaza is like the inside of a strawberry cupcake. It’s pale pink and petite with intricate wood cutouts and an oak leaf frieze molding that decorates the walls. The old-fashioned theater seats are even upholstered with pink velvet and when filled with happy children of all ages, is a perfect venue for a puppet show.
Puppetry is an ancient art form and children all over the world have enjoyed the retelling of folk tales and stories for centuries. Paul Mesner and his band of merry puppeteers imaginatively recreate stories ancient and modern in an authentic way letting the audience experience what a puppet show should be.
In the African and Caribbean folk tales, of Anansi Returns, the naughty spider is up to his old tricks. This time he’s trying to collect all of the knowledge in the jungle and crash a feast. It is only when he tries to catch fish with turtle that he gets his due.
The puppets in this production are soft and fuzzy and reminiscent of the friendly creatures of Sesame Street. They are accessible, lovable and very funny. A nearly constant chorus of giggles could be heard throughout the performance. Although the Paul Mesner puppets cater to kids, adults enjoy the deeper meaning behind the puns and jokes making the stories appealing to everyone.
The action was accompanied by master percussionist, Patrick Alonzo Conway, on a variety of authentic African instruments like the thumb piano and the talking drum. Anansi the spider had an especially playful theme that followed him on and offstage. Patrick Conway’s credits include work with the NewEar Ensemble, Mambo DeLeon Orchestra, The People’s Liberation Big Band and the Balinese Music and Dance troupe Gamelan Genta Kasturi to name a few.
Puppeteers Mike Horner and Gabby Baculi expertly voiced and acted the numerous characters and gave each one a distinctive personality. The co-ordination necessary to operate the different props and staging was impressive. Some of the characters ran across the stage at warp speed, some danced and one was in two places at once.
After the performance the audience was invited to come up to the stage for an informal Q & A.
In addition to the six month theater season at the Unity Temple on the Plaza, the Paul Mesner Puppets offer two touring companies, residencies, and workshops. They also host birthday parties. Half day puppet camps are offered in the summer and special events accompany certain performances during the season.
In February, author Susan Meddaugh, will be the special guest for the world premiere performance of her bestselling children’s book, and PBS TV series, Martha Speaks. Martha is a talking dog who never fails to amaze her friends and family. There will be a reception afterward and copies of the book will be available for purchase and autographs.
If you haven’t taken your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, friends or grown-ups to see The Paul Mesner puppets, there is still time. A purer entertainment escape would be hard to find. And don’t forget to pop downstairs to Eden Alley: a great, healthy, family friendly restaurant.
REVIEW
Paul Mesner Puppets
Anansi Returns
Runs through February 8, 2009
Unity on the Plaza,
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-235-6222 or online at www.paulmesnerpuppets.org
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