Summer might

be the best six-letter word there is, but puppet is close behind.

Why not combine

the two and take in the Center For Puppetry Arts Summerfest 2001, which

starts this week. The program features five shows, workshops and tours

of the museum.

"Puss

in Boots" kicks off Summerfest 2001. The story follows a young man

who inherits a boot-clad cat from his father. The resourceful cat soon

helps the young man find true happiness. "Puss in Boots" is

told with marionettes and shadow puppets. After the show, which runs until

June 24, children can create their own Leaping Lion marionettes.

Starting June

26, "The Magic Pearl" will enchant audiences both young and

old. The story focuses on a pearl that is rescued by a fisherman and transformed

into a beautiful maiden. The tale is told with Chinese rod puppetry and

children will be able to create their own Flying Fish rod puppets in the

workshop after the show. "The Magic Pearl" runs until July 8.

The story of

"Thumbelina" is told with a '60s slant as she has adventures

with an Elvis-impersonating frog, a "Strawberry Fields" mouse,

a peace-loving swallow and more, all set to music from the Woodstock era.

The show uses shadow puppets and children will be able to create their

own Hop-A-Long Frog shadow puppets after the performance. "Thumbelina

runs from July 10-22.

The puppeteer

is missing in "The Spirit in the Bottle and The Frog Prince,"

but that doesn't stop a janitor from using the tools of his trade, including

a feather duster, toilet bowl scrubbers and sponges, to tell the stories.

After the show, children will be able to create their own Happy Prince

hand puppets. The show runs from July 24-Aug. 5.

"Beauty

and The Beast" will be the final show during Summerfest 2001. A father's

desire to grant his daughter's wish for a rose gets her imprisoned by

the Beast. At first she finds him mean, but she soon discovers his kindness.

The tale is told with marionettes and children will be able to create

their own Burly Beats body puppets in the workshop following the show.

Showtimes are

Tuesday-Friday at 10 a.m. and noon, Saturdays at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

and Sundays at noon and 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for children

2-13, students and senior citizens.

Workshops are

Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and cost $4 when purchased

with another event on the same day. Admission to the performances includes

admission to the museum. Phone 404-873-3391.

Back

to the Top of the Page