Puppet spectacular coming to Park Slope

Puppet guests include Lionel from "Between The Lions"

June 6, 2013 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

b_puppet_Lionel from Between the Lions with puppeteer Noel MacNeal.jpg

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A “puppet spectacular” returns to Park Slope with the annual Puppetry Arts Festival of Brooklyn on Saturday, June 15, from 11a.m. – 3 p.m. on 4th Street at 5th Ave along the park at the Old Stone House.

Hosted by the non-profit Puppetry Arts community organization, the free festival features puppet shows and meet n’ greet characters including a few famous faces.

The main stage will feature The Nimals, Fantasy Puppet Theatre, Chris Palmieri, Charlie Kanev, Dan Heisey, and Mariana Iranzi. Puppetry Arts will also showcase its own new work, “What I Wanna Be,” which follows three puppet characters that sing and dance about the jobs they wish to one day have.

A very special puppet performance workshop and sing-a-long will be hosted by puppeteer and author Noel MacNeal with his counterpart Lionel from “Between The Lions” of PBS fame at 2 p.m. Together with kids from the audience, Noel and Lionel will teach kids how to perform puppets and sing some of Lionel’s favorite tunes. Also visiting the event will be the one and only golden droid of Star Wars, C-3PO who will be available for photo opportunities at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The festival will host puppet-making craft and activities, rock climbing with Brooklyn Boulders, and features Gus Soda, Regal Cinemas, and raffles with puppet-tastic prizes including autographed photos from ALF of the hit 80’s TV series.

As a non-profit, Puppetry Arts secures free puppet making workshops in public schools that coincide with the grade level curriculum. The organization also produces free public performances of original musicals for families and adults, and hosts large community events that provide accessible and affordable family activities. Supporting all of these projects is the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP!), a civic-based volunteer program for youth.

Free admission; charges may include $2 crafts, $3 T-shirt decorating, $4 bounce house, and $8 rock climbing. First 200 kids get a free Puppetry Arts gift bag.

For information visit www.puppetryarts.org or call 718-768-3703.