To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:12:42 -0500
Subject: [Puptcrit] Born Puppeteers part 2


I did not know anyone would care for details, but I went to these  
annual "picnics" when I was young at Bell Labs NY and they always had  
a puppeteer who I never knew by name, but he was an older gentleman  
then, "then" being the early 1960's, and he performed at about table  
height, caberet style, in plain sight, a white rabbit in a waistcoat  
would roller skate, an eye opener, he had many more classy acts, and I  
wish I could remember clearer ... don't we all? But my puppetry  
improved everytime we saw him. The next MAJOR live influence was  
seeing Nicholas Coppola's  Nicolo Puppets do The Jungle Book from the  
front row and then immediately afterwards, the second show from  
backstage. FANTASTIC experience for a thirsting 13 yr old mind. I  
learned things that day I wasn't even aware of, I was allowed to  
examine the puppets and their controls and asked about 10 questions of  
the puppeteers packing up before I was escorted off-stage.
The Peter Baird revival of Bil & Cora Baird's "Davy Jone"s Locker" was  
another inspirational day, I cannot remember the year but my guess is  
about 1979? I met Robert Rogers there for the first time, maybe he  
knows ... Robert?
By the time I saw The National Marionette Theater do Peter Pan in East  
Hampton's Guild Hall , I knew I had to find out more about these OTHER  
puppeteers, I was invited backstage and there were as I recall 4  
puppeteers and the Master David, working the brand new computer  
lighting controller, and what was certainly dozens or more  lights and  
effects, their backgrounds and sets were the best!, and we spoke about  
P of A and I was encouraged to join ... which I neglected to do at  
that time. The Syrotiaks were generous , gracious, and inspiring.  
Their show Brilliant !
After doing a show at Goat on a Boat Puppet Theater , and meeting Liz  
Joyce, she asked if My wife Jul, and I  could do a show that Liz was  
booked to do, as I think there was a double booking, as a favor for  
her, and an opportunity for us, and we agreed. short notice, details  
to follow but thanks Liz, Really.
That was the Grand Re-opening of Asphalt Green, The Lenny Suib Puppet  
Playhouse, 3 shows to the most packed of houses. !!!
  Peter Lewis managed the theater and had no idea who we were, or if  
we were any good! Getting everything near the building, let alone  
through the Soylant Green crowd, and into the theater was one of my  
most difficult ever. Peter and for that matter Jul and I had several  
reasons to be  ...um ...NERVOUS! Everything went splendidly.
Eventually we did about 40 shows at the Playhouse and our confidence  
for NY theater crowds appreciated. I think Peter's did too. And It is  
a Damned shame - the closing of that "Permanent Theater" !
We have become friends with Peter, and he told me about PGOGNY the  
Puppetry Guild of Greater NY, and I seldom have missed a meeting  
since. Others there were members of P of A and PGLI and UNIMA and we  
joined each little by little, and I just filled out my application to  
The Galactic Puppetry Consortium. After 49 yrs a puppeteer and 20 yrs  
a semi-pro I am just warming up.

Sharing is Caring


Art


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