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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 07-21 Puppet Wagon: 34 popular shows a week THE REVIEW Wed., July 21, 1976 THE REVIEW Puppet 34 popular s a week Most people think they're just for kids. and props. shown. "Puppetry can be a fantastic Still others haven't even seen one. Yet "It usually takes about a week to make teaching tool,"Fischbach said.Both said over 10,000 children and adults will watch one puppet," O'Brien said. Clay, papier- they wish they had more than just 20- what is probably one of the best puppet mache and other materials are used to minute shows to work with. shows in the area perform during the construct the puppets. Both puppeteers hope to continue on in summer in Maplewood. The two puppeteers began preparing for the puppeteering field. "Puppeteering is The Happy Wanderer Puppet Wagon, this summer's shows late last summer. my life's work,"Fischbach said.She has sponsored by the North Maplewood About half of the shows are tape recorded her own traveling show in addition to Lioness Club, presents some 34 shows a to aid the puppeteers in their hand working with the Puppet Wagon. Fisch- week at various neighborhoods around movements and also to provide music. bach hasbeen involved in Maplewood the city. The wagon, which has been These tapes are carefully perfected and recreation for five years and holds a touring Maplewood streets for six years, often require many repitions. Both agree nursery school teaching certificate as is as popular as ever with the younger that this,plus coming up with good shows well. generation. The children still delight in and practicing often, add up to a lot of O'Brien, a day-care teacher during the seeing Little Red Riding Hood escape work. school year, also hopes to make pup- from the grasp of the evil wolf. "It's lots and lots of work," O'Brien peteering her career.Both attended the However,the two puppeteers who write, said. "But it's so much fun too." annual Puppetry Festival in New London, produce and create the puppets and put on "We have to put out a tremendous Conn., this June. various shows agree that the puppet amount of energy to get a response," And,as if 34 shows a wekk isn't enough, shows aren't just for kids. Fischbach said. "Enthusiasm is very the puppet wagon is also available for hire important. The success or failure of a by individuals by calling the Community Veteran puppeteer Martha Fischbach show depends on us." Services Department in Maplewood City ("Crazy Martha" to the kids) said the Another problem the two women have is Hall. primary group the shows are aimed at is that often people aren't familiar with The Puppet Wagon will continue to children between five and nine years of Puppetry and so don't know the good entertain youngsters through Aug. 6, but age. "But,"she said, "They're really for shows from the bad. The qualities Fisch- remember,you don't have to be a kid to everyone." bach and O'Brien strive to perfect in their watch. In fact,one of the puppet wagon's many shows are the craftsmanship of the "I think the adults would enjoy the stops includes the Maplewood Care Puppets and props, the sound, lighting, shows as much as the children," O'Brien Center for the elderly. Neighborhood content of the show and actual said. "I think they're missing something children as well as the Center's residents presentation. if they don't see one. I really do." attend the weekly shows. The residents "Sesame Street has done a lot for like watching the reaction from the kids Puppeteering by giving it exposure," as much as watching the show. Fischbach said. The children's response this summer is Although the shows involve a lot of an obvious indication of the Puppet work, both feel that it is a great Wagon's success. satisfaction to see the response from the Both Fischbach and Kethy O'Brien have kids. They have even received fan mail made puppeteering more than just a addressed to the puppets. hobby. Many long hours are spent The children can also be taught as well preparing and constructing the puppets as entertained, as Sesame Street has '`_S. w'' x A� w. moo ' i' 3 ,,, atiVia " /0 HAPPY WANDERER—Maplewood Community Service's puppet wagon is spon- sored by the North Maplewood Lionells in 1976.