From: Andy Hayward <haywardandy-AT-hotmail.com>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Sun, 4 Apr 2010 15:42:51 -0500
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] whose work got you going?



 

Tom Tichenor, who wrote a book that was a staple in practically every public library during my childhood, really got me excited about puppets when I was young. Sadly, I was never able to to uncover very much footage of his actual performances. As kid, though, his book was more than enough. I borrowed it constantly.
 
Shari Lewis was another biggie for me. Her immense creativity blended with her (deceptively) simplistic approach to performing for the camera was astounding. In particular, I especially loved "Shari's Christmas Concert" which showcased each of her talents beautifully. I also adored "Lamb Chop's Play-Along" on PBS, which was as close to perfection as I've ever seen in television for kids.

 

 - Andy


 
> From: puppetpeople-AT-nycap.rr.com
> To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
> Date: Sun, 4 Apr 2010 14:48:08 -0400
> Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] whose work got yougoing?
> 
> Hello all;
> My wife and I were introduced to the world of puppetry at different 
> ages. Though I did grow up with the Muppets, my first experience with live 
> shows was in third grade. It was 1976 and everybody was celebrating the 
> Bicentennial of the US. My elementary school scheduled a puppet show to 
> come to teach us kids about George Washington and the Revolutionary War.
> Though I don't remember the troop I do remember the puppets. The 
> strongest image I have of that show was a George Washington mouth puppet 
> talking in a large dollar bill set. Well I thought that was so cool and 
> after school I ran home and started making puppets & masks out of everything 
> I could. Though I never did see the show again, nor did my school ever have 
> another puppet show come I am grateful I was there that day, it truely 
> changed my life. This is a story I tell allot at schools because I like 
> to stress to teachers, how important it is for kids to see theatrical art. 
> If just one kid is inspired then it is worth the expense of having a group 
> come.
> As for my wife, she didn't see a puppet show until she was in her 
> mid-20's. Through school Michelle was always involved in theater and went to 
> college to get a degree. After school, to bring in some money, she got a job 
> working for a booking agent who specialized in children's theater and puppet 
> shows.
> She saw many different puppet shows and was intrigued with this other 
> type of theater. The company she loved the most was The Bennington 
> Marionettes out of Troy , NY. Shortly after seeing their shows she was hired 
> by Bennington and that is where we met. Love at first sight.
> I should also mentioned that the Bennington Marionettes were an 
> inspiration to me as well . That company lasted over 18 years, had 2 fully 
> train crews and full employed about 15 people. We had I believe 10 different 
> shows and even performed at Linclon Center in NYC (a highlight to my career 
> I can tell you).
> Also they inspired at least 3 different puppet companies out here on the 
> East Coast and though it had a turbulent end I am grateful for my time 
> there.
> 
> Mark
> The Puppet People 
> 
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