Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 21:56:16 -0400
Subject: Re: PUPT: Funny flashpot story


on 10/18/02 11:55 AM, Mary Robinette Kowal at mary-AT-otherhandproductions.com
wrote:

> I housemanaged a marionette production of "Jungle Book" for the Center
> for Puppetry Arts.  During a rehearsal (thank heavens) Mowgli came on
> stage with his "red flower" to scare off Sher Khan.  There were three
> flashpots on the stage were he was supposed to light the grass on fire.
> Two small things happened on that day.  The tech put a little too much
> powder in the pots, and Mowgli's puppeteer got the puppet a little
> closer to the pots than usual.
> 
> Picture this.  
> 
> Mowgli says, "I've got the red flower! Take that Shere Khan."  He
> dramatically thrusts his torch to the ground, flame leaps into the air
> and smoke fills the stage.  When the smoke clears a small crumpled heap
> lies lifeless on the ground- Mowgli with all of his strings burned off.

Ohhh, the flash backs, if you'll pardon the pun. I recall many stories like
yours (like the safety lid being blown of the flash pot, things going off at
the wrong time, etc.) with a few injuries along the way, fortunately most
minor and very few of them to me. As the registered Pyro Tech on Ringling
for several years I have had a few close calls and stories to tell.

Christopher



  --- Personal replies to: Christopher Hudert <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com>
  --- List replies to:     puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
  --- Admin commands to:   majordomo-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
  --- Archives at:         http://lists.village.virginia.edu/~spoons