Cow and his good friend Mouse love to play and picnic — until it’s time to share dessert. Join Margaret for this gentle farm fable at 10am on Saturday, July 17. And please stay after to try out some fun puppets!
Best for ages 3 to 7. All welcome. FREE.
AT: Magnolia Park, 111 Magnolia Street, East Arlington, MA
My favorite pig, Mathilda, is determined to dance like Clara in “The Nutcracker. Fortunately, her patient Grandpa is on hand to help.
For those who like to tap their toes:
I studied with the wonderful I Wan Jan Puppetry Troupe in Taiwan, and had the chance to tell the story in the Fall 2020 edition of “Puppetry International.” Here’s the article: PI-48-TaiwanPuppets
Got a minute or 3? I hope you’ll take a look at these short videos featuring Doggie and Mathilda.
Here’s Mathilda’s favorite song:
“My Cousin Kit” and “Watching for Owl” were part of Arlington’s FOX & OWL TINY FILM & PHOTO FESTIVAL 2020. The shadow puppets were drawn by artist Kari Percival.
Arlington’s beautiful Old Schwamb Mill reopens on the weekend of September 12-13. I hope you’ll join me for “Badger Meets the Fairies” on Sunday at 2pm. The show is free, donations welcome.
To see the show via Zoom: Preregistration is not required; here is the link to join the show.
Meeting ID: 899 7252 9386 Passcode: 966075.
Badger is very excited to perform with Peter Lehman on mandolin and Ann Wynne on voice and percussion! Here’s a clip:
Skimpa and Blompa, my favorite trolls, are practicing for Bubblefest — a socially distanced 2020 rendition of Arlington Porchfest, happening on June 7. Want more information? www.arlingtonporchfest.org
Every two months Arlington Council on Arts and Culture highlights an artist who’s actively contributing to the Arlington arts scene. In December and January, I’m the featured artist on the Arts Arlington site sponsored by ACAC.
The artist statement was fun to write because it gave room to think about why I perform and what the work is like. Here’s the part that gets to the heart of working on a new show:
My newest show is “Taking Turns,” which features pigs, dogs and bunnies. Sandra and I used needle-felting techniques to make animal puppets. We took big balls of wool and punched them with needles to create little pigs and dogs. I find that their fuzzy surfaces appeal to young children more than the painted faces of our Sculpey puppets.
Although the show opened in August I am still spending many hours each week refining the way I portray the characters. The hardest thing is to slow down, let a puppet “breath” between steps, and wait for the character to form its thoughts before I speak for it. Often, I ask friends to watch and advise. Jacek Zuzanski of Dream Tale Puppets and retired “puppet diva” Suzanne Pemsler have been terrific coaches.
Read the whole statement here:
http://artsarlington.org/grants-and-resources/artlinks-arlington-networking-for-artists/featured-artist/
Mathilda and Doggie can’t wait to go to their friend’s party and play in the bouncy house. Then Mathilda can’t wait in line — and cuts in front of Doggie. She is surprised to learn that everyone wants their turn, even grown-ups. Performed with needle-felted puppets, and a gentle pace that suits young children. Best for ages 3 to 6
Saturdays with Puppets brings fun puppet shows for families with children ages 3 to 6 to an Arlington space. Everyone is invited to stay after the show and make a puppet, or play with puppets.
I’m looking forward to setting up the next Saturdays with Puppets series!
Check here for news, or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaretmoodypuppets/
This month I am a “Top Performer” on GigSalad.com! Part of the rating is that my shows have gotten 5-star reviews from parents and preschool directors on GigSalad. I hope you’ll take a minute to read their comments:
https://www.gigsalad.com/margaret_moody_puppets_boston
Most of my reviews are about birthday parties, which are a lot of fun. Usually I perform a 30-minute show and lead puppet making. My favorite supplies are toilet paper rolls, construction paper and yarn in all colors. Here are some photos of toilet roll puppets on the move, and a sock puppet who feel asleep guarding her pizza.
