One of the things my team and I love about Chicago is Puppet Bike, which I hear no longer exists (sigh). As a kid in the 'burbs, I couldn't get enough of Garfield Goose, Dirty Dragon, Romberg Rabbit, and Mr. Moose.
Today, I still find puppet theater fascinating. You know it's not real. But when the players are masterful, inanimate objects seem to come alive and convey human emotion in a way that evokes a high degree of believability.
Which is why I am so looking forward to the 5th annual Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, January 18-29, 2023.
The two events I've got my eye on are both in the Fine Arts Building's newly renovated Studebaker Theater: Frankenstein, performed by Chicago's own Manual Cinema; and Moby Dick, staring a whale-sized whale.
This will be the largest festival of its kind in North America with more than 100 performances and events over 12 days. Most shows are adult-oriented, but there are kid appropriate offerings too. Many shows will be downtown, but also at venues across the city. Local artists will be joined by performers from New York, Boston, and nine other countries. Some free events, but most aren't.
Hope to see you there.
Mike
Learn more:
https://chicagopuppetfest.org/
Moby Dick https://chicagopuppetfest.org/event/plexus-polaire/
Frankenstein https://chicagopuppetfest.org/event/manual-cinema/