Families are invited to pamper their children with an original puppet show presented at the Upstairs Artspace on Saturday, July 9, at 3 p.m.
The event is free and open to children and adults. Kids who are 5 to 10 years old will enjoy preferred seating.
Puppeteer and puppet artist Madison J. Cripps is from Asheville, where he is an active member of the performing arts community, including the Asheville Puppetry Alliance.
As a performer, Cripps brings his hand-carved marionettes to life with improvised drama, humorous puns and songs. As an artist, he has a studio in Asheville’s River Arts District, where he constructs puppets and teaches workshops.
The puppet show at the Upstairs will star some of Cripps’ most popular characters, including Wophie the Dog, Frog and Zombie. All are on display at the gallery’s current exhibit, where Cripps has smaller hand puppets for sale.
Cripps sets up his own stage and provides musical accompaniment with a harmonica.
Following the show, children will get a chance to interact with the puppets. Juice and cookies will be served. The Jim Freeman Memorial Fund made the show possible.
The Upstairs is located at 49 S. Trade Street next to the movie theater. For more information, call 828-859-2828.
– article submitted by Nancy Holmes