As part of its 2020 Spring Puppet Performance Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut is pleased to present Mr. Cuddles is Missing created by Faye Dupras, and performed with Rebecca Lehrhoff, with music by Max Weigert on April 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.
Have you seen Mr. Cuddles? Join the friends at Cozy Corner as they search hither and thither for Rory’s missing lovie and best friend, Mr. Cuddles. In this family-friendly show audiences are invited into an interactive magical world full of eclectic neighborhood friends, delightful puppet pals, and live movement-based music. This show is 45 minutes long and is recommended for ages 3+.
Mr. Cuddles is Missing is part of Cozy Corner, a series of interactive puppet shows for family audiences that focuses on the social emotional development of children. Episodes follow the adventures of little Rory as Max and company explore how we all change and grow.
Faye Dupras is a theater artist who began her puppet journey over twenty years ago when she met and apprenticed under her childhood hero, Canadian puppeteer Noreen Young. A graduate of UConn’s Puppet Arts Program, Faye has performed around the world and has worked as a director, designer and educator throughout Eastern Canada and the USA. In 2004 Faye formed the company Foreign Landscapes Productions, under which she has created and toured several award-winning productions including By the Willow, Birds Eye View, and The Great Red Ball Rescue. Critics have described Faye’s work as “spellbinding,” “imaginative,” and “powerful.” Her two favorite things in the whole wide world are her family and Cozy Corner.
Max Weigert is a singer/songwriter, children’s performer, and educator who has performed in venues throughout New England and abroad. After receiving a degree in International Relations, Max worked in Israel where he produced Arising to Serve, a compilation of socially conscious music written and performed by artists from around the world. He returned to America to study at Berklee College of Music where he completed a degree in Songwriting and Music Technology. Max has been teaching music for little ones in schools across the Boston area. He co-wrote and composed music for the family puppet show I Spy Butterfly, for which he produced the highly successful CD So Much to See.
Rebecca Lehrhoff is a visual, performing, and teaching artist who has worked in children’s theater since she was a child herself. Her expertise ranges from acting, devising, and clown to scenic design, installation art and mural painting. She is a company member of Boston Center for the Arts resident company Liars & Believers. She has worked with many Boston area theater companies including: Imaginary Beasts, Flat Earth Theater, Fresh Ink Theater, Off The Grid Theater Company, Poets’ Theatre, Chimera Lab Dance Theater, Bad Habit Productions and Titanic Theater Company. Rebecca holds an MFA in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University and a BS in theater from Skidmore College.
Ticket Prices: Adults: $12; Members/Seniors: $10; Students: $8; Kids: $6 (12 years and under).
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, by calling 860-486-8580, or online at bimp.ticketleap.com. A surcharge will be added to any purchases made online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ballard Institute on the day of performance starting at 10 a.m. There will be open seating and no reservations. Visitors can park in the Storrs Center Garage located at 33 Royce Circle. Parking is free for the first two hours and $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum charge of $8. For more information about these performances or if you require an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Ballard Institute staff at 860-486-8580 or [email protected].
