Learning life lessons—no strings attached

By JONATHAN FOX

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — Last week, I had the good fortune to see a performance of the Catskill Puppet Theater’s (CPT) production of “The Willow Girl” at the Catskill Arts Society (CAS). Fascinated by puppetry since I was a child, and transported back in time by the children’s reaction to the show, I wanted to learn more about the company.

Located in Laurens, CPT has been performing, teaching and entertaining for decades. Its website ( catskillpuppettheater.com ) says that married cofounders John Potocnik and Carol Madigo “have been touring internationally, enchanting young and old with their delightful musical productions.” Although this was the company’s first visit to the CAS, it is no stranger to the Upper Delaware Valley, having appeared at venues like Livingston Manor’s annual Trout Parade, Sullivan County Community College, the Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville and the Beaverkill Inn.

As I dug a little deeper, I found that CPT’s unique style of story telling is far more educational than any traditional “Punch & Judy” show. With an emphasis on cultural diversity, the CPT presents shows that teach important lessons to the kids, employing music, magic and mystery to keep the audience engaged, combining backgrounds in art, drama and folk culture. The tales are as diverse as the performance venues. “The Lion’s Whiskers,” for example, is a musical adaptation of an Ethiopian folk tale that features a cast of human characters as well as “our favorite African animals.” “Ivan’s Three Wishes,” based on Russian folklore, is the story of “a lovable peasant who is always wishing for things he doesn’t have.” “Sister Rain and Brother Sun” is a musical nature tale that features audience participation. When Sister Rain becomes jealous of Brother Sun and stops watering the Earth, Mother Nature and the audience must join forces to save the day.

“Hiawatha” and “Willow Girl” are also cautionary tales for the small set that teach about prejudice, nature, community spirit, family values and kindness to all living creatures. Audiences and characters intertwine in the magical world of enchanting animals, singing flowers and talking trees as the CPT brings these stories to life through an ancient art form that CPT strives to keep alive, bringing lavish, colorful and exciting productions to new generations the world over.

Utilizing masks and puppets ranging from three-quarter life-sized to gigantic, the CPT offers something for everyone, including workshops. Students can learn the ancient art of shadow puppetry by making their own puppets and creating a short musical play. The company offers customized workshops in puppet making and performance for all ages, and can provide materials, staging and lighting or allow schools and students to provide their own.

“Many adults still treasure the puppets they built in workshops when they were children” Mandigo told me, and Potocnik agrees. “The kids are our inspiration, but grown-ups seem to get as much out of the experience,” he said. “The Catskill Puppet Theater takes great pride in carrying on the living tradition of the old traveling puppet troupes, bringing high quality children’s theater to over 100,000 people each year.”

Potocnik and Mandigo’s touring company has received accolades from the Calgary, Winnepeg and Ottowa International Children’s Festivals, the New York Symphony Space, the New Jersey Center for the Performing Arts and literally hundreds of theaters, schools, libraries, fairs and festivals. Among the rave reviews is this one from the Teacher Evaluation Program at the Ann Hutchinson School in Eastchester: “One of the most impressive programs to date. The story was compelling and the artistry magnificent! What a wonderful program to be shown in connection with lessons on friendship, mutual respect, citizenship and racial tolerance.”

High praise, indeed—but from my own experience with this impressive company, well earned. Hopefully, we will all continue to have enriching experiences with the CPT for many years to come. For more information on performances, residencies, workshops or CPT’s amazing assortment of giant processional figures, call or write John Potocnik, Catskill Puppet Theater, Inc., 574 Naylor Corner Road, Laurens, NY 13796 or call 607/263-5820.