Far from Avenue Q: Towson University Presents Original Puppet Tale

Towson University Department of Theatre presents an MFA production East of the Sun West of the Moon for six performances on Friday and Saturday February 3 and 4, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, February 5, 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Studio Theatre. East of the Sun West of the Moon is a puppet show written, directed and designed by Julie Borsetti. This is an original adaptation of the Norwegian folk tale and features 14-18 inch tall puppets including marionettes and hand, rod and shadow puppets. The story will be brought to life by a 25-person ensemble who manipulate the puppets and perform the voices. Beneath the crazy cast of characters and fantastical settings is a moving coming-of-age story celebrating courage and hope. The young heroine makes mistakes but with a little help, she comes out on top in the end. The performance is recommended for ages 8 and up and running time is approximately 80 minutes.

Julie Borsetti received her B.A. in theatre in 2002 from Towson University and specialized in scenic and costume design. She has extensive experience performing, designing and directing puppet shows and her puppets have been featured onstage at Open Space Arts, the Theater Project, Cockpit in Court, Baltimore's New Year Masque Parade and the Roland Park Country School. Borsetti's puppets have received awards from the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Maryland Artist Equity Foundation. She has also worked as a scenic painter and props artisan for several regional theaters including Center Stage, the Maryland Arts Festival and the Glimmerglass Opera in New York.

Ticket prices are $10 general and $5 for students and seniors. For tickets or additional information please call 410-704-2787. Tickets can be purchased on the Web at centerforthearts.towson.edu. or through the Center for the Arts Box Office located at the corner of Osler and Cross Campus Drive. Box Office hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and one hour prior to performances. Gift certificates are available through the Center for the Arts Box Office.