Franklin Stage Company Presents Catskill Puppet Theater's THE WILLOW GIRL

Franklin Stage Company will present local puppet company Catskill Puppet Theater to perform their original puppet show The Willow Girl August 2-4 at Chapel Hall in Franklin, NY.

"August opens with a weekend of family fare at FSC." said FSC Co-Artistic director Patricia Buckley. "We're so excited to host these local favorites." Continued Co-Artistic Director Leslie Noble, "Their show is not only fun, but relevant and appeals to all ages. CPT's artistry is well known in the area, and we're lucky to finally bring them to FSC!"

The Willow Girl tells the story of a young Chinese girl who emigrates to the American frontier, and finds herself facing discrimination in a swirl of other immigrants and cultures. When she meets two Irish brothers, one generous and good, the other selfish and unkind, they all discover the magic embodied in the spirit of a Willow tree, a gracefully animated 11-foot rod puppet, which forms the centerpiece of the show. This original puppet piece blends humor, mystery, drama, magical effects, and original and traditional fiddle music.

"We're so delighted to be partnering with the wonderful Franklin Stage Company to present The Willow Girl," said Catskill Puppet Theater's Co-Founder Carol Mandigo. "The play has toured nationwide, and along with being a fun, musical fantasy, the show highlights timely issues about immigration and learning to embrace our cultural differences."

Since 1979, John Potocnik and Carol Mandigo, co-founders of the Catskill Puppet Theater, have been touring internationally, enchanting young and old with their delightful musical productions. CPT has received accolades from such premiere venues as the Calgary, Winnipeg, and Ottawa International Children's Festivals, The New England Puppetry and Family Theater Series, the New York State Museum's Kid's Series. and hundreds of schools, libraries, fairs and festivals. The company takes great pride in carrying on the living tradition of old traveling puppet troupes, bringing high-quality children's theater to over 100,000 people each year.

Showtimes are Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, August 4 at 5:00 pm. Admission is free-suggested donation is $20 per adult, $10 per child. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve and for more information: www.franklinstagecompany.org or 607-829-3700.

Programming at the Franklin Stage Company is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Photo credit: allotsego.com.