The Ballard Institute And Museum Of Puppetry Presents THE BREMEN TOWN MUSICIANS By CactusHead Puppets

As part of its popular, family-friendly Summertime Saturday Puppet Show Series hosting acclaimed puppeteers from around New England and beyond, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will present The Bremen Town Musicians by CactusHead Puppets on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Ballard Institute Theater located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.

What can a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster do when they have to leave their farm? Become world famous musicians, of course! CactusHead Puppets brings to life the hilarious tale of four farm animals that set out on the road to Bremen to pursue their dreams of stardom. Along the way, they encounter a fortune, foil some robbers, and learn how to work together in harmony. This production features lovable rod puppets, elaborate shadow scenes, and CactusHead puppets' signature sense of humor. This show is 40 minutes long and recommended for ages 4+.

CactusHead Puppets was started in 2010 by husband-and-wife team John and Megan Regan, both UConn Puppet Arts Program alumni. Over the past eight years they have created many shows based on favorite, familiar folktales, and have toured throughout New England. Megan is originally from the Kansas City area, where she worked with Paul Mesner Puppets. John is from western Massachusetts, and is honored to be performing in the same venues where he saw puppet shows growing up. Megan collects pop-up books, and John has a love for giant monster movies.

Upcoming Summertime Saturday Puppet Shows include:

Aug. 11: Monkey and Dino's Funky Puppet Show! by John Cody
Best friends Monkey (a monkey) and Dino (a dinosaur) are attempting to bring YOU the greatest puppet show EVER! (Or at least a really good one.) Join this simian and reptilian team and a host of their wacky friends as they perform sketches, music, and more, in this new production by UConn Puppet Arts alumnus John Cody. And maybe they'll even learn something along the way. Or maybe not, who's to say? There's only one way to find out, and that's to come on down to Monkey and Dino's Funky Puppet Show! Recommended for ages 6+.

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 bimp@uconn.edu.

Photo courtesy of CactusHead Puppets

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