Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre Returns with Winter Schedule
After two months of repairs following a destructive flood, Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre in Sag Harbor will reopen with a new schedule of shows in November. A serious “rain event” on September 3 flooded Goat on a Boat, ruining the theater’s floors, carpeting and curtains, but owner Liz Joyce reports that her puppets, lights and sound were spared. She has since replaced the floors and other damaged items, and is ready for business.
Starting in November, the Goat on a Boat Winter Series 2013-2014 will commence with a full run of quality shows and weekly events, including a Puppet Play Group for ages 3 and under every Monday at 9:30 a.m., Tot Art sessions for ages 2-4 at 10:45 a.m. on Mondays, and the Goat on a Boat Puppet Club, for ages 4-6, on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Puppet shows are scheduled for two performances every Saturday. (Dates listed below)
Winter Series 2013-2014 Schedule (All shows Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
November 30: Al E. Gator & Friends by The Puppet Company, thepuppetcompany.org
December 21: The Night Before Christmas by A Couple of Puppets
December 28: Gustafer Yellowgold/gustaferyellowgold.com
January 4: Hard Times of Woody Guthrie by The Dolly Wagglers
A little adventure narrated by a re-incarnated Guthrie who uses his life story and music as a way to teach a young friend about hard times and how to get out of them. The show includes nonsense singing, a cranky show, flying suitcases and dust clouds, and some arcane vocabulary. thedollywagglers.blogspot.com
January 18: Swimmy/Swimmer by VT Puppetree
A little fish, the sole survivor of a school of fish swallowed by a tuna, devises a plan to camouflage himself and his new companions. This exquisite picture book has been turned into an animated multimedia shadow-puppet performance by the PuppeTree. Followed by an original shadow puppet and animation piece that answers the question, “What can one little girl do to clean up her river?” Swimmy/Swimmer is designed to enthrall, educate, and inspire both children and adults. By combining the elements of education and entertainment, Swimmy/Swimmer introduces children to the fundamentals of ecology and science through fun, almost magical experiments certain to create a base for continual exploration and growth. vtpuppetree.org
February 15: The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England
Ever wanted to sing along with a sea shanty or dive deep into a fox’s den? Then join Puppet Showplace Theatre’s Brad Shur and Chris Monti on this whirlwind tour of New England’s lesser-known folklore! Encounter the world’s largest wheel of cheese (sent as a present to Thomas Jefferson by the residents of Cheshire, MA); the giant sailor Alfred Bulltop Stormalong (New England’s own Paul Bunyan!); and more. Drawing from 300 years of stories, songs and local history, this show features shadow puppetry, live music and the tallest tales ever told in the Northeast. A delight for all ages. View video trailer from the first performance run here.
February 22: Chinese Theater Workshop
March 15: Liz Hara Monkey Show
March 22: Bambini Ball
April 12: The Vegetables’ Destiny by A Couple of Puppets
For ages 3 and up, this show using tabletop and hand and rod puppets, Vegetables’ Destiny tells the tale of a plate of vegetables that might not get eaten. This original story with 10 original songs written by Liz Joyce and Juliana Nash celebrates the destiny of these edible characters as they grow through the seasons in the garden.
April 19: Tucker’s Tales Cirkus
A circus band begins to play, a siren whistle sounds and suddenly a zany ringmaster appears to introduce the show. He and his clown “assistants” (hard working Ralph and happy-go-lucky Tumbles) are determined to see the show go on, despite bungled magic tricks and escaping animals. The result is a bit of rampaging craziness and the ultimate in clowning around. Cirkus combines a lively variety show format with lovable characters for half an hour of fun.Guaranteed to amuse children of all ages with constant surprises and clever twists.
April 26: National Day of Puppetry, End of Season Party at 11 a.m.
Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre is located in Sag Harbor on Route 114 and East Union Street, behind Christ Episcopal Church in the parish hall, lower level. Call 631-725-4193 or visit goatonaboat.org for more information.