We’ve all been plagued for too long by the impropriety, imprudence and impudence of Putin’s Puppet, *Rump – so today I’ll try to reclaim the honor of honest, hardworking puppets.
During the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus (aka, Trump Virus), Chicagoan Matt Owens was laid off from his job at the Brookfield Zoo. It was there he designed and created natural-looking toys and “enrichment devices” for the animals both at Brookfield as well as for the Disney Animal Kingdom, and the San Diego and Cincinnati Zoos.
Given Owens’ impressive and extensive resume in the arts, having been a performer and stage designer for numerous theatrical venues in the city, as well as designing numerous puppets for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Lyric Opera and movie director Tim Robbins – he was looking for an outlet to employ his skills while stuck at home.
Matt and his wife Carla (a librarian) decided creating puppets to use in staging shows would be a good way to utilize his many talents.
Thus was born the “Lockdown Puppet Theater”.
On any given Saturday afternoon Matt and Carla put on their polished production of Puppetry in their Lakeview neighborhood – free of charge!
And the cast of characters is impressive! A neighbor and audience regular, Jennifer O’Brien, asks: “Where else can you see and hear a Yodeling Toad singing about sushi?” Only in Chicago!
The Yodeling Toad is joined on a rotating basis by over 40 other puppets – mostly of a circus character – from a Sword Sallower, Gorilla, Organ Grinder with his Monkey, a Ring Master, Magician, Juggler, Trapeze Artist, Elephant, Acrobats … and so many more.
The second-floor balcony of their apartment serves as the proscenium with colorful flower boxes flanking both sides and a bright green stage curtain. The shows always include music, singing and oftentimes Matt’s own bagpipe playing. And it wouldn’t be complete without Giggles the Clown tell some corny Dad Jokes:
“My father was a clown too. All his friends came to his memorial in one car.”
“What do you call a clown who never sits down? A stand-up comedian.”
“What kind of birds always stick together? Vel-crows.”
“Why do you tell actors to ‘Break a leg’? Because they’re all in a cast.”
The majority of the audience are people just running errands, walking their dogs or out for a jog who fortunately happen upon a delightful, colorful and unique entertainment – and stay for the half-hour show.
But there are some regulars, including next-door neighbor, 2-year-old Sebron Haley, who comes every Saturday and always has a great view perched on his dad’s shoulders – unless he’s down on the sidewalk dancing to the music.
I was inspired to dig a little deeper to this perfect example of turning lemons into lemonade by a story I saw on CBS. Unfortunately, the only video of it I can find is one posted on CBS’s Facebook page.
Besides have Comcast/Xfinity work on their cable relay box for several hours today – leaving me high and dry – I then decided I would try to teach myself how to embed Facebook videos. After trying for over an hour using iFrame and Javascript SKD, I learned all you have to do is just plugin the URL. Geez … what an idiot!
PUPPET THEATER: At a time when so many are searching for an escape from the coronavirus crisis, a Chicago man’s creations are captivating a city. Adriana Diaz has more on the voice breaking through the silence of social isolation.
Posted by CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell on Thursday, July 9, 2020
12 Responses to “Friday Fun: Plenty of Perky Non-Political Puppets”
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Oh, my goodness! What a marvelous day job to have had (and likely to have again, I hope)! And what a way to use that creativity!
Chicago used to be called “America’s second city” referring to its population. Los Angeles overtook that a long time ago, but no one has ever overtaken it in the arts. You mention theChicago Symphony and the Chicago Lyric Opera – besides those, its public television station and public radio station are second only to those in New York in the number and quality of programs they produce and syndicate – and sometime they seem like first rather than second because of the wide distribution.
I am gobsmacked – in the very best possible way.
Of course, I could not help but think of Elijah McClaim, who as a volunteer came to his local animal shelter to play the violin for kittens and cats to alleviate their loneliness, and that brought a lump tp my throat. But I’m sure wherever Wlijah is, he approves what Matt is doing and would cheer him on. As do I. Long live Matt!
And speaking of the Chicago Lyric … I am betting Matt played a huge role in the production which is being broadcast today (Faust). I’m not sure when it was originally presented – there’s usually a 1-2 year lag in the summer months.
Thanks Nameless–indeed we all can find ways to still make a difference in other people’s lives.
This is totally great!
Thanks for sharing!
People like Matt Owens and you, Nameless, keep the world going around by preventing us, and themselves perhaps, from falling into despair and depression. Thank you.
Thanks Nameless!
The extent of human (excluding Republicans) creativity boggles the mind!
Super, super, SUPER sweet !
What a fantastic post.
Thank you, Nameless for spreading the fun & joy during these times.
AND a BIG Thank you to Matt Owens for his great shows too.
Absolutely delightful!
Sweet story, Nameless.
I applaud both Matt and Carla for their creative puppet presentation.
What a brilliant way to brighten the moods of so many who pass by their outdoor site.
Nice to see all of the smiles their shows create. Something our country needs now.
Thanks Nameless
This CBS news coverage complements your article!
https://www.ktvn.com/clip/15098187/lockdown-puppet-theater
Thanks, Evelyn!