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Citations of Excellence Recipients (2008)
LIVE THEATRE CATEGORY
(Recorded Media Category)


 Sock Puppet Serenade

Review Panelists said:
"Kurt Hunter is a technically accomplished puppeteer."

"The joy of the 'Sock Puppet Serenade' is its characterization. The puppets gestures, sometimes subtle and sometimes grand, draw us into the inner world of Kurt’s remarkably lifelike and endearing characters."

Sock Puppet Serenade
Kurt Hunter - The Hunter Marionettes

 There's a Dinosaur in the Closet
Review Panelists said:
"A comic tale of a boy who longs for a pet but is allowed only a pet rock. When the rock turns out to be a dinosaur egg and hatches, the boy has trouble concealing his new friend."

Luman’s handpuppet technique is flawless. He accomplishes choreography that other puppeteers only dream about and makes it look easy.”

also by Coad Canada Puppets...
The Box (1974-75)
Mr. Whipple's Whims (1978-79)
Under the Grasses (1979-80)
Polly (1982-83)

Up Please! (2000)
Harlequin's Cloak (2006)


There's a Dinosaur in the Closet
Luman & Arlyn Coad - Coad Canada Puppets

 Behind the Lid
Review Panelists said:
"An incredible journey into the life of visual/performing artist Lee Nagrin. At times it felt like a fun-house ride and at others a shamanist spirit trek. At every turn there were surprises and moments of wonder."

" Basil deserves high praise for creating such a powerful and incredibly unique production.”

also by Basil Twist...
The Araneidae Show and Other Pieces (1997)
Symphonie Fantastique (1999)
Petrushka (2001)

Arias and Twist (2010)

Behind the Lid
Basil Twist and Lee Nagrin - Tandem Otter Productions

 Legend of the Banana Kid
Review Panelists said:
" The story was compelling and held the attention of all, with lots of reaction from the audience."

"It was the most fun puppet performance I’ve seen in years and had us rolling in the aisles."

also by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers...
Everybody Loves Pirates (2006)


Legend of the Banana Kid

 Lovesick Sea Play

Review Panelists said:
"An intriguing and unique blend of lights and shadows, live actress and puppet characters performed with a minimum of staging, lighting and props."

"Janaki is a beautiful skilled actress and puppeteer.
"

Lovesick Sea Play
Janaki Ranpura - J-J Trinket’s Double-Jointed Festival Series

 The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf
Review Panelists said:
"Paul combines rod puppets and a costume character wolf into a rollicking good time."

"The writing and performance are top notch and staging is imaginative and never lags for a second. It’s truly a must-see if you love puppets and good comedy.
"

also by Paul Mesner...
Wiley and the Hairy Man (1991-92)
Sleeping Beauty (2001)

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf
Paul Mesner - Paul Mesner Puppets

 Duke Ellington's Cat
Review Panelists said:
"Through the eyes of Duke Ellington’s cat, this show spans Duke’s life, from his early days performing in pool halls to his performing for the Queen of England, including the racial discrimination he and his band members faced
Puppetry on a large scale incorporates rod, hand and shadow puppets, some 3-D and other flat. The use of black-light is right for this jazzy production, with has recorded instrumental music and voices live.
"

also by the Center for Puppetry Arts...
Jungle Book (1977)
AlleGorey (1983)
Dr. Doolittle (1985)
Hansel & Gretel (1988)
Heaven & Hell Tour (1991)

Safe as Milk (1995)
Kwaidan (2001)
The Plant Doctors (2001)
American Tall Tales (2005)
Anne Frank: Within & Without (2007)

Little Pirate Mermaid (2010)
Duke Ellington's Cat
Written by Jon Ludwig - Center for Puppetry Arts

 Fabrik: The Legend of M. Rabinowitz
Review Panelists said:
"A passionate portrayal of a Jewish suit maker in Norway and his struggles against the Nazi’s in WW II."

"Inventive stage effects produce the range of emotions from warm humor, to a dream sequence and a nightmarish mood."

"The image of a puppet on it’s side lifelessly staring downward was haunting.
"
Fabrik: The Legend of M. Rabinowitz
Wakka Wakka Productions and Nordland Visual Theatre

 A Walk in the City
Review Panelists said:
"A beautifully crafted visually gorgeous, traditional toy theatre stage used to present a story by Italo Calvino."

"The evocative atmosphere created by this production was a perfect fit for the story. It was a pleasure to watch the puppets, listen to the story and most of all, to watch the smooth interaction of the puppeteers.
"
A Walk in the City
John Bell, Trudi Cohen, Stephen Kaplin, Jenny Romaine, Roberto Rossi, Mark Sussman -
Great Small Works

 Natalie and "The Widow"
Review Panelists said:
"Two stories that take place on a charming tiny stage. 'Natalie' is the story of a puppeteer who strips down in her puppet booth till one day the wind blows it away.

"'The Widow' is a story about a risqué widow. Both shows were a perfect blend of visual, music and story."

"Both productions were extremely playful and beautifully crafted in every sense.
"

also by Valerie and Michael Nelson...
Animal Folktales of the America's: Armadillo's Rancho (1998)
Fowl Play (2002)
Natalie and "The Widow"
Valerie and Michael Nelson - Little Blue Moon Theatre
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