Two Waters presents puppet show, part of public outreach

Marsha Hart, KP News

"The Shoemaker and the Elves” will appeal to an audience of all ages. Two Waters Arts Alliance will present the Tears of Joy Theatre production Feb. 7 at the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Photo courtesy of Tears of Joy Theatre

Two Waters Arts Alliance is dedicated to keeping the arts alive on the Key Peninsula. As part of its ongoing commitment to bring the arts to people of all ages in the community, the non-profit organization will present Tears of Joy Theatre’s production of “The Shoemaker and the Elves,” to the Key Peninsula for public performance Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. in the Key Peninsula Civic Center.  Suggested donation is $5 per family.

“Two Waters underwrites the expense,” said Mark Runions, volunteer events chair for the non-profit organization. “This story is a little friendlier than some, because there are no ogres or witches. They won’t be on a stage, they will perform right on the floor.”

Based in Portland, Tears of Joy Theatre creates puppet theatre that celebrates the diversity of world cultures. Their mission is to teach children and enrich their lives by helping them experience, create and perform art with professional artists.

Three of its productions have received American puppetry’s highest honor, the Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry.

“The Shoemaker and the Elves,” is an adaptation of the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale. Set in 1940 Manhattan, the cast includes Louis Armstrong, Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda in addition to the shoemaker, his wife, and the elves.

During the production, Runions said the audience will see the puppeteers, and some of their movements. After the performance, he said the audience is welcome to talk to the puppeteers and ask questions about the puppets and the show.

Students at Minter Creek Elementary School were treated to a free performance of “The Shoemaker and the Elves,” in January as part of the theatre’s community outreach program.