TWO PERFORMANCES: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM!
As part of its 2018 Spring Puppet Performance Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will present The Pied Piper of Hamelin by CactusHead Puppets on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Storrs Center.
The town of Hamelin has a rat problem, and there's only one person who can help! CactusHead Puppets brings the story of The Pied Piper to life in this comedic, updated adaptation of the traditional folktale. Not only does the town find a musical solution to pest control, but the kids of Hamelin also teach the grownups a lesson about generosity. In the end, the townspeople all come together in celebration. Join puppeteers John and Megan Regan (both graduates of UConn's Puppet Arts Program) as they present this classic tale, told with multiple puppetry styles, and plenty of dancing rats! The Pied Piper of Hamelin is 40 minutes long and is recommended for ages 4+, but all ages are welcome to attend.
CactusHead Puppets was started in 2010 by husband and wife team John and Megan Regan soon after they graduated from UConn. Since then they have created six shows based on favorite and familiar folktales, and have toured throughout the Northeast. 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 some of the same venues where he saw puppet shows growing up. CactusHead Puppets also hosts the annual Paper City Puppet Slam in Holyoke, MA.
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 in the Storrs Center Garage 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, visit bimp.uconn.edu or call 860-486-8580.