Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry presents
Hao Bang Ah, Dragon!
by Chinese Theatre Works
As part of its 2024 Spring Puppet Performance Series, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut is pleased to bring back the popular Chinese Theatre Works company of New York City to perform Hao Bang Ah, Dragon! on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Ballard Institute Theater, located at 1 Royce Circle in Downtown Storrs.
Hao Bang Ah, Dragon! is the most recent in the series of Chinese Theatre Works’s hand-puppet productions celebrating the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Each year, the reigning Zodiac animal spirit presides over a mix of traditional Chinese Budaixi (glove puppets) and western-style puppetry. This year’s show features a dozen different dragons, serving up a spicy mix of song, skits, silliness and sage sayings. Special guests include the great Monkey King, who will crash the Dragon King’s party with his usual good cheer and mayhem.
Recommended for ages 4+.
The show runtime is approximately 40 minutes, with a puppet demo and talkback. Learn and purchase tickets more: bimp.ticketleap.com/hao-bang-ah
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 the performance starting at 10 a.m.
About the Company
Chinese Theatre Works is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese performing arts and creating new works bridging Eastern and Western theatrical aesthetics and forms. It was founded in 2001 by Co-Artistic Directors Kuang-Yu Fong and Stephen Kaplin to present programming drawn from their combined repertoire of traditional Chinese opera, music, dance, and puppetry, and by creating and touring new original productions as well. Their programs spark interest in Chinese cultural traditions among the wider public and build understanding among educators and artists across the globe.
LET’S DO LUNCH!
Enjoy lunch in Downtown Storrs following the performance. With over twenty eateries serving up cuisines from around the globe, there’s something to satisfy every taste and budget. See what’s cooking here.
Pictured: Blaze Pizza
But, wait! There’s more!
For a full day of puppetry fun, head to the Mansfield Community Center after lunch for a free puppet making workshop at 1:00 PM!
PARKING is available in the Downtown Storrs Parking Garage, which is free for your first two hours and just $1/hour thereafter. The garage is about a 2-minute walk from the Ballard Institute.