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This weekend, for the third year in a row now, I will say to my fellow Fringe Fanatics "You MUST check out the Orlando Puppet Festival". This event is not for kids (there are some family-friendly shows), but intends to expose Orlando to high-art, cutting-edge expressive puppetry. I've seen dozens of different types of acts, some including human actors, others with minimalist puppets, and even puppets singing cabaret.

Headlining this year's festival are Pennsylvania's Cashore Marionettes with "Life in Motion” and “Simple Gifts”, and Vermont's Sandglass Theatre with “Autumn Portraits” and “Isidor’s Cheek”. If you didn't know this, New England has a thriving puppetry community, including a school in Connecticut with great puppetry programs. We have some of our own here in the South, most notably Atlanta, which is home to the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Another highlight of the festival is Friday night's "late night" show, "Puppets from the Edge", NOT to be missed. This is a bit of an open-mic night for puppets, with everyone from local artists to far-off visitors showing off shorter and more experimental pieces. I have some great video of last year's event if I can ever get some time to edit it down.

A similar type of show is the screening of "Handmade Puppet Dreams" a shorts program of puppet films collected by Heather Henson, which has toured all over the world, from India to California and everywhere in between. Don't miss the current show at the Gallery of Avalon Island (DMAC), which features puppets from the HMPD films.

Just two more events to plug: check out a live outdoor performance of Heather's original piece, "Panther and Crane", inspired by her life in Florida, 8PM Sunday at Hertiage Park in front of the History Center. This play also features our sweethearts Voci Dance. Finally, there will be an OPF wrap party at the Harp and Celt, the downtown bar and restaurant just two doors down from the Mad Cow.

Props to Jamie Donmoyer and Heather for making this great festival even better this year. Multiple venues, family-friendly events (check out the Cupcake Shows), outdoors, films, parties, and of course, some of the most amazing puppetry you will ever see in this town. Order your tickets in advance and get more information by visiting OrlandoPuppetFestival.com, and I hope to see you all there!

October 26, 27, 28 @ Mad Cow Theatre and 3 other venues closeby.