My boys (ages 3 and 7) and I had the chance to see Stan the Lovesick Snowman at Center for Puppetry Arts last week. Having LOVED the other shows we had seen at CPA, we were all looking forward to another great performance. Needless to say, we were not disappointed!
Here's a synopsis of the story:
This story begins when Stan the Snowman meets a dog who has been sent outside in the wintry cold. As the dog tells him all about the warm stove inside, Stan can't help but fall in love with the wood burning beauty. This seems like a romance destined to fail. And if things weren't hard enough for Stan, he discovers a young Snowwoman has her eye on him. Based on “The Snow Man” by Hans Christian Andersen, Stan the Lovesick Snowman is a hilarious and heartwarming story perfect for the winter season!
This show definitely has something in it for kids and adults alike! I found myself laughing numerous times at things that may have gone over my boys' heads, and there was plenty to which we all found ourselves chuckling! Top that off with all of the adorable puppetry including a boy and girl, cat and dog, snowman and snowwoman, moose and wolf....all performed by two very talented puppeteers!
Make sure you catch Stan and the crew this winter and fall in love with this heartwarming and humorous tale perfect for your whole family!
Adapted by Jon Ludwig
2013-14 Family Series
Jan 2 - Feb 2, 2014
Downstairs Theater
Recommended for ages 4 & up
Showtimes:
•Tues-Fri: 10am & 11:30am
•Sat: 11am, 1pm & 3pm
•Sun: 1pm & 3pm
Puppetry Style:
Rod, Hand-and-Rod
Create-A-Puppet Workshop:
Make your own Stan the Snowman Rod Puppet!
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
Behind the Scenes of Stan the Lovesick Snowman:
About the Story and Author
Stan the Lovesick Snowman is adapted from the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, entitled The Snow Man. What we like about the original story is the wide-eyed innocence of Stan the Snowman. After all, he has just been made. Alice, the family dog, takes it upon herself to explain the world to him - albeit from a decidedly canine point of view. Their relationship is like a slightly older child interpreting the world to a younger child. It is Stan’s innocence that gets him into trouble when he falls in love with a wood stove. There is a lot of humor in this potentially disastrous infatuation. Everyone but Stan can see that the stove is too “hot” for him.
Another appealing aspect to the original story is the winter wonderland. In this adaptation we visit the dreamy snow-laden countryside complete with snowflakes, icicles, and cold starry nights without ever having to leave the relatively mild Georgia winter. Hans Christian Andersen (April 2, 1805 – August 4, 1875) was a Danish author and poet, most famous for his fairy tales. Among his best-known stories are The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Little Match Girl, and The Ugly Duckling. During Andersen’s lifetime he was acclaimed for having brought joy to children across Europe. His fairy tales have been translated into over 150 languages, and millions of copies continue to be printed all over the world.
About the Style of Puppetry
The puppeteers in Stan the Lovesick Snowman use rod puppets which are operated from underneath. They sit on low carts and hold the puppets above them. There is usually one central rod that goes through the body of the puppet. This rod supports the body and turns the head. Many of the puppets have rods that go to the hands so the arms can move. A rod puppet can have a special string that attaches to a lever for opening and closing the mouth so that it looks like the character is talking. The rods are made out of a metal called “spring steel,” the same metal used to make springs. Rod puppets are very popular in Eastern Europe, Russia and Indonesia.
