This November I’ll be seeing Henson Alternative’s PUPPET UP! Uncensored at the SFSketchfest. This is a fantastic, improvised puppet show from “the grown-ups wing of the Jim Henson Company.”
SF Sketchfest and Westbeth Entertainment present Henson Alternative’s Puppet Up! — Uncensored
The grown-ups wing of The Jim Henson Company presents PUPPET UP! – UNCENSORED, the live show that lets loose the perilous and provocative elements of comedy on stage with a bunch of fine-looking puppets. A night of major laughs, not for minors.
A hit in Edinburgh, Toronto, Australia, and all over the US, world-class Henson puppeteers are unleashed in this live, outrageous and very spontaneous show, featuring over 60 original Jim Henson puppets – a motley group of characters – in a night of off the cuff comedy.
Created by award-winning director, producer, and writer Brian Henson and actor, director, and improvisational guru Patrick Bristow (Ellen, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), PUPPET UP! – UNCENSORED invites audiences to witness the other side of The Jim Henson Company and what happens when the camera stops rolling.
This production delivers “two shows in one” as the hilarious puppet action is projected live on large screens flanking the stage, while the puppeteers race around below – displaying their skills in full view of the audience. Its Whose Line Is It Anyway meets Saturday Night Live meets The Jim Henson Company.
This ‘psychotic puppet party’ features a few recreations of classic pieces originally created by Jim Henson, Jane Henson, and Frank Oz that haven’t been seen by live audiences in decades. Sometimes dark, certainly innovative, and always hilarious, the scenes in PUPPET UP! reiterate the marvelous possibilities of puppets in the hands of masters like these. Each PUPPET UP! show is a unique experience due to its spontaneous nature – and each performance is different, showcasing the wit, technique, and that trademark Henson dryness and sly anarchy.
For more information, visit: puppetup.com
2 Weeks only!November 13 – 23
Thurs & Fri 8pm, Sat 6pm & 9pm, Sun 7pm
Marines’ Memorial Theatre, San Francisco
The cast of puppeteers is incredibly talented. Particularly notable to me is Ted Michaels, accomplished improvisor, actor and the writer/director of absurdist gem Tangoborn Menclenty.