Stuffed and Unstrung - Puppets on the Edge

Out of the rare occasion, inspiration hits me to do something out of left field. I heard about a company off-shoot of the Jim Henson company called "Henson Alternative" which is adult based material performed by Henson puppets and their puppeteers, and lo and behold, they have a show going on at the Union Square Theater called Stuffed and Unstrung, an off the wall improv audience participation show.

Hosted by Patrick Bristow, the show reminds you of a "Who's Line is it Anyway", where the audience suggests topics for the next sketch and it's up to the puppeteers to figure out how to make the subject work with their puppets in hand.  Impromptu musical numbers arise on occasion and all topic suggestions come up with brilliant results.

There are multiple screens also around the stage and two large projection screens by the stage so you can see what it would look like if they were merely doing it for the screen.  It's like getting your own backstage pass to your favorite childhood puppet show.

About my favorite thing about this show is the fact that you actually get to see the puppeteers and how they work.  It's also interesting to see that the puppeteers actually facially get into it.  Granted, that may be because they're now visible, but it's interesting how into it they get.

During the performance, they also recreate old performances from Frank Oz and Jim Henson's early works, which are a lot of fun to watch, and toward the end you get to see one of their animated puppetry set up at work.

If you get a chance, come check them out tonight.  Tonight they're offering a "pay your age" night.  So head over to the box office, show them your ID and whatever your age is will be your ticket price! (taxes may apply)

For more information, head to their website: www.stuffedandunstrung.com

If you've seen this show, let us know what you think.