October 8-12, 2008

• Rare Appearance By Film Legend 

Leslie Caron

 Star Of the 1953 MGM Film “Lili”

Original Puppets From the film will be on display

• The Huber Marionettes      • Paul Winchell Tribute 

 • Puppets on the Edge with Dan Horn

Exhibit: Puppets on Stage and Screen   & More!  Complete Schedule

     The first annual Santa Puppetry Festival promises to be a week of world-class puppetry. Festival producer Steve Meltzer, following his lifelong passion for this special art form and the classic American film about a puppeteer, has teamed with several other presenting organizations to make possible the appearance of the film’s star, Leslie Caron, who will be the guest of honor at two special events, a special screening of Lili and a an all star Celebration Of Puppetry starring Mallory Lewis and Lambchop. 

       Ms. Caron was discovered by Gene Kelly and made her debut in ‘An American In Paris’ in 1951.  Her immediate success was enhanced by classic title roles in “Lili” (1953) and “Gigi” (1958).  She starred with Cary Grant in “Father Goose” (1964) and with Johnny Depp in “Chocolat” (2000).  Leslie has remained active, receiving an Emmy award for a guest role in “Law and Order” in 2006.  She currently resides in France, running a hotel in Burgandy and finishing her memoirs.

     Mallory Lewis has continued give life to the little hand puppet made popular by her late mother, famed children’s television host, Shari Lewis.  Mallory and Lambchop are still making kids and their parents sing and laugh everywhere, most recently in Japan.  Other performers in the All-star show include Bob Baker whose marionettes have entertained thousands of children and adults worldwide over the years and has operated the oldest Puppet in Theater in the US now in its 50^th year in Los Angeles.  He is also a legend in Hollywood having worked with directors Mervyn LeRoy and George Pal.  Rounding out the bill are marionette masters Tony Urbano and Rene Zendejas.

    The festival will open with a rare screening of “I Am Suzanne” a 1931 film featuring the Yale Puppeteers. Other highlights of the week include a tribute to the late ventriloquist Paul Winchell a pioneer of early television and the voice of Tigger in the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ films.  On Friday the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry will present “Puppets On The Edge” an evening of puppet performances definitely not for kids.   Saturday will feature two different shows for children and the festival will close on Sunday with a performance by Phillip Huber considered to be the finest marionette artist working today, whose work was featured in the 1999 film “Being Jon Malkovich”

     A week long special exhibit at the Santa Monica Puppetry Center will feature puppets from stage and screen including three of the original puppets created by Walton & O’Rourke and used in “Lili”.  A search is currently underway to locate ‘Carrot Top’ the missing puppet star of ‘Lili’

Presented by

Santa Monica Puppetry Center

American Cinematheque 

International Puppetry Museum

Los Angeles Guild Of Puppetry

Miles Memorial Playhouse

Click Here For Complete Schedule and Tickets

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