Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre opens its 2021-‘22 West Liberty performing season with
“Appleseed!”, a story about Johnny Appleseed and other apple heroes.
To ensure safety for all, performances will take place outdoors in Ron-de-Voo Park, West Liberty’s charming downtown pocket park, taking stage on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. In case of rain, the shows will be delayed to the next day, Sunday, Oct. 17 at 2 and 4 p.m.
There is no ticket charge—Eulenspiegel director Monica Leo pointing out she wants “everyone to be able to attend,” although donations will be gratefully accepted.
“Appleseed!” tells about Johnny Appleseed's true adventures and his relationships with the settlers, the Native Americans, and the animals and plants around him. He makes friends with a wolf, saves a starving horse and lives in a hollow tree stump, all truly documented stories about the real John Chapman, AKA Johnny Appleseed.
The story goes on to tell about other apple heroes, including Henderson Luelling, who traveled across the nation from Iowa, over the Rocky Mountains to Oregon, with a wagon loaded with 300 growing apple trees, to start the apple industry in the Northwest United States.
Attendees will also meet Jesse Hiatt, the eccentric father of the red delicious apple.
Johnny, Henderson, and the others battle the wilds and weather, including a highly personified, blues-singing wind, in this exciting show, according to Leo.
Watch hand puppets, tabletop puppets, and pop-ups and enjoy the whimsical live music of Alex Flesher.
During this uncertain year, Eulenspiegel will schedule season shows one by one, according to Leo, hoping to keep pandemic numbers in mind and giving first priority to audience safety. Extra masks will be available in case audience numbers require close seating.
For further information, call (319) 627-2487 or email monica@puppetspuppets.com.