Experience the magic of the Cashore Marionettes as they come to life under the hand of master puppeteer Joseph Cashore on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at The Village at Theater at Cherry Hill. This internationally-acclaimed troupe returns to Canton’s Village Theater to present two uniquely different shows - a matinee for families of all ages and an evening performance for older children and adults.
"Simple Gifts" will be presented at 2 p.m. on February 4, and includes 14 short pieces similar to a concert with several stand-alone vignettes. This family-friendly production for all ages will include a series of scenes and portrayals from everyday life set to the music of Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland. Through a combination of skilled puppetry, music and theatrical illusion, the original vignettes presented in "Simple Gifts" provide an entertaining vision of what it is to be human. The performance explores a range of emotions and actions with the characters. Tickets to this performance for all ages are $12.
In "Life in Motion," presented at 7 p.m. on February 4, Joseph Cashore presents his collection of marionette masterworks. This series of nine vignettes runs the gamut of emotions from high-spirited good humor to quiet reflection. This production is recommended for adults and children ages eight and up. Tickets to this performance for all ages are $15.
These productions have been described by the Center for Puppetry Arts of Atlanta as “A wonderful world of breath-taking magic that is created by one man and his exquisite marionettes. The range of movement truly has to be seen to be believed.”
Cashore first became interested in marionettes at age 11, when he saw one hanging in a shop window and asked the clerk if he could try it out. When that wasn’t allowed, he decided to make one himself, using blocks of wood, clothes pins, and a tin can. He experienced his first “magical puppet moment” shortly thereafter while giving a show for his family, but didn’t make another marionette until years later, after he had graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied sculpture and portraiture.
These internationally acclaimed performers have entertained audiences in Europe, the Far East and North America since 1990, including a stop at the Kennedy Center. Cashore has received numerous awards for his artistry, including a 1995 Citation of Excellence from Union Internationale de la Marionette USA (UNIMA), the highest honor an American puppeteer can receive. UNIMA states that Citations are "awarded to shows that touch their audiences deeply; that totally engage, enchant and enthral." In addition, Joseph Cashore is also a recipient of a grant from the Jim Henson Foundation, which recognizes the creation and development of innovated works of puppetry for adult audiences.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org or by calling 734/394-5300. Choose your favorite or see them both. Additional performer information is available at www.cashoremarionettes.com.
The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, MI is a regional center for the arts that offers the magic of live theatre, soul-stirring music, the thrill of the dance, and the enjoyment of fine art exhibitions and events, in addition to providing a home for several cultural organizations and community groups. For more information about these must-see performances, please call 734/394-5300 or visit cantonvillagetheater.org.