Magpie Puppets is committed to innovative children's entertainment, free of stereotypes and violence. Performances include live or taped music, one-of-a-kind hand puppets, extensive audience participation, and colorful staging. The show begins with a lively lecture/demonstration about a variety of puppets, or a guitar singalong. Performances run approximately 50 minutes and are appropriate for both large assemblies and small groups. Magpie Puppets provides a study guide to schools, with related worksheets for children.

Moccasin Stew

Adapted from a Southwest Native American folktale, Moccasin Stew is the story of Coyote, who is always outwitted by the creatures he wants to eat. The cast includes Hank, the rabbit chef; a Bluefish who sings the blues; a tricky Magic Fish; and a clever Quail who fools Coyote time and time again. The audience changes the scenery with a magic chant, assists Hank in his gourmet cooking and helps Quail make key decisions. Moccasin Stew teaches lessons in forgiveness and resourcefulness.

"A mirthful and rousing production. The whole room was filled with the sound of kids singing."

--Bob Perry, Linewaiters' Gazette

 

Eeyore's Birthday

Based on A.A. Milne's beloved Winnie-the-Pooh story, this show features Chris Robin, a little girl with a big imagination whose stuffed toys come to life; Pooh Bear, a friendly, philosophical she-bear with a poor memory and a big appetite; Piglet, a squeaky creature who wants to be part of everything; and Eeyore the grumpy donkey, who feels neglected on his birthday. The children help the absentminded Pooh by recalling their own birthdays and suggesting gifts for Eeyore. They also warm Eeyore's heart by singing "Happy Birthday."

"Thoroughly engaging and full of humor. The children loved it."

--Daryl L. Mark, Cambridge Public Library

 

The Emperor's New Clothes

This updated version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale of peer pressure and cowardice features two courageous women determined to save their country from ruin. Greta and Rebecca sew an outfit for the conceited Emperor that will be invisible to fools. Of course, there is no such outfit, and the Emperor loses his throne after parading through town in his underwear. The audience participates as reporters at a royal press conference and as helpers to the brave tailors.

"You kept a large, rambunctious group of youngsters spellbound. The real magic was the way that you catapulted them from boisterous response to hushed silence."

-- Wendy Clark, Shelter Island Union Free School District

 

Leopard Learns a Lesson

Our newest show is adapted from an African tale from Malawi. Leopard is always bullying and frightening smaller animals until Rabbit turns the tables on her -- with the help of the jungle's two largest beasts, Elephant and Rhinoceros. The audience learns, along with Leopard, that cooperation works better than intimidation.

With original music by Alison Reid!