Puppet Showplace is a home for many artists, including musician Tony Leva of The Gottabees — who shares his “open letter to Puppet Showplace” below!
Dear Puppet Showplace Theater,
I want to wish you a Happy Birthday! Can't believe you're 51 years old. That is quite a triumph.
Because of you, I have been connected to extraordinary people and have created relationships that have bolstered me in hard times and helped me explore my own creativity. I've learned a lot about community and what it takes to survive and thrive through difficult times. There is no doubt that Puppet Showplace has been a space that fosters a community of connection through perseverance, communication, honesty, and creating a safe space for people to fail and get back up, and fail and get back up again.
I learned through puppetry that anything can happen, that anything can become alive, and that no idea is too big or too small. That everyone should have a place where they feel welcome and safe, and that we can always work harder to look for ways to be kinder and more present for others and for ourselves.
I remember the first time I came to Puppet Showplace to see a puppet slam — my life changed that night. There was Roxie Myhrum, then Artistic Director, in a top hat, a hostess with the mostest, and music and puppet pieces that were hilarious and poignant. I knew I had to get involved — and oh how that happened immediately!
I introduced myself to Roxie, and a few weeks later I was introduced to Bonnie Duncan, who was just starting up The Gottabees. And from there, I also began working with Sarah Nolen and Tanya Nixon-Silberg, and meeting and being inspired by countless puppeteers of extraordinary talents, while connecting with thousands of families all over the world.
Some of my favorite memories are attending slams as a musical guest. Getting to improvise with pieces and perform in the intimate space of Puppet Showplace is one of my favorite things. There have been times I've been laughing so hard I could barely play my instrument. I love the flow of energy that happens between the stage and the audience.
I can't really think of other types of performance where the audience and performance so often become one — there is discovery and processing being voiced out loud by kids, and the characters hear them and even respond. Kids feel compelled to ask the puppet a question during the show, forgetting that they are in an audience. They are completely connected and immersed with that puppet that is as real to them as their parent who is sitting right next to them. I love the corner of the stage where I spend so much time playing music and taking in the joy of all the kids and families in the room.
It's an honor to know you, Puppet Showplace. I can't think of another place where I'm as often moved to tears because of joy and pride, poignancy and laughter.
Here's to another 50!
Big love and hugs,
Tony
P.S. My connection to Puppet Showplace goes beyond being a performer. Over the years, I have served as a board member and have volunteered time to give some sweat and muscle to the actual physical space. I’ve seen how much the theater counts on financial donations, as well as volunteers, to keep the theater going strong. Can we count on your donation?
