LENOX, Mass. — The puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum in Lenox to charm all ages with the classic fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk" for two marionette performances.  

 

The dates and times are Monday, Feb. 21st and Thursday, Feb. 24, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague.

 

Sprague, who appears annually at Ventfort Hall with his "behind the scenery" mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood.  He has inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes each about eight inches tall that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler, with purchased heads and hand-made costumes.  Hybler's legacy also includes two marionette theaters. 

 

Also, Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as "The Royal Tenenbaums" and Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence," as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company. 

 

Admission to the show is $15 per person; $7 for children 4-17 and free for age 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults. Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited and can be made by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. All tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event.   Proof of vaccination including ages 5 and over, ID for ages 18 and over and masks are required. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.