Lenox Library to Host Performance of 'Saving Jazzy' by Nutshell Playhouse

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LENOX, Mass. — The Lenox Library will present "Saving Jazzy," a musical and visual eco-fantasy performance by Nutshell Playhouse, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM.

The performance follows the characters Mambo and Nemonee as they search for ingredients to save the endangered Floratius Serendipitus. The production incorporates masks, movement, live music, and puppetry to explore themes related to Earth's environment and the balance of nature.

"Saving Jazzy" is performed by actors Alexia Trainer and Stefanie Weber, with live musical accompaniment by Don Jordan. The performance is described as suitable for children of all ages and their adult companions, with a particular appeal to children aged 2-10.

Nutshell Playhouse, led by Don Jordan, is identified as a company of artists focused on creating engaging live performances for family audiences. Their productions aim to be accessible to children of various ages and abilities, while also appealing to adults. The company seeks to bring theater to communities in Western Massachusetts by performing at local venues.

As a non-profit organization, Nutshell Playhouse aims to keep performances affordable while supporting local performers. The program at Lenox Library is free and open to the public, with support provided in part by a grant from the Lenox Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Further information can be found at https://lenoxlib.org or by calling the Library at 413-637-0197.

 

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Puppeteer Carl Sprague to Present 'Hansel & Gretel' at Ventfort Hall

LENOX, Mass. — The popular puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox with "Hansel & Gretel" for two school vacation week marionette performances. 
 
The dates and times are Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb. 20, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague, who knows how to pull strings.
 
"Hansel & Gretel" is a classic German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm about two siblings abandoned in the woods who find a house made of sweets, owned by a witch intending to eat them. The clever children outsmart her by pushing her into her own oven, and escape with her treasures to find their way home. This fairy tale symbolizes themes of cleverness, survival, and greed vs. kindness, stated a press release.
 
Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his "behind the scenery" mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood.  He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall, that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler.  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 $20 per person; $10 for children 4-17 and free for age 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults. 
 
Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made on line at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
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