Puppet troupe finds home

By Joanne Oostveen - The Weekly News
Alderney Landing is now home to the only Marionette Theatre in Eastern Canada.
Judging from the audience reaction to a short performance by the troupe last week, Alderney Landing will be welcoming kids of all ages to these shows for many years to come.
The marionettes were the stars and the puppeteers were hardly noticed. And apparently, that is how it should be.
"We are very excited to have, for the first time, consistent children's programming in this theatre," said Bea MacGregor, executive director of Alderney Landing. "We are going to really build this into a huge attraction for everyone."
The Maritime Marionettes have performed thousands of shows across the world since 1986. Puppeteers Heather and Darryll Taylor have gained an international reputation for producing excellence in marionette artistry. Traditional and original stories come to life through the Taylors' beautifully made wooden marionettes and their skillful manipulation. The duo have a magical style and they mastermind the shows themselves, from making the marionettes, the props, sets and costuming of all their productions.
They have been working together since the mid-eighties with the Kids Express Puppet Troupe out of Halifax. After achieving great success and having lots of fun touring with the National Marionette Theatre of Vermont, they began their own company, the Maritime Marionettes in Truro.
"It is wonderful that we now weigh anchor at Alderney Landing Theatre, our new home port for Marionettes in this community," said Heather Taylor. "This venue fits in with what we do. We are now home."
Season tickets at family discount rates are already available for the upcoming Maritime Marionettes productions of Molly and the Oak Island Treasure, Rumpelstiltskin, The Bremen Town Musicians and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Kim Farmer, Craig Gallery director, also announced a new program of children and youth summer camps. Cole Harbour High School will be presenting Aida from April 28 to May 1, Oyster Pond Academy will perform Willy Wonka's Junior Production on April 8 and 9, Saints Alive are at the Landing from May 9 to 16, Charles P. Allen on March 25,Gary Fjellgaard on March 21, The Spinney Brothers and JP Cormier on April 20, Fall River School of Performing Arts and Youth in Care, both in May and the Capital Health Players present They Came from Eekum Seekum from May 5 to 8.
Coastal Dance come home to Alderney Landing and will be presenting their concert in April and dance productions by Footsteps, Lisa Hardy School of Dance, Maritime Dance, Stars of Tomorrow and Millennium Productions will also be appearing at the Landing stage.
Kids will enjoy Easter at the Market, March 27 and April 3 from 10 a.m. till 12 p.m., with free craft-making, a reading corner, children's bunny ears and a hanging bunny bag.
Paul Robinson, chairman of the board of Alderney Landing, said they are always questioning what will fill a niche in the community.
"We aren't asleep, we are always building a new base," he said. "And we are trying to find a new way of doing things at Alderney Landing."
For information on buying tickets to any of the events, call 461-8401.
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca