PUPPET THEATER - BIG HIT THIS SUMMER

Do you think producing puppet shows is a lost art? Think again – for over 29 years the Great Arizona Puppet Theater has been entertaining their audiences of all ages with traditional and original shows. In fact, they have produced over 50 shows, countless workshops, school visits, and even ‘adults-only’ shows. We took our two oldest grandkiddos, aged 6 & 7, and they had a blast. The show we saw was “Old MacDonald” and they loved every minute of this hilarious ‘sing-along’ romp through the barnyard! Be sure to check the website below for their schedule of upcoming shows.
The theater is housed in the historic former Phoenix 2nd Ward Mormon Church building, which admittedly didn’t impress our grandchildren as much as it did us. A gorgeous Spanish-inspired chapel, this priceless building was purchased by the GAPT in 1996. Constructed in 1929, the building was sold to ADOT in 1972 for I-10 right-of-way, but it was saved by being designated as a historic site and the path of the I-10 was re-directed. Whew! The Phoenix Arts Council used this facility prior to GAPT’s purchase. Repaired and restored to its original splendor, we are fortunate to have access to this piece of Phoenix’s past.
We joined in the backstage tour to learn all about the theater, building, and the art of puppetry. The kids even made their own paper-bag puppets to take home. Over the years they have earned the New times Best of Phoenix award six times. For school groups, home schoolers, and curious theater-goers they even offer study guides for many of their shows. Your little ones are sure to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience, and we left there wishing we were still kids so we could sit on the floor up front!
If You Go:
Great Arizona Puppet Theater
302 W. Latham St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
www.azpuppets.org P. 602.262.2050
Performances: 10 am Wed-Fri
Sat 10am & 2pm