This summer, the Center Theatre Group is set to bring laughter and excitement to the Kirk Douglas Theatre with their upcoming event, Puppet Up! – Uncensored.
Running from July 16 to 27, the show features 14 performances of adult comedy crafted with puppet hijinks and unexpected surprises.
Unlike traditional puppet performances, Puppet Up! – Uncensored offers a unique experience where outrageous, off-the-cuff humor takes center stage, brought to life by the MISKREANT puppets.
These puppets are operated by a talented ensemble of puppeteers from The Jim Henson Company, known for their world-class skill and creativity.
The production promises an entirely different experience at each show, as audience suggestions will dictate the unscripted puppet mayhem presented on stage.
The improvisational segments are visually dynamic, with both the audience watching the puppeteers in action and the antics projected live on screens above the stage.
Alongside the humor, attendees can expect to witness classic pieces by Jim and Jane Henson, reviving material that has not been performed for decades.
This event is a part of the CTG: FWD initiative, which has evolved from theatrical special events and community gatherings to present a diverse array of plays and musicals at Center Theatre Group venues.
Tickets for Puppet Up! – Uncensored are now available at CenterTheatreGroup.org. The show is recommended for adult audiences aged 16 and up, and those under 16 will not be admitted.
Besides general admission, ticket packages including VIP options are available for guests seeking a premium experience.
VIP attendees will enjoy priority seating along with access to a pre-show cocktail party where they can mingle with puppets and puppeteers, even snapping photos with iconic Henson characters from beloved films and shows like Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Fraggle Rock.
Moreover, VIP guests will have the unique opportunity to participate in a behind-the-scenes conversation with Brian Henson, the show creator and legendary puppeteer, who is known for his work in classics such as Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island.
Patrick Bristow, the production’s director and host, will also engage with the audience during this exclusive session. Bristow is an alumnus of The Groundlings and has appeared in popular TV shows including Ellen, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Time Out has praised Puppet Up! – Uncensored, noting how it blends top-tier puppeteering talent with spontaneous music, jokes, and outrageous shenanigans.
Audiences will not just admire the puppets but will be captivated by the skillful puppeteers who creatively improvise songs while simultaneously manipulating their puppet counterparts on stage.
For those well-versed in Jim Henson’s work, this show promises a refreshing take on his timeless classics with an adult twist, making it a can’t-miss production.
Brian Henson commented on the show’s inspiration, explaining their goal to explore humorous tones for puppetry that differ from the traditional Muppet style.
He remembers his father’s witty improvisational skills and attributes much of the comedic success to the puppeteers’ ability to ad-lib.
After attending a Groundlings show, the idea for this unique production came into focus, emphasizing the fun of ad-libbing live before an audience, which enhances the stress and excitement for performers, ultimately sharpening the comedic value of the performance.
Bristow reminisced about the boldness associated with puppetry in this setting, stating that because the characters are puppets and the humor is uncensored, audiences often feel liberated to engage in a similarly unrestrained manner.
Due to this dynamic, the puppets unleash a variety of risqué humor that would be more challenging for human performers to deliver.
Complete ticket information, including prices and details of the VIP experience, can be found by visiting the Center Theatre Group’s website or calling Audience Services at (213) 972-4400.
Tickets are also available in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Offices located at the Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown L.A. and at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, which opens two hours prior to each performance.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the artist and Center Theatre Group.
image source from：broadwayworld
