Puppetmongers presents Cinderella in Muddy York
December 26, 2015 –January 1, 2016 at Tarragon Extraspace
Created and performed by Ann Powell and David Powell, Directed by Sue Miner

Toronto, November 30, 2015- Puppetmongers celebrates its 26th anniversary of delightful winter holiday performances this season with the return of its twice Dora-nominated family favourite, Cinderella in Muddy York, created by Puppetmongers’ Co-Artistic Directors (and brother and sister) Ann and David Powell, with the direction of Sue Miner.  Cinderella in Muddy York runs at Tarragon Theatre’s Extraspace with daily matinees from December 26, 2015 to January 1, 2016, for those aged 5 to 105.

A whimsical version of Toronto history that will tickle the funny bones of adults and children alike, Cinderella in Muddy York is the classic tale reset in 1834 Upper Canada.  Puppetmongers’ Cinderella is the tale of young Ella, a kind and capable young woman born and raised in Muddy York, whose good nature is imposed upon by her new step-family who have come from England with ideas about their own privilege, and haven’t a clue how to cope in this new environment.  When an invitation arrives from Government House, inviting them all to a ball in honour of the city’s renaming to Toronto, hopes are high of meeting the eligible bachelor son of the Lieutenant-Governor.   True to the classic fairytale, with a little magic Cinderella gets to the Ball, where she and Mr. Princely Charming are drawn to each other through their shared curiosity and excitement about life in this “new” land.

This witty and acclaimed work is ingeniously staged with rod-marionettes, inventive special effects and, and a traditional marionette theatre that is transformed to create scenes evoking the wilderness, settler life and early Canadian society.  This is a delightful way to learn about Canadian history, and at the end, children often ask, “Did this really happen here?”  An added pleasure for children after a Puppetmongers performance in the intimate setting of the Extraspace, is the opportunity to meet the puppet characters onstage and their puppeteers, Ann and David.

“…true masters of the art of puppetry.  Their work is elegant, detailed, loving and lovely.  It’s all done with wit and economy, and adults enjoy it every bit as much as younger audience members.” – Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star

“Go to it immediately!” – Lynn Slotkin, CBC Radio

The winter holiday performances by the Puppetmongers’ brother and sister team Ann and David Powell have become a delightful tradition for families and theatre-goers in Toronto these last two and a half decades, although Puppetmongers Theatre has been bewitching audiences for 41 years with their extraordinary and innovative creations.  At the forefront of puppetry arts in Canada, Puppetmongers have won numerous awards including four UNIMA-USA Citations for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, the Presidents Award from the Puppeteers of America, and many Dora and Chalmers nominations.  They have toured extensively in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Director Sue Miner is the co-artistic director of Pea Green Theatre Group with Mark Brownell for which she has received numerous Dora Award nominations. She has thrice been nominated for the Pauline McGibbon Award for Direction. Some of her recent credits include The Tempest (Canadian Stage) and Celine Speaks (Toronto Fringe).

Puppetmongers presents Cinderella in Muddy York More info: http://www.puppetmongers.com or 416 469 3555
Created and performed by Ann Powell and David Powell, Directed by Sue Miner.

Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave., Dec 26, 2015 – Jan 1, 2016; Suitable for ages 5 to 105
Performances: Daily matinees at 2:30pm
Tickets: $25 adults; $20 child/senior/student.  Special Family 4 Pack for $75.  Group rates are also available.
Tarragon Theatre Box Office: 416 531 1827
https://tickets.tarragontheatre.com/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent439.html
More info: http://www.puppetmongers.com or 416 469 3555

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