Poet Brings Physical Comedy To Performance

By Larissa Lytwyn

New England-based poet and actor David Zucker made grade school audiences collapse into hysterics during a recent appearance at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The performance was part of Sandy Hook School PTA’s ongoing cultural arts series. Teachers were given study guides, including poetic verses and a biography of Mr Zucker, to share with students prior to his visit.

The guide also included techniques to help students memorize verse and stage performances of their own.

Mr Zucker’s self-conceived program, “Poetry in Motion,” featured works including “The Island” by A.A. Milne (author of Winnie the Pooh) and Jack Prelutsky.

Using Murray, a hand puppet, along with a suitcase of props including scarves and a three-cornered naval hat, Mr Zucker engaged youngsters to help recite an original poem, “If You Want To.”

“If you want to dream, come away with meeee!” Mr Zucker cried, drawing screams of delight from students.

Mr Zucker, a member of Actor’s Equity and the Screen Actor’s Guild, has performed in more than 50 productions in and around New England, as well as appearances on television and film. He holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Brandeis University.

He also is a member of Young Audiences, Incorporated, a leading arts-and-education provider with chapters in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut. For more information on Young Audiences in Connecticut, visit www.yaconn.org.