Puppet Show To Take Stage At Town Hall

By Kendra Bobowick

John McDonough’s Pumpernickel Puppets are bringing the promise of laughter to the Edmond Town Hall stage on Saturday, April 26, but Building Administrator and Theater Manager Tom Mahoney is crossing his fingers for something more.

“Hopefully, we can add a little more income to our theater restoration efforts,” he said this week. Already, theater fundraising and civic support from the Newtown Lions Club, which helped sell the seats, among other contributors, has paid for new seats and carpeting, but the theater in general presents a check list of upgrades that still await funding.

Standing in the lobby recently and looking at the posters announcing upcoming films and live performances, Mr Mahoney said plaster repair, paint, acoustic paneling, a new screen, stage curtains, and lighting all make his mental list of necessary repairs. With the master puppeteer scheduled for the weekend, Mr Mahoney anticipates ticket sales at $5 per person will provide a boost.  All proceeds will benefit the theater upgrades.

“We want to add a little money to the pot to give us more to work with,” he said. Thinking again of a fresh coat of paint, for one, he said restoration work will not all happen right away. “It’s expensive, so whenever money becomes available,” he said.

Theater improvements aside, the performance itself will be well worth the ticket price. Puppeteer John McDonough has more than 36 years of experience, and remembers the inspiration he hopes to bring to his audience. In an e-mail he wrote, “As a child I was able to attend many theatrical events in my area. And for me it was life changing.” Offering a bit more insight, he wrote, “I’ve been very fortunate to be able to make a living in a profession that I love. It gives me a chance to express my creativity and hopefully inspires imagination and creativity in the children that I perform for.”

Learn more about the puppeteer and his “troupe” at Pumpernickelpuppets.com. Show times on Saturday are 2 and 4 pm. For ticket information call the Edmond Town Hall Managers office at 270-4285.