Paul Mesner Puppets

I remember seeing Paul Mesner puppet shows at Crown Center as a child and loving them and so I had saved my school budget to take my kiddos to see a show and do a puppet workshop after the show (costing over $ 300 between the show tickets which are a whopping $ 6.50 a student. the bus fee and the $ 2 puppet workshop fee). Since the show is from 10 – 11 with our workshop after the show, I thought we should figure out what to do for lunch since our little ones usually eat at 11. I emailed the studio when I bought my tickets months ago and they said we could eat on the floor of the workshop. So yesterday was our field trip that we planned and paid for in advance. I took 40 of my kindergartners all the way from Lone Jack (40 minutes away) to see Old MacDonald’s Holiday Hoedown. As we were arriving, I asked the man at the door where we should put our coolers of sack lunches. He asked why and I explained the lunch situation and how we were told we could eat it on the floor of the workshop before we make our puppets. He tells me they forgot we were even doing a workshop that day and that they already had rehearsals going on in there after the show but that we could make our puppets on the floor of the theatre. Trying to be understanding, I said that would be fine.
The show was introduced by Paul Mesner, but we were then told that the show would be done by another puppeteer. The show started out great, the kids were rolling on the floor with laughter. But after about 10 minutes, the show no longer was about Old MacDonald and was just short skits about old nursery rhymes that are so old and that my kindergartners did not know them and could not relate to.
After the show, we started passing lunches out to students and trying to help our 40 kindergarten students use the restroom in a facility that only had two single person bathrooms. The staff started bringing out supplies to us and left. This is when I find out the $ 2 per student for our «puppet making workshop» is really just premade puppet kits. After we ate and I realize that no one is coming back to do our workshop, I went to try to find a staff member to ask if this «workshop» is led by someone or are we left to our own devices. Thats when they tell me that if we wanted someone to lead our workshop, that would cost extra. So we packed up our coolers and our puppet kits and left early. I guess we will use our art class time to make our puppets. How sad it was to have to tell my students we were leaving only to hear them say, «But I thought we were making puppets?». How sad that I was trying to support a small theatre and the arts only to be treated with such poor organization and customer service. I will not be returning with my school in the future.

Great Fun for ALL ages! I enjoyed my pre-Mother’s Day present with my children, family & friends at Paul Mesner Puppets. We saw Sleeping Beauty, & the show was so much fun for kids AND adults! (Special jokes in good taste for the adults.) The way the seats are set up thoughtfully allows all children to have a great view without being blocked by adults. During the whole show, I kept thinking, «How is it possible for only 2 puppeteers to do this entire show?» They don’t… because Paul did it all by himself! And in the end, he took time to show the audience «how». The audience received VIP treatment in the parking lot, guiding us to easy additional parking. VIP treatment again & again as we were welcomed at the door, given a special post-​show education, & greeted warmly as we left. We can’t wait to go back! The price might be a bit higher than you’d expect… until you’ve gone & realize it’s the best bargain in town!

came here with my two-​year-​old to see Martha Speaks this week. being a fan of the book series, I thought he would enjoy the puppet show. he did, though he was getting a bit squirmy near the end.
we arrived a few minutes before the show started and sat down near the back. since there were a few rows of empty small chairs in front of us, and the stage was set up high to accommodate the puppeteers, my little guy had a perfect view. the puppets and sets were very well done, but the story itself really dragged. I think it could have been better if 10 – 15 minutes were chopped off throughout the production.
it was nice that they did a Q&A with the puppeteers after the show and let the kids who were there for field trips ask them questions. that was our cue to head out. we walked out through the birthday room and my little guy really enjoyed just looking at the puppets. I just wish we enjoyed the show a little more.

Such a great way to spend an hour! We’ve seen Go Dog Go and Strega Nona recently.
The shows cater to smaller children, but there are occasionally grown up jokes to keep your attention.
The theater is very small, but the environment is one created with love for entertaining children. The artwork and the sets seem to be created by their small staff and volunteers, from what I gather from their website. The puppets are brightly colored and the «acting» is what makes it fun. Nothing like hearing puppets whistle and sing show tunes along with an Italian folk story.
Get there early for a photo with Oscar the Grouch in the lobby! You can also buy ‘make your own’ puppet kits for a nominal fee. *Another bonus is they offer discounts if you are a member of KCPT (PBS affilitate in KC).

We took my four year old to Go Dog Go and within five minutes he was ready to leave. This show is very primary and would cater to one or two year olds. The puppets and how they performed with them was great but the show left something to be desired. I was also disappointed with how Paul Mesner interacted with the children. He almost came off annoyed with their questions. We will not be back.

So much fun! I have to admit I was a little worried at first that we would think the puppets were creepy, but we were completely enchanted. My six year old thought it was wonderful, and so did our friends from out of town that we took to the show. The creative energy is incredible. We will be back for more shows!

If you have never experienced The Paul Mesner Puppets — no matter your age — you need to.
Paul and his ensemble have been forging a path in the puppet arts for many years now. I have to tell you, every time I see one of their productions or have been able to be IN one of their productions, it has been uplifting and simply a great experience.
I had the amazing experiences of being in their productions of Gilbert & Sullivan’s «The Mikado» (both times) and Humperdink’s «Hansel and Gretel». Amazing shows, great performers both in front of and behind the screen.
The puppets for those productions are ¾ full size. Amazing detail, astounding energy, and the puppeteers know every word and beat of the entire opera.
Their smaller productions — of which I have now seen three — are also just breathtaking. I was drawn in to the action and characters as if they were not puppets but flesh and blood. I credit the actors behind the puppets — they are so passionate and dedicated actors. Wow.
So, again, I suggest you see one of their shows — take the kids — take your friends — or go alone. It will change the way you see things. If not change your life, at least it will change the way you think about puppetry!