Cashore Marionettes: Finest in Family Fun

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture kicks off the 2013-14 MIAC Live Season with The Cashore Marionettes at Walker Recital Hall on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The internationally acclaimed puppetry artists will present two performances: Simple Gifts (2 p.m.) is appropriate for ages 8 and up and provides amusing, riveting and sophisticated family entertainment. Life in Motion (7 p.m.) is appropriate for ages 12 and up is a powerful, surprising, one-of-a-kind performance.

The Simple Gifts performance will be preceded by an hour of family-friendly fun beginning at 1 p.m. Join friends and families on the front lawn of Mercyhurst’s Hirt Academic Center for an art show featuring whimsical works by local painter Heather Cash, face painting, and interactive movement games with the show’s community partner, the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum. WMCE Radio will entertain with great hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

The Cashore Marionettes have redefined the art of puppetry. Their moving and often humorous performances have astounded audiences in Europe, the Far East and North America. Through virtuosic manipulation, beautiful music, theatrical illusion and artistic insight, these original vignettes provide an entertaining and sensitive revelation of what it is to be human.

The man behind the scenes, Joseph Cashore, has been designing and performing his remarkable marionettes for more than 30 years. He presents amazingly convincing characters of depth, integrity and humanity that take the audience on a journey that celebrates the richness of life.

The Cashore Marionettes is sponsored by the Erie Federal Credit Union. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $14 for youth/students. For more information, call 814-824-3000 or visit miac.mercyhurst.edu.