(a love story) puppets(!)
Written by Kelly Lusk
Directed by Jess Jung
It starts off as a completely normal day in this small town. Then somebody falls in love. And everything falls apart. (a love story) tells the story of three couples set out determined to love each other in ways they’ve never dreamed of. But can you fall in love if you don’t even know what love is? We’re told everyday in songs and movies and books what it means to be in love, but it’s not until you are in the depths of it that you realize that maybe this isn’t what you wanted. And you want out. Or perhaps it is exactly what you wanted. And you want more. But what happens when you love that person more than they love you … or they love you more than you love them …
C. Stanley Photography production still: Baby sprouts growing for their caretaker
The script called for the 3 sprout characters to grow during the story, hug one character and try to kill another. The set was designed in an alley, so the audience would be on all sides. It turned out, we had three actors playing the sprouts, so this design ended up with one actor on the end of each handle and the same three actors playing the big sprouts, who continued to grow out of their pots and move about the stage somewhat.
Small Sprouts concept sketch
Rehearsal: chorus member Julia felt right at home with her Big Sprout puppet: "I've got my mittens and this pot to wrap around. I feel really safe." I enjoyed watching her play with this role.
C. Stanley Photography production still of little sprouts growing
C. Stanley Photography production still
Big sprouts Concept sketch
Rehearsal: chorus member Jack finds a clever way to position his arms. A wise, Zen sprout.
C. Stanley Photography production still
C. Stanley Photography production still
Rehearsal image- “Paint me like one of your French sprouts.”
C. Stanley Photography production still: Fairy Tale puppets in action.
C. Stanley Photography production still: Fairy Tale puppets in action, the actors' faces were just as expressive as their puppeteering.
Fairy Tale Puppets- The Prince, The Princess, and the Ugly Alligator the Prince becomes.
I had a lot of fun making these puppets, this project was completely in my comfort zone and I would make more in a heartbeat! Painted foamcore board, yarn for hair, and felt for clothing.
The fabulous, yet envious Witch who turns the Prince into an Ugly Alligator.
C. Stanley Photography production still
The Ugly Alligator, heartbroken that his beloved Princess is allergic to alligators, allows himself to be slain by the Chef and made into soup.
The Princess, clad in mourning dress- which could be attached quickly with Velcro- locks herself away and orders Alligator Soup which kills her. By ingesting the soup, she has become one with her beloved. It wasn’t a happy fairy tale.