The Museum of Broadway has revealed the details of its next special exhibit, entitled “Craft of Broadway Puppetry.” On display at the museum beginning on May 21, the exhibit will explore the designs and use of puppets on the Broadway stage. The exhibit is being presented in partnership with the American Theater for Puppetry Arts and the Broadway Legacy Foundation.
The “Craft of Broadway Puppetry” exhibit will allow visitors to explore a re-created puppet workshop, experiencing each stage of the puppet design process through concept drawings, prototypes, maquettes and videos of puppets in action. The exhibit’s main focus will be on the 2023 Broadway production of “Life of Pi”: multiple animal puppets from that staging and the national tour will be on display. Also featured will be Rick Lyon’s Trekkie Monster puppet from “Avenue Q,” Phillip Huber’s Pudgy from “Boop!,” Basil Twist’s Oompa Loompa from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and Michael Curry’s Olaf from “Frozen.”
The exhibit will also extend into the museum’s permanent collection, with additional signage and concept art displayed throughout, highlighting how puppetry was conceived and used in shows like “Avenue Q,” “Into the Woods” and “The Lion King.” This will be the Museum of Broadway’s 11th rotating exhibition. “Craft of Broadway Puppetry” will replace the museum’s current special exhibit, “So in Love… With Broadway,” which centers on the Main Stem’s varied expressions of love, following its closure on May 13.
“The Museum of Broadway was designed to entertain, educate and inspire the next generation of theatergoers and creators,” said Julie Boardman and Diane Nicoletti, Museum of Broadway co-founders, in a joint statement. “We are incredibly excited to showcase how puppets are designed and built for Broadway and are thankful to the American producing team of ‘Life of Pi’ whose generous donation helped to bring this thrilling exhibit to life for our museumgoers.”
“Our aspiration in presenting the ‘Craft of Broadway Puppetry’ special exhibit is to inspire a new generation of puppet designers, artisans and builders who will bring innovations and creativity to the Broadway stage,” added Darin Johnson, founder and creative director of the American Theater for Puppetry Arts. “Presenting this exhibit at The Museum of Broadway allows us to connect the art and craft of puppetry with a wider audience.”
