Puppet
Shows
Fairyland’s Open Storybook Puppet Theater
All shows that grace the stage of Fairyland’s Open Storybook Puppet Theater are original productions featuring scripts, costumes, music, and sets designed by our talented puppeteers. Don’t miss a chance to watch a production at the oldest continuously operating puppet theater in the U.S.
Showtimes
11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
Catch a show every day the park is open!
2025 Puppet Shows
King Midas and the Golden Touch
October 29 – January 25
Description
Do you think you’d be happy if everything you touched turned to gold? King Midas thought so— until things started going wrong, and he risked losing his precious daughter. Join us as the King learns an important lesson in a most unusual way. Sometimes what you wish for is not at all what you want. Puppets designed by Pamelia McIntire. Scenery and script by Lewis Mahlmann. Costumes by Frances Oznowicz.
2026 Puppet Shows
How the Little Dipper Came to Be
January 30 – March 29
Description
Clara is afraid of the dark, but when she has to enter the woods to fetch some water for her ailing mother, she learns a beautiful lesson about sharing, caring and believing. She also discovers just how the Little Dipper came to be in the night skies. This is a favorite bedtime story that was told to our own master puppeteer when he was just a little boy. Puppets, scenery and script by Lewis Mahlmann.
How the Coqui Got Their Name
April 1 – May 28
Description
When Queen Parrot sees her friends feeling bored and losing interest in life, she decides to host a race with all the fastest animals. The prize? What the winner wants most. Find out who wins in this exciting tale from Puerto Rico. Puppets by Maria Rodriguez and Randal Metz. Story by Maria Rodriguez in partnership with cultural consultant Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi. Scenery by Shannon Taylor.
The Magic Tea Kettle
May 29 – July 30
Description
A wonderful Japanese fairytale about a “Tanuki” animal who can change himself into a tea kettle. A Tanuki is an actual animal who lives only in Japan, where they are believed to be magical. In this tale, the Tanuki comes to the aid of a kind family, and helps them realize their dreams, all the while avoiding being mistaken for a teapot. Puppets and script by Randal Metz. Songs and lyrics by Tony Jonick. Puppet design and scenery by Annie Wong.
The 3 Little Pigs in the 1920’s
July 31 – September 27
Description
Back by popular demand, this zany retelling of the classic three pigs tale takes place in the Roaring Twenties. Can the three pigs outwit the gangster wolf who constantly tries to capture them? Filled with the lively music of the era, you’ll dance along with our animal friends as they work together to build strong houses, live peacefully, and share bad jokes. Adapted by Randal Metz. Puppets by Randal Metz with scenery by Lewis Mahlmann.
Hummingbird Saves Fire
September 30 – November 29
Description
When Rock Monstér decides to take fire away from Bear, Snake, Beaver, Coyote and Hummingbird they have to figure out how to get it back or spend the night freezing in the dark. Don’t worry, Coyote has a plan! Is it a good one? Probably not his best… This show is inspired by a Lisjan story. Written and designed in partnership with the Sogorea ‘Te Land Trust. Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation, THPO. Puppets by Maria Rodriguez and Randal Metz. Story written by: Deja Gould, Cha-tah Gould and Maria Rodriguez. Scenery by Joseph Byron and Shannon Taylor.
Grandpa Bunny’s Egg-Citing Day
December 4 – January 24, 2027
Description
Have you ever wondered where all the colored eggs come from that the bunnies like to hide? Here is a delightful tale about the seasons, and how poor Grandpa Bunny discovers that he can use the colors of nature to paint eggs for children. Just watch out for Frisky Puppy! Scenery by Annie Wong. Puppets and script by Randal Metz.