Swazzle in the La Canada Valley Sun

Swazzle comes to La Cañada library

By Dylan Campbell

Harry (a small mammal of the Late Cretaceous Period) is out to impress his dinosaur friends and scare away the roaring Tyrannosaurus Rex. Instead, he embarks on a journey of self discovery and true friendship. Harry and the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a live puppet show, is just one of several stories told by local puppet troupe, Swazzle.

Sean and Patrick Johnson, twin puppeteers, will bring the magic of Swazzle to the La Canada Flintridge library on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m., and introduce the audience to B.A.R.K. the Robot Dog.

Eccentric inventor Mr. Johnson leaves his pets Ratchet the Cat and Rivet the Dog home on a rainy day. The house is turned upside down when Rivet discovers B.A.R.K., an unpredictable robot dog. Rivet's new robotic companion turns out to be trouble, ruining Ratchet's prized yarn ball and threatening to destroy the house. Ratchet and Rivet must set things right before Mr. Johnson comes home.

Swazzle has been performing live puppet shows in local libraries for several years. This past September, the puppeteers made their theatrical debut at the NOHO Arts Center with a story enjoyed through generations, Harry and the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a dinosaur tale that re-imagines the classic Aesop's fable, Androcles and the Lion. After the show, Sean and Patrick drew back the curtain to give the audience a glimpse of how the show works. The duo illustrated how each puppet was made and performed.

"One of our goals," Sean remarked, "is to show kids that they can do what we do in their own living room." "It's not like it's a magic show," explained Patrick. "There's no trick to it."

"It's a great show," said Jonathan Zenz, managing director of the Noho Arts Center. "It's got a great message for families. We're looking forward to having them back."

The La Cañada Flintridge library is located at 4545 Oakwood Ave. For more information, contact the library at 790-3330. For information on Swazzle, check out www.swazzle.com.

La Canada Valley Sun Thursday, October 26, 2006

Swazzle On Stage - Rex and Boots

Swazzle brings the second show in the Swazzle On Stage series this to the No Ho Arts Center in North Hollywood Saturday October 28. 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 9160, 1818-508-7101, ext. 5

Oct. 28, 11 am & 1 pm: Rex & Boots Super Sleuths

Lady Fromage, the richest mouse in England, discovers that her prized Gold Fish is missing. She calls on Rex & Boots, Super Sleuths to solve the crime. Is bungling greyhound Rex barking up the wrong tree? Is shady sheepdog Sherman presenting questionable evidence and false leads? Can the curious and clever cat Boots follow the clues and solve the mystery?

Coming Soon:

Nov. 18, 11 am & 1 pm: B.A.R.K. the Robot Dog

Eccentric inventor Mr. Johnson leaves his pets Ratchet the Cat and Rivet the Dog home on a rainy day. The house is turned upside down when Rivet discovers B.A.R.K., an unpredictable robot dog. Rivet's new robotic companion turns out to be trouble, ruining Ratchet's champion yarn ball and threatening to destroy the house. Can Ratchet and Rivet set things right before Mr. Johnson comes home?

Dec. 16, 11 am & 1 pm: Polly Polar Bear and the Prince of the Sea

When Polly Polar Bear rescues the Prince of the Sea, he grants her one wish, with "satisfaction guaranteed." Polly's best friend, Reggie Reindeer, convinces her to wish for bigger and better things to impress their friends at their holiday party. The wishes turn Polly and Reggie against each other and threaten to ruin their friendship until they learn to appreciate what they already have.

The puppet shows are designed for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $10. To learn more about Swazzle, visit www.swazzle.com, and to learn more about the No Ho Arts Center, visit www.thenohoartscenter.com

Swazzle Workshop Episode 2

Episode 2 of Swazzle’s monthly web series, The Swazzle Workshop has just been posted. In this installment Tiger and Mousedeer show you how to make shadow puppets and a shadow puppet stage from the puppet show, Rex and Boots Super Sleuths.