Theatre Review: Comedic improv puppetry antics return to the historic Jim Henson Company lot in ‘Puppet Up!’
The Jim Henson Company has long been known for the crazy antics their characters get into. But Brian Henson has brought it to a new level with the outrageous comedic stylings of “Puppet Up!” This part improv, part sketch comedy show featuring some of the most talented puppeteers in the industry is currently running on the Jim Henson Company lot in Hollywood, California.
Some of you reading this may feel like you know “Puppet Up!” from their multi-year run as part of Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park, California. There’s definitely a lot more to this full-length show as opposed to the haunts abridged version. One of my favorite additions is the introduction by Brian Henson.
With the luxury of time during a full production, Jim Henson Company Chairman, Brian Henson, takes to the stage to give a bit of background about what we’re about to experience. He starts by discussing the history of the lot we’re sitting on.
The Jim Henson Company now resides on the property that was originally built by silent film star Charlie Chaplin back in 1917. “Puppet Up!” is performed inside The Chaplin Stage. Tributes to the Hollywood icon can be found all around the property. You can even find a Kermit the Frog statue towering over the lot’s entrance as he adorns The Tramp costume in honor of Chaplin.
For any fans of Hollywood history, the access to this typically locked down location alone is worth the entrance price. Henson compares it to Willy Wonka finally opening the door to the chocolate factory. It is a treat indeed.
Henson goes on to discuss the beginnings of his dad’s, Jim Henson’s, puppetry work. Even as someone who has read a lot about Jim Henson’s history, I was learning new information. He shared how his dad shaped his puppet designs in order to be sympathetic with the shape of old television screens. The use of the camera and puppets was a new process, and it became the Jim Henson technique.
“Puppet Up!” launched many years later around 2006. It took the comedic Henson stylings and geared it toward a more adult humor. Frankly, it can get naughty. Leave the kids at home.
One question Jim Henson asked when casting his puppeteers was, “Are they good enough to ad-lib?” With that spirit, “Puppet Up!” features a rotating cast of not only master puppeteers, but also wonderfully trained improv artists. Or “ad-libbers” as Jim Henson might have said.
Throughout the show, host Patrick Bristow will prompt the audience for suggestions. Bristow will choose his favorites (or the ones he feels will make the puppeteers squirm most) and uses them to begin the improvised scene. Sometimes it hits and hilarity ensues. Sometimes it spectacularly fails, yet hilarity still ensues. That’s simply the nature of improv comedy.
Several times throughout the show a suggestion from the audience simply isn’t enough. Instead, audience members are brought up on stage to take part in a scene. Perhaps one of the funniest moments is when an audience member untrained in the art of puppetry and improvisation is brought on stage to do just that. Brian Henson gives the audience member a thirty-second crash course and then performs alongside.
Throughout the evening various pre-rehearsed sketches are also performed. These moments are a tribute to the origins of The Jim Henson Company. Pieces like “Glow Worm” created by Jim Henson, and “Java” created by Frank Oz, are re-created on stage. They still get the laughs they did when they originally debuted. They’re not only funny, but a nice reflection on the company’s origins.
Throughout the show you’ll witness many of the different styles and designs made famous by The Jim Henson Company. Not only are there traditional hand puppets. There’s also oversized and digital puppetry featured in the show.
There’s so much to love about “Puppet Up!” If you’re simply looking for a night of laughs, you’ll love “Puppet Up!” If you love the Henson sensibilities, stylings, and history, you’ll love “Puppet Up!” If you love old Hollywood, you’ll love “Puppet Up!” Unless you don’t have a sense of humor, you’ll love “Puppet Up!”
To stay up to date with where and when you can see “Puppet Up!” sign up for their email list. It is currently being performed on December 3rd, 8th, 9th, and 10th on the Jim Henson Company lot in Hollywood, California. Grab your tickets now and get ready to shout out improv suggestions. Who knows? Maybe you will even end up on stage with your hand in a puppet.
Jeff DePaoli is a producer and voiceover artist living in Los Angeles. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast,” the ultimate, unofficial Disney fan podcast. Get your FREE gifts of “America’s Hidden Mickeys,” “On the Rohde Again,” “Theme Park Comfort Kit” and more at DizneyCoastToCoast.com. DePaoli’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent Attractions Magazine.
