Open Eye Figure Theatre adapts The Sorcerer's Apprentice for the puppet stage
Feb 3, 2012

Open Eye adapts The Sorcerer's Apprentice for the puppet stage in a look at youth and aging, the allure of power, and the beauty of a life well lived. A world premiere, this is the first full-length puppet show conceived, written, designed and directed by Michael Sommers for the Open Eye main stage since the theatre's inaugural opening production of A Prelude to Faust in 2007. The original score is composed by Eric Jensen.

A live orchestra accompanies magical marionettes and theatrical wizardry in miniature spectacle as Open Eye delves deep into the artistry of the puppet with this classic tale. The Sorcerer's Apprentice originates from a 1797 poem by Goethe's, Der Zauberlehrling, (Goethe was also a source of inspiration for Sommers' signature work, A Prelude to Faust.) The Sorcerer's Apprentice has become mostly known in contemporary culture through the Disney excerpt in Fantasia with Mickey Mouse as the apprentice overstepping his bounds to lose control of magical powers. Michael Sommers uses the Goethe's short poem as inspiration, fleshing it out with characters and events to expand on the young apprentice's mishaps and mistakes, making this a new original work with a unique Open Eye approach.

Michael Murnane returns to Open Eye to add the lighting design, becoming a character in itself, while Sean Healey designs the sound. (Mr. Healey was recognized with An Ivey Award for sound design in 2009 for Shipwrecked at the Jungle). Master marionettist, Kurt Hunter will engineer the puppets, while veteran theatre craftsman, Jim Muirhead collaborates with Sommers on the sculpture and painting. Puppeteers include Open Eye veteran, Kyle Loven, and Open Eye Artistic Associates, Liz Schachterle and Justin Spooner. The show previews February 8th and 9th, with opening on Friday, February 10.

This production is dedicated to providing an experience in puppetry for all ages - continuing to expose our growing audience to the art of puppetry as we work to dispel the myth that puppetry is for children. This show is designed for adults and children alike and definitely recommended even if one does not have children. (We are recommending it for 8 and up). The work will go into Open Eye's permanent repertory and be available for tour in 2013.

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