Play Time

The Puddle Jumpers Children’s Theatre Company has always been about the kids -- but this year’s Holiday Fantasment production goes beyond performance and puts the pen into small hands. Traditional holiday songs and Irrelephant Christmas, a short play by local playwright Leroy Leonard (who does happen to be an adult)...

By Bree Davies

December 2, 2010

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The Puddle Jumpers Children’s Theatre Company has always been about the kids -- but this year’s Holiday Fantasment production goes beyond performance and puts the pen into small hands. Traditional holiday songs and Irrelephant Christmas, a short play by local playwright Leroy Leonard (who does happen to be an adult) will be part of the show, but the focus is on a collection of seasonal monologues composed by the players themselves, ranging in age from seven to seventeen. “We wanted to treat them like professional actors and real company members,” says Puddle Jumpers founder Rita Broderick. “We wanted to give the kids a say in this year’s production.”

The Puddle Jumpers, who perform other plays throughout the year, will also be directing some of the Holiday Fantasment monologues, getting a chance to see a production from all sides. The performance, which takes place at the Denver Victorian Playhouse, 4201 Hooker Street, is a tidy and kid-friendly 45 minutes; shows run at 11 a.m. and 1 a.m. today and 11 a.m. December 11 and 18, followed by a visit from Santa. Tickets run $12 for adults, $6 for kids and $2 extra for the Santa visit. To buy tickets or get more information, call 303-433-4343 or visit www.denvervic.com.
Sat., Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 11, 11 a.m.; Sat., Dec. 18, 11 a.m., 2010

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies