Marionette Show | Rapunzel | Saturday, December 27 at 3:30 pm

About this experience

The popular puppeteer Carl Sprague returns to Ventfort Hall to charm all ages with Rapunzel. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet this wizard, who knows how to pull strings.

Rapunzel is a fairy tale, originally published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, about a young girl with exceptionally long hair who is locked in a tall tower by an evil witch. A prince discovers her, and they fall in love, but their secret escape plans are discovered. The story explores themes of freedom, love, and resilience.

Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his “behind the scenery” mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood.  He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler.  Hybler’s legacy also includes two marionette theaters. 

Also, Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as “The Royal Tenenbaums” and Scorcese’s “The Age of Innocence,” as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company.

Admission to the show is $20 per person, $10 for children 4-17, and free for ages 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults. The mansion is decorated for the holidays. Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made on line at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.