Every year, I leave the BareBones outdoor puppet extravaganza saying, “remind me next year to dress warm” and yet every year I underdress. But even with toes freezing, it is worth it! BareBones has been doing Halloween shows outdoors for 31 years. It is large scale puppetry performing an interpretation of Halloween as the time when past and present intermingle. BareBones Production is a nonprofit; more than 200 volunteers helped with the show. It’s performance and community. It’s great for all ages. There are lessons to be learned but that doesn’t overshadow the performance element.
The latest, When Calamity Strikes, is everything you want it to be. The music felt event more integral to the show. It sets the mood; it gives voice to the puppets and every year a couple songs return to ground us in the meaning of the event. Everyone gets a chance to remember loves ones who are gone and not forgotten. The song, We Remember, punctuates the natural order and highlights the dangerous anomalies man has brought to that order as played out by the characters on stage.
The puppets and performers are the headliners for sure. They are at times charming and scary. We were in the front row, so we could see everything. The makeup on the fire dancers was exquisite. One advantage of getting there early enough to get in the front row is to see the detail is it feels like a bonus. But I’ve sat in the back before too and sitting there you don’t miss it because then you can take in the scale of the production. There’s a hint at anthropomorphism. In this show it was the fireflies. They have such human ethos, clearly helping us realize that we’re all connected. It’s amazing to see how the puppeteers can give the same “life” into the larger puppets as well. They way their joints move when they walk, the creepy frog tongue.
No spoiler alerts because the main drama arch stay consistent from year to year. The surprise and joy are in the smaller interactions during the show. The show certain mimics like in that way.
The show happens in Powderhorn Park Nov 1-4, weather permitting. You can get tickets in advance, which scores you early admittance and closer seats. Worth it, in my opinion.
Mostly Minnesota 