Puppets certainly fun for toddlers and older, but these puppets and the shows need an update. They're so old fashioned in style, which tends to mean they appear on the creepy side. my daughter told us she found them a little scary. Aside from the aesthetic, I found some of the stories wildly outdated in a slightly harmful way. One story that was shown to a group of toddlers had a fight over the ownership of a girl (never explicitly stated but not subtle either). The evil character won the battle and now the girl toy was his against her will. I don't think I have to point out what's wrong with that. The toys were also pretty mean to each other. Hoping all this went over her head but we won't be back to expose her to more stories like this. read more

So good ! Best value entertainment I know of. I enjoyed every performance I ever saw that I brought my children to see. Better than any Broadway show. read more

I recently had the opportunity to come to Puppetworks for the first time and watched The Sleeping Beauty. Puppetworks make fairy tales come to life through marionette puppetry, offering hour-long performances geared to kids that will charm everyone in the audience. Kids are encouraged to sit on rugs in front of the stage, while adults and other kids can also sit on the sides and back of the event space. Dozens of beautiful, colorful marionettes of all sizes hang from the wall, giving the impression that they are also part of the audience. The performance itself is professionally curated: the story, the voices, the sound effects, the music, the scenery, and the lights. Artistic Director Nicolas Coppola and his crew clearly put a lot of passion in their work, and it shows in the production. I was definitely impressed. Kids loved it, of course, with lots of active participation during the show. Plus, at the end of the show, Mr. Coppola came out of the stage with a marionette for the kids to meet. Since 1980 Puppetworks offer fun entertainment for kids and family in the neighborhood. Tickets are currently $10 for children, and $11 for adult. You reserve your tickets in advance[1] and pay at the door. As a parent, I also appreciate the fact that they offer performances on school closure days. They also offer interactive in-school presentations for Pre-K classes, and school shows for groups of 20 or more persons every weekday. ------------------------------ [1] Call 718-965-3391, or e-mail to: puppetworksinfo@gmail.com. read more

Puppetworks - February 19, 2024. - Performing Arts Near Me - Park Slope, New York

I have never been to a formal puppet show like this. We went with my 4 1/2 year old granddaughter and 1 1/2 year old grandson. This was a delightful experience for both of them even though the young one would get up and wonder from time to time. It's a small store front and charming little puppet theater. There is an admission charge for both children and adults. Even at this late date they were requiring masks. I have no problem with a little extra safety. Many people were not wearing the masks but holding them in their hand. The children sat in front on a padded floor while the adults sat on bleachers and benches. Once of the puppeteers came out prior to the show and explained what we were all about to see. Convenient but not the most comfortable. The walls are decorated with puppets... lots and lots of puppets. Definitely there to get everyone in the mood. The three shows they put on were delightful and the children really enjoyed them. The puppeteers are very talented and you can see the effort that goes into these productions. All the productions lasted about an hour. I am glad that I had the opportunity to come here and watch my grandchild enjoy the experience. I am sure I will get another opportunity to come back and I welcome the chance. KUDOs to the team here at Puppetworks. read more

Puppetworks - Welcome to Puppetworks. - Performing Arts Near Me - Park Slope, New York

This is traditional puppetry performed by Master Puppeteers in a charming theater! A magical Marrionette experience! A real cultural treasure right in Brooklyn! read more

I visited Puppetworks recently for a children's birthday party and even though I had 20+ years on most of the viewers, I think I enjoyed it just as much if not more! The venue was booked as a private event for a "screening" of Beauty and the Beast. Foam mats are laid out on the floor for children to get an up-close and personal view of the show in addition to some small benches and of course adult friendly bleachers and benches along the walls. One of two puppet masters gave us a warm introduction, pointing out all the many marionettes surrounding the top of the entire room, and explaining, in a child friendly way, the way puppetiring works. After his introduction, the show proceeded, roughly 20 minutes, with applause and photos with the stars following the production. The story itself was true to the classic Grimm's Fairytale, which captivated the audience in a new and exciting way. The production was wonderful, it's not often you get to appreciate the art of a puppet mastering, but it is truly an extraordinary art form and one that young and old alike can appreciate. From the intricate details of the puppet itself to the voices of the puppet master and movements of multiple puppets at one time, it was a performance I would be happy to sit through again. read more

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The puppet shows are wonderful!!! There is a mat on the floor where most kids sit to watch the show & even the adults. The kids really enjoy the magic of it and it's great when a puppet master comes out after the shows and greets the kids with a marionette in hand. It is a small place with limited comfortable seating. If you have a bad back, perhaps the one side bench would be good since it is against the wall. The mats are usually very dirty from a previous show& they come apart like puzzle pieces. The place needs to be renovated as everything is outdated, but I really like seeing all the marionettes on the wall. The bathroom is small&dirty& needs tlc...parking is difficult and it is cash only... read more

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What a gem. We had a wonderful time seeing Cinderella this weekend. The skill of the puppeteers was not to be believed! Having seen some other hum-drum shows with actors that clearly wanted to be elsewhere, it was truly a breath of fresh air to come here and attend a show with energy, commitment and overall, fun! My 4 year old son and his 5 year old friend were completely jazzed about the show, as was I. When the show ended, one puppeteer asked a 9 year old if she had a good time and she said "no, I'm too old for this." How very sad. I'm many times 9 and felt like a kid again enjoying their special artistry. If you have a child who can't enjoy the wonder of such things, they may not enjoy it, but we had a great time and look forward to returning soon. read more

I had some badass birthday parties back in like '91 here. The puppets are really wonderfully used and carved. I also remember being told, when I was like 4, by one of the guys who runs the place that there was a ghost in the basement. Subsequently, like two years later, I came across a book on haunted places in Brooklyn and Puppet Works was totally in there... I want to believe. read more

Magical. Kids set down on the padded floor in front of the theater. Parents sit on the side and behind children. Storytelling is old school ... using narrative dialogue, this puppet show is patience-inducing for all, and is a great introduction to theater, in general. Theater gets dark (some children were spooked by this -- plan your time here accordingly. If you must bring really little ones, please control their crying when it goes dark). Great explainer by marionette staff/talent before actual show begins -- very helpful, as there are no surprises regarding when the theater goes dark, etc., Kids can ask questions after the show and touch a selected marionette held by the staffer. I only wish the parents (!) would be quiet once the show began. There is a special place in purgatory for grown-up theatergoers who talk about work during live shows. This is a phenomenon happening all too often in NYC live theater these days. read more

Five well deserved stars! The Puppetworks is a great experience for both children and parents. The shows are entertaining, authentic and each of artistic director Nick Coppola's puppets is a work of art. They change the program regularly (about every 6 weeks) so check their website for the schedule, there is probably some show coming up you want to see even if you don't have a kid. Make sure you call for a reservation so you aren't disappointed. Puppetworks shows are often sold out particularly on rainy days and winter weekends. read more

Not just for kids! I went to see a show at Puppetworks with my girlfriend a little while back, and was pretty much smiling the whole day. Jamie is a great puppeteer and enchants the kids that crowd the front row. And then there's something existentially wonderful about seeing children thrash about in peals of laughter over the goofy hijinks of mannequins. We saw Hansel and Gretel, and it struck just the right balance of silly, wondrous and scary. The puppets were beautiful and the music (largely from the Englebert Humperdink opera) was an excellent score. If you've never seen a puppet opera, don't miss this chance! read more

Daunting array of marionettes and albeit from the outside it looks not well maintain it's beyond the point, especially when the curtain draws! This is a truly amazing asset for families in the area and the lessons children receive in regards to the classics cannot be matched anywhere around. If only every kid had such an option... read more

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I've been here twice with my daughter and we've had a good time both times. Great show to watch with kids in a world of electronics. It's entertaining and fun. The puppeteers are very skilled. My only complaint is the floor seating in the front. My butt hurts afterwards! read more

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My first visit to Puppetworks was on a second grade field trip in the 90's and I've loved it ever since. It was one of my favorite places to visit as a child and now it's a place my nieces enjoy when they visit. read more

Love this place but NEVER COMING BACK. The woman who collects the money is the rudest witch. Not only did she scream out that my students are special Ed on the street but she was extremely rude when collecting the money. She informed me that we didn't have enough money. When I went to explain to her the amount of kids I had she yelled at me to shh! Yea ok lady I've been coming here for years and never paid for myself or paras. She then said we would have to sit outside and only the kids could stay. She must be an idiot because if she knows my kids are special Ed then she knows I cannot leave them unattended. This place is a shithole. Don't waste your money and go see a puppet show in a nicer venue. read more

what an incredible experience. thank you to the puppeteers, the house manager and the characters that brought so much magnificence to our sunday morning. we absolutely cannot wait to return for the next show. i cannot say enough about the magic of this place, much needed in our overly stimulating, overly digital urban life. read more

We took my 3 year old see Puss in Boots, she loved it. Cute little show and the actors/puppeteers are awesome! Can't wait for the next one.

I love you Puppet Works.Many a fond memory. This place was the shiznit back when I was a kid. I think I went to no less then 10 birthday parties here every year between the ages of 3-9 and it was the best thing next to Chuck-E-Cheese birthdays! Awesome use of beautiful, believable marionette puppets and actors. I remember they would do Jack and the beanstalk, and the "giant" was an actor who looked huuuuge next to the puppet. Man, that would blow my mind back in the day. I am looking forward to having kids some day just so I have an excuse to go to Puppet Works again. read more

I took my kid here for the first time today. What an awesome place! They do classic fairy tales and don't dumb them down. The decor, the sets and the puppets are all obviously hand made. It has a kinda "Mister Rogers" retro vibe. There are so many overpriced kid's play spaces that are almost too beautiful with designs that are so modern and fabricated...they almost feel cold. It seems like they were created for yuppy parents rather than their kids. Puppet Works stands out as a place that holds substance over style. My kid had a great time, and we can't wait to go back. read more

Great show! In a new media world of 3D Cinema, home theatre, Xbox, etc., the experience of children coming together for live performance cannot be missed. Our 2.5 year old loved Pinocchio. My only suggestion is either a newer AC unit, or a few degrees cooler on the setting, esp. with summer arriving... read more

Came here today with my husband and four year old son. It was all of our first time experiencing a marionette show. It was so fun and entertaining. Their rendition of sleeping beauty was different but fun. I loved it. My son laughed out loud the entire time and loved it. He didn't want it to end and neither did I. My husband even enjoyed it. My son made friends and the kids sat up front. Great for little kids 3 years old and up. Small quaint and fun. The puppeteers showed the children one puppet at the end and was kind in answering the countless questions the children had. We will be back in a few months for jack and the bean stalk. read more

Puppetworks - Puppeteer letting the children see and touch a marionette. Lovely - Performing Arts Near Me - Park Slope, New York

We've lived within spitting distance for years and I finally went for the first time, my 3.5 yr old in tow (he was a veteran, having gone twice before, with my wife). What a fantastic experience. The show itself is really fascinating, both as a piece of theater but also technically for how marionettes work. My son was totally mesmerized and kept excitedly whispering to me what was happening and the subtext. So gorgeous to watch him watching it. (Especially after hearing from my wife about his first visit where he asked to pause part of it and watch it again, like it was a YouTube video) Which brings me to what is really special about this place. They intro the whole experience with essentially a little primer on live theater- explaining about how you're sharing the story and space with everyone and so there are rules, like no talking, and what a scene change is and when to applaud etc. It struck me as the perfect training ground for little ones to the theatrical experience- age appropriate themes and show lengths and an etiquette lesson that will stay with them as they graduate to full length theater pieces. That's priceless. read more

I took my 4-yearl old daughter to see Aladdin this weekend, and both of us had a great time. My first impression was that place looked a little dingy, but the show was absolutely fantastic! I'm looking forward to seeing more of their shows soon! read more

My aunt used to take me and my cousin here when are kids. We always had a great time whenever we came. And the adults always seemed to enjoy it as well as the adults. This a great place to see great productions of classic fairy tales. read more

I enjoyed seeing Puss in Boots here. The show was really aimed for kids only, but I don't know of any other place where you can still see live marionette puppet shows like this anywhere. The staff clearly takes their job seriously with an effort to expose kids to a form of entertainment that is otherwise extinct. So coming here is really like stepping back in time. No matter how old you are, I recommend you see a puppet show here at least once. read more

We recently threw my 4 year old son's birthday party here . I really have mixed feeling about this place bc the whole puppet show thing is really cute for kids parties . However the place is really small and really dated . I think it's time they renovate . This day was one of the coldest days of winter with a recent snow storm. The floors are tile so everyone's shoes were wet from the snow and all the kids kept slipping and imagine on tile floor. There was no heat except and air conditioner that throws out heat . So imagine on a day of -10 degrees day . It wasn't really comfortable for the kids to eat on those little tiny tables . There is so much potential . They showed Goldie locks and the three bears . The kids seemed to like it but I thought it was a little boring. I would say the puppet show is great for kids age range 3yrs to 8 . My advice is don't go crazy buying food bc it's such a short period and the tables for food is in the same room as the show, it was a little awkward . Pizza for adults and kids is good enough and you'll get a discount from smilies. Oh and of course some cake . read more

This place gets two stars as I booked a group performance on a Saturday and the man responsible for booking the tickets was extremely rude. When I asked him for a copy of an invoice he complained that he was "on his way to the bank to run errands and busy" and that I was "inept" for asking for a duplicate. I almost had a chuckle after the conversation as the man was clearly on the elderly side and obviously cranky. The quality of the show was good and the kids enjoyed it even though the inside of the theater is a little run down. Place all your bookings with a woman named "Tony" as the experience of dealing with her was much more pleasant. read more

We've now been to three of their shows - all immensely enjoyed by my children and myself. Nice cozy ambiance, very friendly staff / puppeteers, nice music. Highly recommend this place, we'll definitely be back for more! read more

Puppetworks has the best puppet shows for kids and their parents. My son has loved every show we've seen there, and I feel good knowing that there is an alternative to all of the horrible, marketing-driven, exploitative children's "entertainment" out there. The price is affordable for even struggling parents (so little in the city is), and I know boy and I will speak about the show for weeks to come. The puppeteers are truly gifted and I would gladly make the schlep from Harlem to see any of their shows (and we haven't missed one yet). The Magic Flute got him interested in Opera, and I'm taking him again this Saturday to see it a second time. read more

Brought my kids here for a show of Pinocchio. My 2yr old was a bit freaked out at first with the dolls but was mesmerized once the show started. Very nice relaxing activity for wife and i, will definitely be back again. read more

Cute puppet shows every weekend. A wonderful place to go to keep your kids happy on a rainy day.

My daughter loves coming here. It's a special place for birthday parties or even just to come for their performances. Highly recommend!

Love love love this place!!! Took my daughter here to see Cinderella but I think I had a better time then she did!! The puppeteers were so professional and really made everything come to life. I also liked how kid friendly they were, even letting the kids get up close and personal with the puppets after the show. Kids were engaged every second!! Looking forward to more shows!! read more

My kids and their friends all enjoyed the show. It wais a delightful experience. I think it helped inspire their imaginations to see the differences in presentation between a movie and puppet show. While watching the puppet show, they spent more time thinking about how things work behind the scence. It was as if they wanted to lift up the hood and interact with the "live" characters. This show is quite a treat for kids who have not seen a puppet show. read more

i have been taking my grandchildren to puppet works for years and we have never been disappointed. the performances are always entertaining, educational, impressive, and delightful! puppet works is a gem and deserving of five stars, and more! read more