Nativity Story (puppet play) facts for kids
The Nativity Story is a special show that tells the classic Christmas story using amazing puppets. These puppets were created by Jane Henson, who also helped create the famous The Muppets. The show features live music and puppets made by The Jim Henson Company.
How the Show Started
Jane Henson worked with many talented artists to create parts of the Nativity Story show. She first developed ideas for it at the 2009 Eugene O’Neill Puppetry Theatre Conference. The full show then premiered at the Orlando Puppet Festival in 2010. Jane worked with her daughter Heather Henson and a group called Ibex Puppetry to make it happen.
Early Performances and Tours
After its premiere, Jane Henson helped bring the show to many places. It was performed in schools and churches across Florida. Some of these places included the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden and St. Margaret Mary Catholic School in Winter Park.
Jane Henson passed away in 2013, but the Nativity Story show has continued to travel. It has been performed in many different cities. These include St. James Catholic Cathedral in Orlando, Florida and the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The show also went to New York City, where it was performed at St. Paul the Apostle Church. Some scenes from the puppet show were even filmed there. These scenes were part of a special TV show called “A New York Christmas to Remember.” This show was broadcast across the country on CBS in 2013 and was hosted by Regis Philbin.
Who Made the Premiere Happen
The first performance at Orlando’s St. James Cathedral involved many creative people. The actor-puppeteers included Sarah Lockard, Anthony Bolante, Jenny Weaver Barbieri, Curtiss Mitchell, Russell Nauman, and Heather Henson. The set and lighting were designed by Vandy Wood. Sean Keohane was in charge of direction and dramaturgy, which means he helped shape the story. The music was performed by the Olde Noyse Trio, made up of John Rata, Cecie Catron, and Craig Thomas.
