Next week, Emporia State’s Albert Taylor Hall will be transformed into a world of magic and myth as Dragons and Mythical Beasts take to the stage for an afternoon of interactive adventure for all ages.
The show will feature puppets of all shapes and sizes from a Stone Troll to a not so sweet Tooth Fairy, according to the company’s official website.
“Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth,” the website reads. “Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon…”
The show will take place at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 in Albert Taylor Hall and is free to all ESU students with public general admission tickets available for $25 and youth tickets costing $12.50.
“I’m excited for (Dragons and Mythical Beasts), because I’m very into the mythical kind of things,” said Amy Gonzales, marketing and member service coordinator for the Emporia Arts Council (EAC). “And I mean, who doesn’t want to see massive puppets on stage?”
While mainstream puppets are often seen as hand-rod puppets like Kermit the Frog and Elmo, some of the characters in this show are far more elaborate. For example, Shimmer the Unicorn is featured on the company’s official Instagram and is seen being directed by three different performers all creating movement for the life sized creature.
“I think they (the community) are excited when we bring (shows) like the Dragons here,” Gonzales said. “Like, we’ve had a couple of people saying, ‘Oh my god, this is amazing. We never thought Emporia would get something like this.’ So that’s a good feeling.”
Dawn Young, executive director of EAC, said she is excited for the show and chose this act, among others throughout the year, while looking for “engaging performers that (are) good for multi-generations and also for families and children.”
General admission tickets to the show can be found on the EAC official website or at their physical location at 815 Commercial St. ESU students can claim their free general admission tickets by simply going into the physical location and asking the front desk (right by the door).
