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Holiday favorite returns to Mum Puppettheatre - The Velveteen Rabbit returns for its 7th annual holiday appearance

For Immediate Release: October 13, 2000

Philadelphia, PA - Mum Puppettheatre, Philadelphia's premier puppet company located in the heart of Old City, announces the return of everyone's favorite bunny. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, returning for its 7th annual holiday appearance, was adapted and directed by Mum Puppettheatre Artistic Director, Robert Smythe and performed by Resident Artists Sondra Blanchard and Jarrid Masse. Adapted from the beloved tale by Margery Williams, featuring Adam Wernick's award-winning original music, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT runs November 24- December 31.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT tells the tale about a brand-new plush rabbit who discovers that there is more to life than the four walls of the nursery. From the other playthings, he learns that there is a difference between being a toy and being real. His owner's love can make him real, but almost too late, the now well-loved and well-worn rabbit learns what it means to be alive. Mum Puppettheatre combines the world of movement, original music and the imagination of the audience to create a thrilling and unique family theatre experience. Hand puppets, rod puppets, shadows and masks as well as Adam Wernick's award-winning original music create an enchanting, wordless narrative of this heartwarming tale.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT will be performed by Mum's new Resident Artists Sondra Blanchard and Jarrid Masse, both graduates of the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre. Jarrid and Sondra were last seen in Mum Puppettheatre's REVENGE OF THE FANTOCCINI.

Often hailed as Philadelphia's most valuable "undiscovered gem," Mum Puppettheatre stands firm in its commitment to find fresh, innovative ways to create theatre that makes a difference. Mum aims to teach people the value of theatre by creating experiences, emotions and memories not found anywhere else. Theatre at Mum is universal, unique, well made, and always leaves the audience wanting more. With careful attention to detail and vivid imaginations, Mum Puppettheatre creates a world that teaches, explores and knocks your socks off with incredible visual images worth a thousand words!

The third exciting addition to this season's lineup at Mum Puppettheatre is Luman Coad of COAD CANADA PUPPETS, the world-renowned puppet artist who has won over 14 prestigious awards for excellence in the Art of Puppetry and Interpretation. Most recently, Luman Coad offered his expertise by serving as puppeteer, technical consultant and John Cusack's body double for the Academy Award nominated film Being John Malkovitch, a movie that showed the world the power and emotional range of puppetry. Coad proves anything is possible as he explores a range of emotions in The Box? A Show of Feelings and Mr. Whipple's Whims, two productions he has toured throughout the world. Besides the power of expression of the puppets and the technical precision of the manipulator, the most significant aspect of Luman Coad's work is its ability to draw emotions more powerful than the ones obtained by many live actors. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wonder and you'll be amazed. Luman Coad will delight audiences from Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, February 11.

For tickets or more information call 215-925-8686.

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