Gerwick puppets to perform 'Aladdin and the Magic Lamp'
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer
Region - The gym of Marlborough's Bigelow School will be transformed when the Southborough-based puppeteers "Gerwick Puppets" perform the classic fairy tale "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" from the tales of the Arabian Nights.

Len Gerwick and Deborah Costine's Gerwick Puppets will perform "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" Dec. 27 at Marlborough's Bigelow School. PHOTO/SUBMITTED

The annual show is one of the many programs hosted by the Arts Alliance of Hudson to enhance the cultural spirits of the Metrowest area. The show's Middle Eastern set will whisk away the audience on a one-hour journey on flying carpets and into secret caves with magic lamps beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday Dec. 27.

Len Gerwick and Deborah Costine have been the voices behind the Gerwick Puppets for more then 30 years. Gerwick and Costine moved from part-time puppeteers to professional puppeteers after a summer spent in Europe back in the early 1970s.

"Puppeteering is a worldwide phenomenon," Gerwick said, but his inspiration came after seeing the "most spectacular" puppets in Germany and Austria.

Upon their return, the two settled into writing scripts, building sets, sewing costumes and making a full cast of hand puppets.

Gerwick Puppets' reputation for high quality performances has earned them a spot as a regular performer at the Boston First Night festivities.

"It has been a good career," Gerwick said, "but it is very hard work."

He explained that both Costine and he are responsible for transporting, maintaining, setting up and performing for all of the shows.

"Then you have to perform and you have to be on because you have 200 children that you need to keep interested and engaged," he explained.

After 30 years in the business, the one thing that Gerwick said has remained consistent is the children's reaction. The show is interactive, with verbal participation from the children in the audience.

"The kids love it; they really get involved," Gerwick said. "They are totally captivated."

The puppet show is one of three performances scheduled by the Arts Alliance designed to off er students and families local entertainment at aff ordable rates. Gerwick was pleased with the turnout of a full house at last year's performance of "Mid-Winter Magic." This year, he suggested "Aladdin" to off er the audience a little variety.

"Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" features seven different characters and music from Mussorgsky and Stravinsky. Tickets are available through the Arts Alliance for $7 in advance purchased and $9 at the door.

The show is open to all ages, but is highly recommended for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Immediately following the performance, Gerwick and Costine will run a puppetmaking workshop for an additional fee of $15 or the package rate of $20, including both the performance and the workshop.

For more information about the Gerwick Puppets, visit www.gerwickpuppets.com. To reserve tickets or learn about other Arts Alliance events, visit www.upwitharts. org or call 978-562-1646.