ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
Alva Puppet Theater: The Harlem Doll Palace
REVIEW:
By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara
Don't let the demure looking tea party fool you. This show is full of harrowing true life tales of a contemporary break in, a theft, an assault, a flood, and generational family trauma dating back to the days of legalized slavery. It's also full of endurance, joy, famous visitors, and a passion for collecting thousands of valuable, historical dolls that borders on obsession. Welcome to The Harlem Doll Palace, based on the true story of Lenon Holder Hoyt, better known as Aunt Len, a public school art teacher for 40 years who created a doll museum in her Harlem brownstone.
We're huge fans of stories about interesting people and are so happy the story of Aunt Len and her passion project is being preserved. We weren't expecting the wonderful contemporary songs and the depth and breadth this historical puppet piece covers. Framing her story as a puppet show and anthropomorphizing her collection is strongly effective storytelling. We found this show not only informative, but entertaining as well, with strongly positive social justice, black, and queer elements. Highly recommended.
Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).
Chicago Puppet Fest and Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago present:
Alva Puppet Theater: The Harlem Doll Palace
Join the dolls from the “dollection” inside Aunt Len’s Doll and Toy Museum as they recreate their journeys to the museum and seek to keep its beloved founder alive while Harlem deteriorates around her.
Event Details
Dates/Times:
Thursday, January 22 at 4 p.m.
Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 23 at 4 p.m.
Friday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 at 6 p.m.
Location:
Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts, Theater East, UChicago
915 E. 60th St.
Cost:
$43 Regular
$35 Students and Seniors
Ages: 10 and up
Running Time: 80 mins
