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On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Josh Gross, artistic director of Puppeteers for Fears. Puppeteers for Fears is an Oregon-based comedy troupe, specializing in original horror and science fiction rock’n’roll musicals performed with puppets.
Their production of Cthulhu: the Musical!, will come to Buffalo for a performance on June 24 at Buffalo Iron Works as part of the company’s 2024 summer tour. Far from the lo-fi puppet show stereotype, the production features a full cast of five actors with elaborate custom-made puppets, a full-rock band, and projected multimedia backgrounds for an immersive and engaging theatrical experience.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the show, and are available here.
NOTE: Attendees should be aware that though this is a puppet show, it is NOT a children’s show. The material is R-rated, and children should be brought only at parent’s discretion.
This episode includes:
- The music assignment that shaped Gross’ creativity
- The experience of growing up in a “theater town”
- Gross’ inspiration for working with puppets
- The origin story for Puppeteers for Fears
- The casting process
- The process of creating a Puppeteer for Fears show
- The company’s production history
- A discussion of the company during and post COVID
- The documentary made about Puppeteers for Fears
- The hopes for the future of Puppeteers for Fears