We’re Making a Puppet Show!

But not just any puppet show… an Italian "Puppet Opera!"

Last fall, I came across a fantastic "puppet opera" in Italy while I was scouting locations for a movie version of our St. Nicholas story.

I thought "Wouldn’t it be great to see a puppet opera of our story?" So a few months ago, I reached out to the founder of the company, Girolamo Botta, and asked if he would be interested.

He read the story and said, "This is a dream come true!" (Girolamo is from Palermo, Italy, where puppetry and storytelling are legendary.)

Since then, we’ve been talking, texting, and zooming to plan the show. Yesterday, he placed the first order for materials to get started!

It will take 6 months to hand-carve all the puppets, hand-tailor all the costumes, hand-paint all the scenes, and create from scratch all the music to be played on traditional instruments.

We’re targeting December 26th, 2023, for our premiere show in the historic Teatro Maria Caniglia (pictured above) in Sulmona, Italy. We’re also planning to film the show to make it available to audiences worldwide.

I love that this company uses as "open" theater where audiences see the action on stage as well as the puppeteers controlling them! This provides a rich storytelling extravaganza, immersing the audience in a powerful theatrical experience.

Here’s a sample of their work…

I’d like to invite you to join us in creating this spectacular show to give audiences HOPE for years to come.

1. Would you pray this show would give audiences the HOPE OF CHRIST for years to come?
2. Would you consider making a donation to help bring this show to life? We’re praying for 100 people to support this show with gifts ranging from $25-1,000. Your name will be listed on both the theater program and the film credits.

Click here to learn more or make a donation.

Thanks so much for sharing my excitement!