This quirky and whimsical tale is sure to delight adults and
youngsters alike. “The Secret History of
the Swedish Cottage” is loosely based on the history of Central
Park’s famous marionette theater. Charming
marionettes and faux newsreel tell the wordless story of how the cottage made
it’s way across the Atlantic, to the 1876 Centennial in Philadelphia, to its
current home in Central Park, and to its imagined future home in outer space.
The scenery and the marionettes themselves are absolutely beautiful. Older kids
may appreciate a quick overview of the plot beforehand (especially which parts
are true (Sweden, Philadelphia and
Central Park), and which are fictitious
(outer space). Also, you’re sure to get a chuckle from your kids if you tell
them to keep an eye out for the Swedish fish off the coast of Sweden.—
Even if younger children are not able to follow the plot, they will
happily watch this gorgeous production co-created by Tom Lee and Matthew
Acheson (who have The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center and
St. Ann’s
Warehouse on their impressive resumes). Adults will appreciate the scattering
of more sophisticated jokes and pop culture references (personally, I was a bit
shocked at how quickly I was able to identify the A-Team theme song when it
began playing in the middle of the production). As the weather thaws, be sure to
make a day of exploring the park and enjoying this original production.
The Secret
History of the Swedish Cottage is
playing at the Central Park Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre through June 30.
Tickets: $8, children under 12, $5.
Monday through Friday – 10:30 a.m. and noon
Wednesday – 10:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 1:00 p.m.
