Upcoming: Valentine's with Miss Mimi, Gepetto Dreams at Hot Mama's, February 14

Received January 15 with reminder on January 24:

For those of you looking for something more memorable then the same old candy and flowers for Valentines Day, Austin’s Geppetto Dreams Puppet Company is presenting a special puppet burlesque show “Mimi’s Valentines Show.” New songs, new routines, and a special guest dancer make this show a must-see. This special holiday performance is a benefit for the non-profit theater, which has just received a hundred thousand dollar commitment for the purchase of a permanent space here in Austin , providing they can raise the money for a down payment. All proceeds from this show go towards realizing that dream.

For those who missed last summer’s sold-out run, the performance is a mixture of western rod puppetry and Japanese style bunraku. This crazy cabaret’s 9 wild acts pay homage to the comedy, music, and dance of the old time Burly-Qs, as well as the new style burlesque that has been popularized in clubs from coast to coast. All performed by eight 36-inch anthropomorphic puppets. It’s like the Muppets meet Minsky’s.

Due to the unique nature of the show combined with the resurgence of interest in old time burlesque and vaudeville shows, this performance will appeal to a wide audience from 18 to 80. Mimi's puppeteers are in plain sight, dressed in black. It takes two to three puppeteers to put the dancers through their paces so the audience has the opportunity to see the teamwork and fluid movement it takes to bring each character to life. This style makes the experience not only visually entertaining but enlightening as well.

There will be three performances at 7, 8:30, and 10 pm at Hot Mama’s Espresso, 2401 E. 6th Ave. 78702. There will be three ticket packages available: a basic package for $30 a couple, The Valentine package for $40 a couple which comes with a special Valentine from Miss Mimi, and the I Love Puppets package which comes with champagne (or sparkling cider for the under 21 set) the special Valentine and chocolate truffles for $60 a couple. Tickets go on sale Jan 24th and can be purchased online at geppettodreams.com through PayPal, in advance at Hot Mama’s, as well as at the door the night of the show. Seating is limited to 20 couples so get yours early.

Miss Mimi's page at geppettodreams.com (pics and video available at links on bottom of page)


Geppetto Dreams Puppet Company has a small theater/workshop space (seats around 30) on Austin ’s growing Eastside, but despite its size we've done some amazing things in it. We've sold out both adult and children’s shows and held numerous free puppetry workshops. We were responsible for Austin ’s first Puppet Film Festival. Our greatest achievement has been a summer internship program for Austin teens, which culminated in a free show for the entire city at Austin 's Long Center for the Performing Arts. As well as donating 137 artisian puppets for CPS and other Texas children in need last Christmas. For further info on the troupe or the show feel free to visit www.geppettodreams.com. For interviews or more pictures please contact Geppetto at admin@geppettodreams.com or at (720) 255-5632 or Hot Mama's at (512) 476-6262.