Marionettes Bring Sleeping Beauty to Life at PACA

Contributed Photo

Friday, May 27

They say there's always someone pulling the strings. That "someone" might just be a member of the Syrotiak family.

Even when they aren't the ones manipulating the strings, they're the puppet masters at work behind the scenes.

Puppetry has always been part of David J. Syrotiak's life. Syrotiak serves as the artistic director of the National Marionette Theatre. Founded by his father in 1967, the group truly is a family affair. David's wife, Mariana, started puppeteering in Bucharest, Romania, eventually finding her way to the NMT family. David and Mariana are joined by their son, Stephen, who proves that the talent runs in their bloodline. Their undeniable legacy is underpinned by a brilliant expertise.

Together they will be performing Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's, The Sleeping Beauty. The ballet is among Tchaikovsky's best-regarded works, along with the well-known Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

The story is told from the point of view of Prince Stefan. He discovers that Princess Aurora (the titular beauty) has been put under a spell by sinister fairy, Belladonna. Stefan seeks to break the spell that put the princess to sleep for 100 years.

This January, PACA hosted NMT's production of Peter and the Wolf to sold out crowds. If you were lucky enough to see the delightful show, you know what's in store. Kids sat wide-eyed, captivated by the story playing out on stage. Children are invited to sit near the stage to get the best view. All ages are welcome, as the show is both an accessible fairy tale and a work of art.

The National Marionette Theatre brings experience and artistry to an increasingly specialized medium. Building upon old-world traditions, the NMT uses the art of puppetry to tell stories that everyone can enjoy. – Nick Warren

7 p.m. May 27, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 28, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 29 // 1505 State St. 2nd Floor// Tickets $10 adults $5 children