Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – MUMMENSCHANZ’s puppetry and mime-fueled YOU & ME isn’t just pure enchantment, it’s high art

• By drediman
• July 20, 2018
• No Comments

MUMMENSCHANZ’s “you & me” at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater.

Last night, I had the opportunity to take in MUMMENSCHANZ’s latest production you & me, which has been running at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater since July 4th. At the performance I attended, the family friendly show – a collection of short, wordless vignettes (some new, and some favorites the company’s repertoire) – delighted kids and adults alike through some truly inspired puppetry and mime.

Surprisingly, this was my first exposure to the internationally-renowned Swiss troupe, which was formed in 1972 by Bernie Schürch, Andres Bossard, and Floriana Frassetto (Ms. Frassetto astonishingly still performs with the company). MUMMENSCHANZ’s whimsical and fantastical aesthetic has likely inspired the current generation of puppet masters. For instance, upon seeing you & me, I was struck by how much the company’s work reminded me of Basil Twist’s body of work, particularly in the way the sketches unfolded (organically, inventively) and their common, wicked but joyous sense of humor and uncanny timing.

Indeed, for me, you & me was a refreshing reminder of the wonderments and transcendent power of puppetry. After having been underwhelmed by my two previous experiences with the genre this summer – Labapalooza! at St. Ann’s Warehouse and American Weather at HERE Arts Center – it was quite lovely to bask, childlike, in the pure visual delights (sans words, sans music) of MUMMENSCHANZ’s you & me. I don’t think I’ve been as thoroughly enchanted by a performance in a while. It’s not just hugely entertaining, the company’s work elevates puppetry to the realm of high art. The show runs only until this Sunday. Don’t miss it.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

YOU & ME
Off-Broadway, Performance
MUMMENSCHANZ at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater
1 hour, 20 minutes (without an intermission)
Through July 22