by Macey Levin
There is an extraordinary theatrical experience at Barrington Stage Company’s Saint Germain Stage. This world premiere, imaginatively written by Jeff Talbot, of a play entitled “fuzzy” (all lower case) stars a hand-puppet by that name. This is not a children’s play; rather, it is a small musical about one’s own life and the responsibility for loved ones.
“Fuzzy” was born in Monsterville where his mother (also a hand-puppet) still lives. She has some physical problems, especially cancer in her right eye for which she has to take drops several times a day. Reluctantly, “fuzzy” goes home to take care of her.
What was originally a few weeks turns into a few months. As he tends to her he learns a great deal about himself and of his own limitations and capabilities. The plot line is painfully direct yet simple, but it is the production elements that break the fourth wall which are enchanting.
From the moment the doors open The Human (John Cariani) and The Puppeteer (Teddy Yudain) are discussing and bickering about the show that is about to begin. The Pianist (Shraham Ghosh,) The Guitarist (Ben Clark) and The Bassist (Carl Carter) slowly amble to their seats onstage. This informality pervades the entire production lending a feeling of “What’s the next unusual thing that is going to happen?” A multitude.
At the opening of the show proper The Puppeteer is in back of a piece of furniture, a sofa, covered by a sheet. Then “fuzzy” appears on his right hand and starts to talk to the audience. The voice belongs to The Human who is at a microphone at stage left. He does the voices for two other puppets –“ fuzzy’s” roommate JoJo and a televangelist. Another puppet appears… the mother who is voiced by The Actress
(Cass Morgan.)
The Human and The Puppeteer continue to audibly squabble and sometimes re- organize the show throughout the running of the play. They, along with The Actress, set and move props as well as creating several special effects. Band members, especially The Guitarist, also have something to say about what is happening onstage.
The interactions of the six cast members and the puppets support the thematic elements of the play one of which is about art being an integral facet of life. The puppets, especially “fuzzy” and the mother, are magical. They are living people; though their faces can’t change, the audience accepts and empathizes with their emotions enhanced by the voices of The Human and the Actress. Though not real, their humanity is genuine
The three-piece band sometimes plays under various scenes to enrich the mood of the moment. There are eleven songs in the show with artful lyrics written by Talbott and Will Van Dyke, some of which are comic, some melancholy, some very touching, and are sung by the puppets, Directed by Ellie Heyman, the seeming extemporaneous qualities of the play and the staging captivate the audience. She keeps the pace moving as the play evolves through its various scenes filled with laughter or sadness.
Do not miss this enchanting and hilarious production. It is a “must-see!”
fuzzy; Book and lyrics by Jeff Talbott; Music and lyrics by Will Van Dyke; Director: Ellie Heyman; Cast: John Cariani (The Human) Teddy Yudain (The Puppeteer) Shraman Ghosh (The Pianist) Ben Clark (The Guitarist) Carl Carter (The Bassist) Cass Morgan (The Actress); Scene Design: Raphael Mishler; Costume Design: Johanna Pan; Lighting Designer: David Lander; Sound Design: Jason Crystal; Puppetry Design:
Amanda Villalobos; Orchestrations: Will Van Dyke; Music Supervisor: Patrick Sulken; Production Stage Manager: Leslie Sears; Assistant Stage Manager: Aurora Courcy;
Running Time: One hour, forty minutes, no intermission; July 8 to July 27, 2025; For tickets: Phone: 413-236-8888 email: info@BarringtonStageCo.org