Credit: André Andersen
Few things are as humbling as sitting on the floor in your socks surrounded by toddlers staring avidly at a puppet. “Songs From Above” is at once simple, sweet, and beautiful, invoking the wonder of my inner child with ease. The half hour show is a wonderful place to take a small kid, and in turn, a wonderful escape from the busy Times Square that one can forget is right outside the building.
The Performer (a lovely Mette Rosleff) greets the small (literally and figuratively) audience as we were led into a beautiful tent made of white cloth and stars. Unfortunately for us big people there were not enough places to sit on the benches provided so many of us had to not squash the little kids around us as we settled our adult bodies onto the white floor (and small pillows provided).
“Songs From Above” is a very simple story of a puppet boy and a girl and their friendship, as well as a small introduction to the seasons of the year, all being narrated by Rosleff in her soft, lullaby-like voice. Being that this is a children’s show there small lessons peppered throughout: “I have five fingers on my hand! 1-2-3-4-5!” as Rosleff demonstrates with the tiny male puppet.
The set was incredible, reminiscent of a womb, it was immediately a safe place to sit and be still as Rosleff made eye contact with each small child, bringing a stillness and sense of wonder to the world. There were tiny stages inside stars that were set around the floor and each held an incredibly detailed world and subsequent story that the performer would tell. Most children were enraptured by the puppetry done from behind the walls of the white tent by puppeteer Sigurd Roge Dissing Pedersen.
“Songs From Above” is a wonderful place to take a small child. I was surprised at the lack of songs, as the title might suggest, however, the stories and simplicity of the show make it a great respite from even the waiting room where the dozen or so toddlers were running around playing with small props and toys in anticipation of the performance beforehand. I was surprised at the lack of songs, as the title might suggest, however, the stories and simplicity of the piece were charming and heart warming.
SONGS FROM ABOVE
Written and Performed by: Mette Rosleff, Directed by: Bjarne Sandborg, Puppeteering by: Sigurd Roge Dissing Pedersen, Puppet and Stage Design by: Mariann Aagaard, Composed by: Martin Vognesen
“Songs From Above” is playing at the New Victory Theatre at the New 42nd street Studios, 229 42nd street, New York City.
Performances are: 11/10 @3:30pm; 11/14 @10:30am & 3:30pm; 11/15 @ 10:30am & 3:30pm; 11/16 @ 10:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm; 11/17 @ 10:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm.
Tickets are $15.
