Elk Rapids, MI — August 8, 2025 — On Sunday, August 24th at 2:00 PM, the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall will come alive with puppets, storytelling, and Russian folklore as PuppetArt Theatre presents Kolobok, a family-friendly puppet show inspired by the beloved Russian version of The Gingerbread Man. This one-time performance is a special fundraiser for the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Association, a nonprofit that maintains and programs the beloved community gathering space.
🎟️ Tickets are just $12 for adults, $6 for kids aged 4 to 16, and free for children under 4. Tickets are available now at the Elk Rapids Cinema box office and online at http://www.chalfontetheatre.org/tickets.
Kolobok, which means "little butterball," follows the whimsical adventures of a dumpling-like character who escapes the oven and meets a series of forest animals. In this joyful adaptation, two live actors portray mystical forest spirits who animate a colorful array of handmade floor puppets designed by renowned puppet maker Irina Baranovskaya.
Following the performance—perfect for young audiences and under an hour in length—children and families will have the opportunity to meet the puppets up close and take photos with the characters.
🎭 This staging of Kolobok is directed by playwright and former PuppetArt puppeteer Aaron Timlin, who also serves as president of the Chalfonte Theatre and its affiliated arts organizations, including the Elk Rapids Cinema, Village Radio, and The Platform. The show features apprentice puppeteers from the PuppetArt Summer Apprenticeship Program, who will spend two weeks in Elk Rapids rehearsing and performing throughout the village.
“Don’t be surprised if you see a puppet wandering the streets or popping up at the cinema stage in the next few weeks,” says Timlin. “Our puppeteers will be out and about promoting the show and bringing joy to the town in unexpected ways.”
✨ All proceeds benefit the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that preserves the historic hall and offers a range of arts, civic, and community programming.
🎨 Kolobok is presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
About Kolobok
Known to many as The Gingerbread Man, Kolobok is a classic Russian folktale about a little round bun who comes to life and embarks on a journey through the forest, outwitting animals along the way. Unlike the original Western version, this Kolobok finds his way home—bringing a sweet and clever twist to the tale.
Educational Note
Teachers and parents alike will appreciate Kolobok as a literacy-rich experience. The production encourages comparisons between Eastern European and Western folktales and is perfect for introducing young audiences to puppetry, folk art, and cultural storytelling.
Performance Details
📅 Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025🕑 Time: 2:00 PM📍 Location: Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, Elk Rapids, MI🎟️ Tickets: $12 Adults | $6 Ages 4–16 | Free for Under 4🎫 Tickets available at: Elk Rapids Cinema box office or online atwww.chalfontetheatre.org🧸 Meet-the-Puppets: After the show
Join us for a delightful afternoon of puppetry, laughter, and community — all to support one of Elk Rapids’ most cherished spaces!
Elk Rapids, MI — August 8, 2025 — On Sunday, August 24th at 2:00 PM, the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall will come alive with puppets, storytelling, and Russian folklore as PuppetArt Theatre presents Kolobok, a family-friendly puppet show inspired by the beloved Russian version of The Gingerbread Man. This one-time performance is a special fundraiser for the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Association, a nonprofit that maintains and programs the beloved community gathering space.
🎟️ Tickets are just $12 for adults, $6 for kids aged 4 to 16, and free for children under 4. Tickets are available now at the Elk Rapids Cinema box office and online at http://www.chalfontetheatre.org/tickets.
Kolobok, which means "little butterball," follows the whimsical adventures of a dumpling-like character who escapes the oven and meets a series of forest animals. In this joyful adaptation, two live actors portray mystical forest spirits who animate a colorful array of handmade floor puppets designed by renowned puppet maker Irina Baranovskaya.
Following the performance—perfect for young audiences and under an hour in length—children and families will have the opportunity to meet the puppets up close and take photos with the characters.
