The Cultch is presenting the Vancouver Premiere of Ronnie Burkett’s Wonderful Joe, at the Historic Theatre until February 23rd. The renowned puppeteer takes audiences to another realm fully populated by a colourful community of characters.
Following Joe, a jovial senior who, due to life circumstances, takes off on a wonderful adventure. With him we explore his neighbourhood, meeting other residents and learning their stories. Through Burkett’s wildly vivid and detailed imagination these characters would leap from the stage if not earthy bound by their strings. Through his skilled hands and voices, every eye is on the marionettes and we forget that there’s a man standing above, pulling their strings. Every movement and every sound is carefully choreographed as Burkett juggles the characters, sometimes up to four on hand at the same time. In addition to the skilled performance, the audience is captivated by the storylines of each character, each one topical, touching and perhaps even a little bit tawdry.
Wonderful Joe a wonderful world that lets your imagination run wild but like the puppets also keeps us grounded by the strings of Burkett’s gripping script, along with Joe Alcorn’s music and lyrics.
Wonderful Joe plays until February 23, 2025 at The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street.