[June 24, 2013]    

The Lincoln Public Library Summer Reading Program had another full house Thursday morning. Children's librarian Ms. Lou and the children welcomed puppeteer Richard Elsenpeter and his Elsenpeter Marionettes. He performed the classic fairy tale "Cinderella."

Elsenpeter, from New London, Mo., is a fourth-generation puppeteer. His great-grandfather started the family business 146 years ago. Richard has been full time with the string puppets for 15 years. He will do performances at 60 libraries this summer. He also performs at schools, fairs and corporate events.

The Lincoln Public Library has a shelf full of books that show any young readers how to make puppets and conduct stage performances.

Text and pictures by Curt Fox

Richard Elsenpeter shows how it's done.

Cinderella takes the stage.
 

 

Richard Elsenpeter pulls the strings.

Four puppets are on stage at one time with one puppeteer in control.

 

Kid's-eye view of the stage

Rapt attention from a full house