This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Puppets set against a medley of sci-fi plots, all on top of a musical soundtrack, may sound like the unlikeliest of combinations. But let's remember, of course that the immortal Jim Henson accomplished the impossible with every episode of "The Muppets."
Meat & Potato Theatre hopes to put its own mark on this once-in-a-lifetime genre with 'Aliens (The Puppet Musical).' The story line casts one Ellen Ripley, fresh from a planet where horrifying aliens slaughtered her entire crew, but now enlisted with the Space Mariners. Against her prior experience and advice, the Mariners have a corporate mission to return to the planet of her nightmares.
Optimus Prime, Alf, Bert and Ernie and Snake Plissken all make the show as characters, plus a rollicking eight-song soundtrack of musical numbers. Audience members shy of water might want to don a raincoat, as water pistols get frequent use.
With script and lyrics by Tobin Atkinson, plus music by Rob Hartmann, this puppet-play may sound child-like in form, but it promises to be thoroughly enjoyable to genre-educated adults in both content and execution. "Aliens (The Puppet Musical)" plays May 24-June 10 at Rose Wagner Center for the Performing Arts.
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'Aliens (The Puppet Musical)'
When • May 24-June 10. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees Sunday.
Where • Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City
Info • $20, with discounts for students and seniors. Call 801-355-2787 or visit http://www.arttix.org for more information.