By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
CHUCK Wood, the charming and witty 12-year-old puppet, is out to take over his master’s mind with plans of puppet mutiny.
The posters of him with Maori tattoos and facial hair isn’t Chuck at all, says puppet master David Strassman, but an even more evil double character that tries to take over his mind.
Described by some as the best ventriloquist in the world, Strassman has brought all his favourite characters back to Australia playing at regional venues only during May, with his new show Careful What You Wish For.
Strassman told the Mail the new show was a venture down the rabbit hole into alternative realities.
“Chuck wants to take over my brain and plans of mutiny to cross to the dark side and take over the show,” he said.
“Through the magic of theatre I enter an alternate reality with double-twisted characters and each of them has clues to get back to the reality I came from.
“These puppets have been in my show for over 30 years, and the great thing is I don’t just stand and tell stupid jokes and tell daggy songs… they have a backstory, with hopes, fears, dreams and foibles, and when I talk to a puppet it’s ‘what is the problem now and how do we solve it?’”
He said although the show is based on a 120-page script, he reworks it to make it better with a fresh interaction with the puppets.
“There are times if I stuff up a word or a line the puppets will be first to call me out on those,” he said.
“When I’m truly in the moment there are times a puppet will say something I didn’t plan when he will just say something and it comes from me but it doesn’t!”
Strassman said he had performed often in Melbourne but never been to the outer suburbs.
“You’ve got a beautiful brand, new venue up there to take advantage of, and the show fits in a six-tonne truck so why not bring it to these new venues,” he said.
Considered by many to be one of the best ventriloquists in the world, Strassman’s shows are hilariously funny and razor sharp, featuring full stage production complete with dazzling sets and state-of-the-art theatrical effects.
His shows involve multiple characters and high-tech puppetronics (robotics) that bring his characters to life, even when he has left the stage.
The show is rated MA 15+, not for children Strassman says, as Chuck will be up to his foul-mouthed antics. Children 12 to 15 must be accompanied by parents or guardian.
Tickets are available at The Memo in Healesville for $59.90 or $54.90 concession for a 7pm and 9.15pm show on Friday 24 May. Book on 5966 4500 or online.
Don’t forget to check out Chuck and Ted E. Bare on Facebook or download character apps for smartphones.
***BOX***
READERS are being offered the chance to win one of five double tickets to the 7pm show at The Memo in Healesville on Friday 24 May, by being one of the first people to phone The Mail on Tuesday 14 May at 9am on 5957 3705. *Please no early callers will be accepted and tickets can be picked up from the Healesville office after confirmation of win.
