Culture is Expensive

The week before we paid for this culture, we spent a nickel on Ferdinand the Bull at a book sale. I sat on the grass outside and read it to the girls while we waited for John, and it was an instant hit. Then John read an article in the paper about a play showing at the newly opened Firehouse Stage. The same story of Ferdinand was going to be told by the dancers and actors of Hudson Vagabond Puppets who manipulate and move larger than life wooden puppets in the telling. It sounded very cool, and John asked that I take Millie and Annika to the play while he watched Susannah for the afternoon. Needless to say, I was happy to oblige.

This was the girls' first paid performance (we paid the performers) as well as a bonafide girl date, so they dressed for the occasion in their fanciest party dresses.


The sun shone brightly.



Ferdinand came to life through the movements of two dancers. He lumbered, blinked, talked, and was quite convincing. And BIG!!! The story was well told, and we really enjoyed the experience. I was especially impressed by the intricacy of the wooden machinations that the actors employed--large puppets, fighting bulls on wheels-- and the gorgeously rendered backdrops.



The vain matador made me laugh.



Three girls in the bathroom. They gave us lollipops! Even more exciting, each of the girls received a brand-new book copy of Ferdinand the Bull, which made our yellowed and tattered one obsolete.