Official Print Release
Meet the Merry Heart Puppets
Founded in the spring of 1981, the Merry Heart Puppets & Co. has been entertaining audiences as far south as the island of Dominica in the Heart of the Caribbean and as far east as Manila in the Philippines. The troupe has performed publicly throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and has been here in California since 1988. These exquisitely crafted puppets with their colorful sets have performed in libraries, schools, churches and at corporate Christmas celebrations; sometimes performing in English, French and Spanish. They have participated in community art festivals, benefits and specially organized fund-raising events in places such as, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, aswell as here in California. The company’s craft and puppet workshops have been very popular wherever they have visited. They have been eagerly requested for private birthday parties, after-school programs and have also been recorded for television.
The types of puppets used in their productions include hand, moving mouth and rod puppets. The company designs its own performance grade puppets and props and has developed several custom characters for both the private and commercial sectors. David Marion is the creator and founder of the Merry Heart Puppets. He is currently serving as The Editor of the Puppeteers of America's PSW Regional Newsletter and as the Secretary of the Orange County Puppetry Guild. (Where does he find the time!)
In describing the puppets,"They're like a bunch of kids!" says David pointing towards the puppets. "Everybody wants to get into the act." The shows are all performed LIVE! using only recorded music and sound effects. “In this age of rapid communication, detached relationships and detachable technology,” adds David, “we have found that by providing Live! Puppet Entertainment, Hands-On Workshops & Personalized Character Design, we bring greater enjoyment to the global family and are helping to focus new light onto the many uses and benefits of puppets. From the hallowed halls of corporate Zion to the whimsical nursery rooms at the grassroots level,” he invites everyone to, “come join us in our quest to spread joy and laughter!”
