By Barry Porterfield
A quick glance at a well positioned highway sign and the resulting decision by one entertainer to stop off and visit Pauls Valley proved a good one for a local attraction.
That recent visit by Bob Abdou, better known as Mr. Puppet, has led to plans for a special benefit this weekend for the Toy & Action Figure Museum.
Set for Saturday, Aug. 2 is an event called Puppets Galore featuring the renowned comedian and puppeteer who has performed all over the world.
Adding to the family fun is the fact all proceeds from the show will go to benefit the local museum.
“He and his wife were on their way back to Austin when they saw a Toy and Action Figure Museum billboard near Norman,” said Kevin Stark.
“They decided to pull in to check out the museum and have lunch.”
By coincidence Stark happened to be at the museum at that very same time, where he learned Abdou also collected action figures and other pop culture items.
“He loved the place so much he told us he would love to do a show to benefit the museum. He’s performing for free with everything going to the museum,” he said.
Puppets Galore, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, will not be held at the museum but instead Lee Elementary located at 300 W. Bert in PV.
The show is described as something the entire family will enjoy, which is a good thing because children must be accompanied by adults.
Mr. Puppet is expected to be joined by some of his hysterical friends such as singing cowpoke Roofus Doofus and Stinky, the possum who would rather be an elephant.
Also helping Mr. Puppet shower laughter wherever he goes are Tiny the Elephant, Astro the fiddling raccoon, Bingo the monkey and the Mayberry Sisters, a trio of singing and dancing poodle puppets.
Following the performance, Mr. Puppet will lead a workshop where children 6 to 12 years old will learn how to make their very own puppet.
Space in this workshop is extremely limited.
Early registration is a must as only 25 lucky children will participate.
The cost for the 50-minute show is $8 for all ages. Registration for the 45-minute workshop is an additional $10.
All tickets include free admission to the museum.
To make reservations call the museum at (405) 238-6300.
