Puppet-heads are already getting major wood for the first-ever Santa Monica Puppetry Festival, brought to us by Steve Meltzer of Puppetolio!. The fest opens today with a reception and display of puppets from the film Lili. Highlights over the coming days include screenings of films featuring iconic puppetry work, live puppet theater with ventriloquist Dan Horn, a performance by Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop (she’s Shari’s daughter), plus a very special appearance by Lili star Leslie Caron. Various locations; Oct. 8-12. www.santamonicapuppetryfestival.com. Pictured: Mallory Lewis, woolgathering with Lambchop.

Oct. 8-12, 2008

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