You could say that puppets are enjoying a theatrical revival.
Puppetry is an artform cherished by many cultures. But in America, puppets were long associated with children’s television and programming.
Then along came director Julie Taymor, who brought the African savanna to life for the 1997 stage adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King. Through the simple machinery of puppets, herds of antelope raced toward an enthralled audience. Giraffes and zebras ambled across the stage. Cheetahs stalked, and birds strutted.
During 2011, actor Stephen Plunkett (a Denton native) sat astride the horse puppet at the...