Chicago’s International Puppet Theater Festival Returns. Here Are 5 of Our Picks

A scene from “Anywhere,” one of the plays featured in the 2025 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. (Richard Termine) A scene from “Anywhere,” one of the plays featured in the 2025 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. (Richard Termine)

Chicago’s been invaded by puppet people, and resistance is futile. If you wish to experience theatrical wonder — and who doesn’t? — surrender to these inventive invaders. The seventh Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival runs Jan. 15-26 with supernatural stories, crazy comedies and heavy dramas. Here are picks for Week 1 of the fest, with some strings attached.

“Dracula: Lucy’s Dream” – Studebaker Theater
Spectacle and human-size puppets star in this gothic tale about a victim of Count Dracula. The company Plexus Polaire is a collaboration between Norwegian and French artists. Last year they staged a splendid “Moby Dick.” Jan. 15-19

“The House by the Lake” – Museum of Contemporary Art
Israeli puppeteer Yael Rasooly has a knack for visual storytelling, and this year she tells the tale of three sisters whose bodies are taken over by pieces of broken dolls. This one looks like marvelous fun with a serious edge. Jan. 17-19

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

“Anywhere” – Chopin Theatre
A marionette actually made of ice gradually melts in a poetic journey based on the myth of Oedipus. A collaboration between the festival and Théâtre de l’Entrouvert, a French company that explores human connection. Jan. 16-19

“Made in Macau” – Links Hall
Based in Macau, the Rolling Puppet Alternative Theater celebrates Chinese culture through traditional and modern puppet styles. Here they explore the diverse heritage of Macau, a blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences. Jan. 16-19

“The Cabinet” – Biograph Theater
This beloved show staged by Cabinet of Curiosity tells the story of Dr. Caligari, who uses a sleepwalking slave to commit murder. Based on the German Expressionist film, “The Cabinet” returns to Chicago after 15 years. Jan. 16-19

Tip: Check the venues — the festival happens in many places across the city (although its hub is in the Fine Arts Building). Also, check to see if shows are age appropriate. It’s all on the handy website: chicagopuppetfest.org.


Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors