City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We work in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Our programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Opening January 17: Little Miss Muffet’s Monster-Sitting Service
Written and Directed by Doug Strich with Music and Songs by Emily Fellner
Little Miss Muffet’s Monster-Sitting Service tells the story of Molly Muffet (the great–great–great–great granddaughter of the original, “Little Miss Muffet”) and what happens when she ends up home alone while her parents leave for a high school reunion. Molly’s grandfather is called in to babysit but gets stranded by a snowstorm in Alaska. As a last resort, he calls in an old family friend, Aloisius Albrecht Alviss Spider (Al for short), the original spider from the famed nursery rhyme. Molly and Al quickly become friends and hatch a plan to start a baby–sitting service for baby monsters while her parents are away.
As the night progresses and baby monsters get dropped off, Molly and Al receive news that the storm of the century is heading their way. Molly, Al and the babies bunker down for what promises to be a long night filled with music, song, dance and numerous surprises.
Winter Schedule: Effective Tuesday, January 17 – Sunday, April 8
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 a.m. and noon
- Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 p.m.
NOTE: Special show times on the below dates:
Tuesday, February 21 – Friday, February 24: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Spring & Summer Schedule: Effective Monday, April 9 – Sunday, August 26
Monday – Friday at 10:30 a.m. and noon, additional show on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
NOTE: Special show times on the below dates:
Monday, April 9 – Friday, April 13 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Closed:
Wednesday, July 4
RESERVATIONS
Reservations are required. Tickets are $8/adults, $5/children under 12.
Google Offers Voucher holders, please call (866) 811-4111 to reserve your tickets.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES/GROUP RATES
The Cottage features a unique party room adjacent to the theater that comes equipped with child-size furniture, making it an ideal spot to host your child’s next birthday party. The Theatre holds up to 100 people and the party room provides seating for up to 30 children. Group rates are available for schools and non-profit groups. For information, please call (212) 988-9093.
ABOUT THE COTTAGE
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre was imported to the U.S. in 1876 as Sweden”s exhibit for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The enchanting Swedish architecture and craftsmanship of the structure, suggestive of a model schoolhouse, caught the eye of Fredrick Law Olmsted, who brought it to Central Park in 1877.
Beginning in 1947, the Cottage served as the home of a marionette theater troupe that traveled across the city performing on playgrounds and school auditoriums. Under the direction of City Parks Foundation, citywide puppet shows in parks continue to this day through the CityParks PuppetMobile.
In 1973 a permanent theater was constructed inside the Cottage, precisely designed for marionette performances. Since then, hundreds of thousands of children and families from around the world have enjoyed its original marionette productions. The Theatre”s productions are based on classic fairy tales and offer an enriching theatrical and educational experience for children ages 3-9. The Cottage is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City.
DIRECTIONS
The Swedish Cottage is located in Central Park at 79th Street and the West Drive, just south of the Delacorte Theater.
By Subway: B or C train to 81st Street & Central Park West or 6 train to 77th Street & Lexington Avenue, entering the park at Fifth Avenue and heading west.
Download a map of the Swedish Cottage (PDF, 122 KB)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Soundtrack CD’s are on sale at the Cottage - please call directly for information or to purchase: (212) 988-9093.
View an NYC TV episode about the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.
In addition to works presented at the Cottage, City Parks Foundation offers a traveling puppet show, CityParks PuppetMobile, the oldest continually operating company of its kind in the country, which presents free performances and puppet-making workshops in neighborhood parks, recreation centers and schools throughout New York City.
In all of its programming and activities, City Parks Foundation partners with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to improve neighborhood parks and the communities they serve.
