By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Fratello Marionettes puppeteers Kevin Menegus, left, and Fred C. Riley III with two performers from the Vaudeville Follies Cabaret Variety Show presented last Saturday at the Moapa Valley Library. Photo by Mike Donahue

An enchanting cast of dancers, singers and performers made up of intricately handcrafted marionettes delighted an audience of youngsters, oldsters and in-betweensters at the Moapa Valley Library last Saturday as part of this year’s summer reading program.

The marionette performers staged the Vaudeville Follies, a family cabaret variety show presented in the spirit of an old time music hall. The puppets, all part of The Fratello Marionettes of Danville, CA, were “directed” (literally) by Kevin Menegus and Fred C. Riley III.

The audience of about 120 roared with delight during the show which included an opera singer, a trapeze artist, Puddles the trained dog, Crepe Suzette the ballet-dancing chicken and the amazing Pierrot who actually blew up a balloon.

Librarian April Heath said the show was part of the summer reading program which is based this year on stories from different continents and countries. Its theme is “One World, Many Stories.”

Menegus, founder, performer and marionette builder, said he developed his unique style of puppetry while performing throughout the world including on major cruise lines. Riley, also has an extensive background in puppetry and spent several years at Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry arts as a resident puppeteer.

“I got a toy puppet when I was about six years old and I’ve been working with them and developing my style ever since,” Menegus said.

The talented puppeteer, who has a degree from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music and has performed extensively on the West Coast and the Intermountain West, said he can adapt each of his many shows to his audience.

“Our diverse selection of shows caters to children, family and adult audiences,” Menegus said. “Our shows present intricate marionettes that range in size from one foot to three-feet-tall. We make all of our puppets which can take up to three months. It involves everything from carving and sculpting to painting and costuming.”

Heath said Saturday’s performance was hosted by the Clark County Library District

This weekend’s summer reading program is entitled “A Taste of Europe” and will be conducted both Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m.