If you’re looking for holiday entertainment in the city that doesn’t require chorus girls, or a second mortgage, look no further than Central Park.  The City Parks Foundation is once again proud to announce the holiday launch of The Three Bears Holiday Bash, a marionette production at the historic Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park.

The Three Bears Holiday Bash, is a variety show that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance, and puppetry. This production quickly becomes a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to star in Mama and Papa Bears’ annual holiday show.  Drawing from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a great way to get in the season spirit.

“We are very excited to announce the return of The Three Bears Holiday Bash,” said David Rivel, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation.  “As one of the most fascinating children’s theatres in the country, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park is the perfect place to tell this vibrant seasonal story.”

SHOW TIMES & RESERVATIONS

Show times for The Three Bears Holiday Bash, beginning Tuesday, November 16, 2010 are Tuesday through Friday at 10:30am and 12:00pm, with an additional performance at 2:30 pm each Wednesday; and Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm.  The production will run through December 30, 2010.

Reservations are required.  Tickets are $5/children and $8/adults.  Group rates are available for schools and other large groups.  For reservations, please visit the City Parks Foundation. For group rates, and information on birthday parties, please call 212-988-9093.

The Cottage is located in Central Park at 81st Street and Central Park West, just south of the Delacorte Theater.  For more information, please visit www.CityParksFoundation.org.

Generously supported by: The Weininger Foundation; The Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation; Historic House Trust.

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.

ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

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. For more information, please visit:www.CityParksFoundation.org.