A wildly inventive puppet improv celebration that delivers nonstop laughter — and you can still grab a seat for you and your adult friends. Just leave the kids at home.
By John Lavitt
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 02-24-2026
In its return to the Montalbán Theatre, the Jim Henson Company’s Puppet Up! – Uncensored delivers a thrilling fusion of irreverent comedy and astonishing technical precision. Guided by Brian Henson and stage director Patrick Bristow, this live improvisational spectacle pulls back the curtain on the artistry behind modern puppetry, inviting the audience to witness not only the characters on screen but the performers bringing them to life in real time.
By placing the puppeteers in full view beneath the projected action, the production creates a captivating dual experience: the polished comedic “film” unfolding above and the kinetic athleticism below. It is controlled chaos — hilarious, fast, and breathtakingly human.
At the center of the evening is Patrick Bristow, whose sharp improvisational instincts and genuine rapport with the audience transform spontaneous suggestions into fully realized comic scenarios. He navigates the unpredictable energy of the room with calm confidence, giving the performers space to soar while maintaining rhythm and focus. The result feels daring without ever losing cohesion.
Musical director Willie Etra provides the evening’s pulse, intuitively underscoring scenes and heightening emotional turns without overwhelming them. His live accompaniment becomes an essential collaborator in the improvisational dance, his music echoing through the historic Montalbán Theatre with warmth and precision.
The ensemble of puppeteers — with Peggy Etra and Donna Kimball among the standouts — demonstrates remarkable range. Through subtle shifts of voice and the smallest tilt of felt and foam, they convey emotional extremes that are at once absurd and surprisingly poignant. Watching their faces as they perform adds a powerful layer of intimacy; the audience witnesses the joy, concentration, and split-second decisions that fuel each moment.
Beyond the rapid-fire comedy, Puppet Up! carries the weight of legacy. Brian Henson honors his father’s groundbreaking spirit by revisiting early Jim Henson sketches, including a recreation of one of the first pieces performed with Jane Henson on The Ed Sullivan Show. These moments are not mere nostalgia — they reveal the throughline of curiosity, innovation, and playful courage that continues to define the Henson name.
What makes this production resonate most deeply is its openness. By revealing the mechanics, it celebrates collaboration over illusion. The humanity of the performers is not hidden — it is the point. In an era saturated with digital perfection, there is something profoundly refreshing about witnessing creativity unfold live, imperfect and electric.
For those seeking one of the most inventive nights out in Los Angeles, tickets for this limited engagement at the Montalbán Theatre are still available. Given the enthusiasm surrounding the run, they may not remain so for long. This show is a rare opportunity to experience artists who understand both craft and heart — and who remind us that laughter, at its best, is a communal act.
