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Heartwarming Story Comes to Life at Orlando Fringe Festival

A captivating animated scene from the heartwarming show 'Ferry Tale' at the Orlando Fringe Festival.

News Summary

Canadian puppeteer Adam Francis Proulx returns to the Orlando Fringe Festival with his show ‘Ferry Tale’. The performance tells the touching story of a Depression-era couple separated by the U.S./Canadian border, showcasing Proulx’s unique animation style and creative storytelling. ‘Ferry Tale!’ blends historical elements and personal anecdotes into a captivating narrative, offering audiences a sense of hope and connection. This performance is suitable for families and runs for 60 minutes, promising an enriching experience for all attendees.

Orlando – Award-winning Canadian puppeteer Adam Francis Proulx has returned to the Orlando Fringe Festival 2025 with his heartwarming show, ‘Ferry Tale.’ This engaging performance brings to life a tender-hearted sorta-true story centered around a Depression-era couple facing the challenges of being separated by the U.S./Canadian border.

‘Ferry Tale!’ is a unique one-man animated movie experience that utilizes paper dolls and multi-layered backdrops crafted from vintage newsprint and photographs. Proulx employs an overhead camera in conjunction with a large projection screen to vividly showcase his intricate manipulations during the show, enhancing the storytelling experience.

The narrative follows the lives of John William Hampshire and Gladys “Mary” Ellis, a couple who come to grips with the heartache of their separation. They find a temporary solution to their predicament by exploiting a legal loophole, allowing them to share fleeting moments of happiness aboard an international ferryboat. Proulx ingeniously synchronizes the animation to lively jazz music, creating an immersive atmosphere for the audience.

The show features storytelling reminiscent of Winsor McCay’s artistic style, with captivating drawings of the unfortunate lovers. Audience members are treated to an applauded opening credits sequence that sets the tone for a performance rich in emotion and creativity. Despite John and Mary being depicted as two-dimensional cutouts, Proulx succeeds in creating a deep emotional investment in the characters, inviting viewers to empathize with their plight.

Alongside the central narrative, Proulx interweaves historical digressions and personal anecdotes, adding layers of humor and intrigue. However, some reviews suggest that while these sidebars are engaging, they may not be as compelling as the primary storyline of John and Mary. The true historical outcome for the couple does not conform to a traditional Hollywood ending, yet Proulx offers a more whimsical conclusion during the festival, aiming to leave audiences with a sense of hope and belief in fairy tales and true love.

‘Ferry Tale!’ is performed at the Silver Venue, Orlando Family Stage, and runs for 60 minutes. The show is designed to cater to audiences aged 7 and up, making it accessible for families looking for an enriching experience. Tickets for the performance are priced at $15.

This production promises to be an uplifting addition to the array of artistic performances at the Fringe Festival, showcasing the talents of Proulx as he breathes life into a touching story that resonates with themes of love, longing, and the quest for connection. As audiences eagerly experience the delightful visuals and the heartwarming narrative, ‘Ferry Tale!’ stands as a celebration of creativity and storytelling excellence.