A musical revue with a significant amount of puppetry.

Noel MacNeal (Little Shop of Horrors, Bear in the Big Blue House, Sesame Street, Between the Lions, Eureeka's Castle, Last Week Tonight) brings his hit New York City solo concert, fresh from his triumphant debut at 54 Below to the Vince Anthony Founders Theater.

Hey, This Was Really Fun! tells his life and the lessons he's learned as a little pink bird, a baby dragon, a ninja turtle, a precocious inner-city kid, a lion cub, a profane squirrel, a bear in a big blue house, and on occasion a very big bird — plus all the monsters, grouches, talking food, writing, directing, producing, and appearances along the way. The show also features a musical mix including Sinatra, Billy Joel, and many favorites from throughout Noel's remarkable career.

About the Artist

NOEL MACNEAL is a two-time Emmy Award-winning director, performer, and puppeteer whose work has shaped children's television and contemporary puppetry for decades. He is best known as the performer behind Bear in Disney's Bear in the Big Blue House and Lionel on PBS's Between the Lions, and brought his artistry to Sesame Street, Eureeka's Castle, and The Puzzle Place. He currently serves as a resident puppeteer on HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. His directing work on Sesame Street earned him two Daytime Emmy Awards. On stage, Noel made his Broadway debut in Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets and periodically performs Off-Broadway as Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors.

Noel is also the creator of The Show Me Show, an inclusive puppetry series developed for autistic and special needs children, reflecting his ongoing commitment to accessibility, communication, and joy through puppetry. Following a triumphant solo debut at 54 Below in New York City, Noel brings his hit concert Hey, This Was Really Fun! — a musical journey through his life, his characters, and the lessons they've taught him — to the Vince Anthony Founders Theater stage.

What is Puppetry NOW?

Puppetry NOW is the Center for Puppetry Arts’ initiative to highlight contemporary artists and voices historically underrepresented in puppetry. Launched in 2022, the program brings artists to the Center for short-term residencies that include a solo exhibition, live performances, and educational workshops.

At the end of each exhibition, the Center acquires a piece of the artist’s work for its permanent collection, ensuring their contributions can be enjoyed for generations.

Through Puppetry NOW, we provide space, resources, and support for creative expression and artistic growth. This initiative connects the Center to the evolving state of puppetry while offering audiences bold, innovative work.