Hosted by Amy Carrigan @theamycarrigan (Bud Abbot) and Hailey Bendar @thehaileybendar (Lou Costello).
What an incredible night of theatrical magic at The Tank (@thetanknyc) in midtown Manhattan! “Universal Monsters” delivered a spectacular tribute to the iconic creatures that defined horror’s golden age—brought to life through stunning puppetry and masterful performance.
The production celebrated the classic scary creatures we’ve loved (and feared) for generations, reimagined through intricate puppet work and creative stagecraft. From the moment the lights dimmed, the cast and crew transported us back to those wonderful years when monsters ruled the silver screen and captured our imaginations.
This was truly a collaborative triumph—so many talented artists, puppeteers, performers, and behind-the-scenes wizards contributed to making this production unforgettable. While there are too many deserving names to list here, each person’s dedication and artistry shone through in every scene.
The photographs below capture highlights from the evening—showcasing the remarkable puppet pieces and horror-themed characters that made “Universal Monsters” such a memorable theatrical experience. Each image tells part of the story of this monster-filled night of creativity and celebration.
So much monster fun, indeed.
Nosferatu has haunted our nightmares for over a century, and Cam Upton (@olcamcam) conjured that same primal fear with an opening that left the audience delightfully unnerved.
Maggie McGrath (@malantirmor) presented a delightful ‘Dracula’ on a tabletop covered with scenery.
The Figments (@figmentsinc) presented a hysterical miniature ‘Frankenstein’ piece. Featuring Marco Bottaro, Nick Peleggi and Luciano Alonso.
Bryan Fernandez (@bryamberbambez) was pulled away from his stage position by a mysterious stage device. He designed and performed the mummy puppet.
Leave it to PlaylabNYC (@play_nyc) to prove that toilet paper and a secret elixir are all you need to create Mummy magnificence. The horrific conclusion captured here is equal parts terrifying and brilliant—classic monster magic reimagined.
The hosts introduce the following performer by showcasing a wonderful full-size puppet, which foreshadows the upcoming performance.
Leave it to Muna Muhsin (@mu_cube) to reimagine the marionette: “The Invisible Man” featured all the strings with nothing attached! The piece became even more delightful when an audience member was recruited to assist with the invisible newborn puppet.
Some Frankenstein antics during a short interlude!
Maura Pelczynski (@pixie.pierrot) delivered double the drama with her “Bride of Frankenstein,” a mesmerizing live transformation paired with an exquisite storybook puppet that brought the iconic character to stunning life.
Abbott (@theamycarrigan) and Costello (@thehaileybendar) delivered vintage comedy gold as they set up the next theatrical piece. Can you identify which classic monster is about to take the stage?
Kim Van Aeist raised every hair in the house with her “Wolfman”—a stunning fusion of shadow projection artistry, remarkable costuming, and a delightful little puppet. Beautifully haunting.
The challenge of staging the “Phantom of the Opera”? Cat Aceto (@cat_aceto) met it brilliantly with overhead projections and paper puppets, crafting a hauntingly surreal landscape that captivated everyone in the house.
The “Creature from the Black Lagoon” found its perfect interpreter in Eva Lansberry (@eva_cranky_pantz), whose fourth-wall-breaking costume and enchanting performance turned this classic monster into the audience’s beloved favorite.
CURTAIN CALL FOR THE GREAT CAST of ‘Punch Puppet Slam: Universal Monsters’.
Produced by the powerhouse Gretchen Van Lente (@drama.of.works)
For information about upcoming shows, click HERE!
All Photographs ©2025 Jim R Moore/Vaudevisuals.com
