Celebrating 25 years - Center for Puppetry Arts

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre of
Salzburg, Austria
In March, the Center hosted the world-renowned
Salzburg Marionette Theatre of Salzburg, Austria, as
part of the 25 th Anniversary Celebration. The company
performed four of their signature pieces, The Barber
of Seville, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Magic Flute
and Peter and the Wolf. These performances were
presented by The Coca-Cola Company in honor of
Betty Stephens and her late husband Preston Stephens,
longtime supporters of the Center for Puppetry Arts,
and for Mr. Stephens’ many years of service to The
Coca-Cola Company.
After each of the performances, the proscenium was
removed and the puppeteers demonstrated their
intricate technique in full view of the audience by
doing a scene from the performance.
A variety of special events were part of the festivities.
The Opening Night Party honored Betty Stephens and
The Coca-Cola Company. Guests enjoyed champagne,
coffee and desserts.
Gretl Aicher, artistic director, puppeteer and
granddaughter of the founder of the Salzburg
Marionette Theatre, led a special backstage tour and
a discussion on the history of the company.
Carter Joseph, opera aficionado and co-founder of
The Atlanta Opera’s Opera 101 series, led a fun and
informational introduction to the opera.
Founded in 1913, the Theater continues to awe
audiences around the globe with its exquisite string
puppets, opulent scenery, wondrous arias and oldworld
charm. The Center was the sole venue in the
Southeast during the Salzburg Marionette Theatre’s
2004 U.S. tour.
Co-Chairs
Ellen Taratus & Phyllis Tuggle
Host Committee
Erin and Todd Blair
Jan and Kip Caffey
Jessica and Jeff DeHart
Sarah and Bill Gray
Carter Joseph
Kathy and Eddie Knox
Marge and Dan McDonald
Mary and Kevin O’Gara
Becky and Mark Riley
Bill Snyder
Lisa and Alex Suarez
Suzanne and Matt Sullivan
Anne and Alan Taetle
Ellen and Ken Taratus
Rosalia and John Thomas
Marion and Martin Tilson
Phyllis and Clyde Tuggle
Barbara Wylly
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