These crankies make people happy.
They’re scrolls that artists use to create visual narrations to stories and songs. Around since the 19th century, they were very popular before giving way to silent movies and talkies, but recently, they’ve been experiencing a renaissance.
And now they’re bringing their charm to Queens.
The Center for Cultural Vibrancy presents Crankies Take New York at Flushing Town Hall from Friday, Feb. 28, to Sunday, March 2. The festival features two public shows, a family program, and two hands-on workshops.
“Audiences can expect stunning visuals, live music, and all sorts of surprises,” stated CCV Associate Director Josh Kohn. “If you love puppetry, storytelling, visual art, and all the things that are awesome, then you will love this show.”
The weekend opens with a 7:30 performance on Feb. 28. All ages are welcome, but the script is geared toward adults. General admission is $20, but $15 for seniors and students with identification.
The fun resumes at 1 pm on March 1 with a family workshop Build a Cardboard Crankie, followed by the Witchy & Weird show for families. Admission is free with a ticket purchase or $5.
Another family performance goes on at 2 pm, followed by a Q&A session. Admission is $15 for adults or $8 for children.
A repeat of the Friday night show returns to the stage at 7:30 pm with the same prices and warning about adult content.
And since crankies never sleep or rest, an adult Master Class is at 2 pm on March 2. Expert Katherine Fahey explores basic crankie making, getting the audience to participate with scrolls and prosceniums (proscenia?). Then, she performs with Dan Van Allen. Admission is $30.
Editor’s note: Flushing Town Hall offers live streaming. Click here to stream these shows.
The Talent
Now that we have the schedule, let’s look at the crankie talent that’s heading to Flushing.
Co-Curator Emily Schubert is a puppeteer, storyteller, mixed media artist, and puppet slam organizer. The Vermonter also curates and organizes the Baltimore Crankie Festival.
Baltimore’s Katherine Fahey and Dan Van Allen are the Lantern Sisters. They favor shadow puppetry, papercutting, and crankies (naturally).
Phoebe Potts is a Massachusetts-based graphic artist and comedic storyteller who’s had tremendous success with her “Too Fat for China” show.
Brooklynites Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris form Charming Disaster, a goth-folk duo inspired by macabre humor, murder ballads, and cabaret’s dramatic flair.
Boxcutter Collective is a political puppet troupe consisting of seven core members with a lefty, NYC edge.
Cayman Islands native Nasaria Suckoo is a storyteller and visual artist. She’s a keeper of traditional duppy stories, which often involve the spirits of deceased people.
Randy Chollette, another Cayman native who’s also Suckoo’s husband, is a multi-genre artist who will provide live percussion for his wife’s show.
Longtime pals Kaethe and Chloë are The Binoculars. They favor fiddle, guitar, lap steel, and laser vocal harmonies.
Flushing Town Hall’s entrance is at 137-35 Northern Blvd.
Images: David Parrish Photography