By C.J. Hirschfield
In the 15 years that I’ve run
Children’s Fairyland, we’ve presented more than 100 puppet shows. My absolute
favorite is “Puff the Magic Dragon,” which we premiered last year in honor of
our Storybook Puppet Theater’s 60th anniversary.
Casting the voices to be
recorded for the show was not easy. Although Puff is not the main character – he
doesn’t cause things to happen; he merely advises and guides – his voice was
critical. It had to be a voice that was warm and soothing yet conveyed enough
credibility and love so that you really wanted to listen to and believe in him.
It was abundantly clear to
Fairyland puppet master Randal Metz whose voice it had to be. Ron Zeno,
Fairyland’s Santa for two decades, was the only person he ever considered for
the role.
