Bobby Box, Associate Producer at The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, wrote this story with Lorna Howley, with the aim of entertaining at many levels, for all generations. He explains that if older family members laugh, the show makes a stronger connection, and kids enjoy it more. "We find there are a lot of grandparents bringing their grandkids," he says. "It's an intergenerational connection."

The Shoemaker puppets were created by Tears of Joy designer Jason Miranda, and the set features classic New York shadow scenes. As Box sees it, Tears of Joy is layering its artistic vision with his. “I get very excited about it!”

"Shoemaker and the Elves" was made possible for us by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, a grant from the Collins Foundation, and by the support of our wonderful Tears of Joy HEROES. For more information, call 503-248-0557 or 360-695-0477 or visit us on the Web at www.tojt.com.

Founded in 1971, Tears of Joy Theatre is nationally recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation in puppetry. A resident company of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Tears of Joy presents six local productions each year. Three of the company's productions have received American Puppetry's highest honor, the citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry. Tears of Joy touring performers entertain and inspire more than 250,000 people annually in theatres, community centers, festivals and schools throughout the US and abroad.