Destination: Carolina Puppet Theater ends Raleigh public shows, but still entertains young kids

Thursday was a bittersweet day for Carolyn Johnson and Helen Dawkins as they set up the chairs and decorated the set for their last public performance at Comedy Worx as Kazoom Puppet Theater.

More than two decades ago, Johnson (better known as Ms. Poly) and Dawkins (better known as Ms. Ester) started entertaining kids, first as clowns and then puppeteers. Since 1997, the two opened as Kazoom at Comedy Worx. For most of that time, they were open twice a week every week with two weekday morning shows per day. 

The two have been delighting young audiences with their lively mix of songs, stories, puppets and side comments for the adults in the crowd ever since. And, for many kids, Bartlet, the puppet "superstar" of the show, is as real as Ms. Poly and Ms. Ester. The show includes an entire segment where Ms. Poly reads cards and pictures that kids have brought in for Bartlet.

Over the years, they've formed bonds with families and those who care for kids - nannies who have brought their various charges for years; moms, who went as a child and now bring their own children; kids with special needs, who still enjoy going a dozen years later in their teens.

"It's just the connections you make with the families," Johnson tells me of what she'll miss the most about not performing at Comedy Worx.

The decision to end the shows comes as Johnson and Dawkins work toward retirement. Johnson looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. Dawkins plans to spend more time with her family and looks forward to more time for her jewelry making.

At one point, the duo were working six to seven days a week - performing shows at Comedy Worx, schools, corporate events, store openings, birthday parties and more. They started scaling back their schedule at Comedy Worx about two years ago.

Through it all, the two have remained not only business partners, but good friends. Now, as they cut back on their performances, they joked they might just actually have more time to spend with each other.

For field trips, schools can book the Carolina Puppet Theater at Comedy Worx with at least 70 paying people at $5 per person. Teachers are free. They'll also come to your school to perform. 

"We are only semi retired," Dawkins tells me. "We just needed a little more flexible schedule."