StageWorks will bring French playwright Gilles Segal's The Puppetmaster of Lodz to Kinderhook, NY as part of their 1997 mainstage season, Aug. 28 - Sept. 14.

Set in post-WWII Berlin, The Puppetmaster is the story of a master artist afraid to leave the rented garret he shares with his puppets and the ghosts of his past. He refuses to believe the war is ended and works to create his consummate masterpiece. The puppetmaster desperately tries to fend off the intrusions of a strange man, who is either his enemy or his last hope.

Robert Zukerman reprises the title role he played at San Diego's Blackfriars Theater, winning a San Diego Critics Circle Award. His credits include numerous regional and Off-Broadway productions. Featured in the cast are Nancy Rothman, Joel Aroeste and Tom Frey.

Bruce Levitt, artistic director of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, directs. Puppets for this production have been designed and created by Ralph Lee, founder of the Village Halloween Parade and artistic director of the Mettawee River Company. Sets are by Shelley Barclay with lighting by Deena Pewtherer, costumes by Sara Belanger and sound by Chuck Hacher.

Tickets ($13-$23) with group, senior and student discounts, are available at (518) 828-7843. The performances take place at the North Pointe Cultural Arts Center, on Route 9 in Kinderhook. -- By Laura MacDonald