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WBGO Journal
WBGO Journal with Doug Doyle
WBGO Journal

A unique theatrical performance in Manhattan takes place within a 2' x 4' box known as a cranky

By Doug Doyle
Published August 14, 2026 at 1:34 PM EDT
Magid Ensemble
Courtesy of Magid Ensemble/ Juliette Sutherland
Magid Ensemble

A unique theatrical performance has been taking place during the International Puppet Fringe Festival in Manhattan this week. The show is being performed in a decidedly low-tech medium known as the cranky. It is a portable stage with a panorama of characters and scenery scrolling by, accompanied by narration and music.

WBGO’s Jon Kalish has the story…

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WBGO Journal crankyInternational Puppet Fringe Festival Jon KalishWBGO Journal
Doug Doyle
Doug Doyle has been News Director at WBGO since 1998. Since then, Doug and his news staff have received more than 300 awards from organizations like PRNDI (now PMJA), AP, New York Association of Black Journalists, Garden State Association of Black Journalists and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.
See stories by Doug Doyle