From Professor John Bell, Co-Director of Great Small Works International Toy Theatre Festival, NY: "Michael and Valerie Nelson's Little Blue Moon Theatre is a remarkable and unique puppet enterprise that fully exploits the artistic possibilities of toy theater as a contemporary art form. Such productions as "Japanese Ghost Story," "Mutiny on the Bounty," and "Natalie," have taken the nineteenth-century form of toy theater and brilliantly adapted it for the twenty-first century. The flat, cut-out proscenium-arch paper theaters of the 1800s and early 1900s always had very significant and profound implications, and the Nelsons have understood how those implications can be artfully reiterated today. The Nelsons' toy theater shows are marked by enthralling designs, innovative manipulation and transformation, skillful operation, compelling musical accompaniment, joyous good humor, and, of course, the added attraction of risque "adult" content, which nonetheless is always able to maintain a certain amount of propriety in the midst of deep innuendo. It is wonderful to see in the Nelsons' shows how this century-old performance tradition can be re-invigorated, not as a quaint period piece, but as a living medium of live theater that can captivate its audience in a short amount of time on a small stage."

From presenters:

"Michael and Valerie, I didn't really get the chance to tell you my thoughts about the show.  I found the development of your work exceptional within the toy theatre.  I appreciate the subtleties of light and rhythm, even within a predictable tale, your story emerged and kept everyone captivated.  I'm a bit of a rascal when it comes to theatre so it was such a relief to once again be delighted by your artistry.  The sets were brilliant.  And, yes, my dreams that night were erotic."

"...bright, sparkling, witty clever, sophisticated and very, very adult. Even on the tinest of stages they played with nuance, scale and special effects!"

"...drop dead brilliant: inventive, outlandish, and outrageously funny. I don't think I've laughed so hard in years. The Nelsons are on a roll, exploring a new medium, with a sure hand, deft timing and great good humor."

"The Nelsons' toy theater shows are marked by enthralling designs, innovative manipulation and transformation, skillful operation, compelling musical accompaniment, joyous good humor, and, of course, the added attraction of risque "adult" content, which nonetheless is always able to maintain a certain amount of propriety in the midst of deep innuendo. "

from the audience:

"...charming and beautifully executed production..."

"...a perfect blend of visual, music and story. Both productions were extremely playful and beautifully crafted in every sense."

"...We truly had a great time and the evening theme inspired us many evenings thereafter."

"...(the show has) the ability to imply without making the audience uncomfortable, all sorts of other possibilites."

"...You two blow me away with your multi-faceted creativity. The drawings, the sets, the singing, and the tiny technology just amaze me."

"... Thank you for a memorable and wonderful evening. Your toy theater show was great. This morning I woke up with the song '...the wind blew cold and lonely..' in my head. Seriously! (We) were so inspired!