The premise: a twisted 1950s children’s show. It features Doug (Doug Dale), a geeky, wide-eyed host, and his “Anipals,” a menagerie of animal puppets co-existing with the real kind.

“Doc Foster’s Twisted Tales: A Puppet Show for Grown-Ups” is described as “wickedly macabre,” using puppets and live, creepily costumed actors to spin stories of &#822… ...

While the original Pinocchio story follows a puppet who hopes to become a real boy, Pinocchio: Unstrung’s tagline teases a terrifying toy that won’t be the same naïve being fans know and love.

This year’s finalists include two toys that date to ancient times, the puppet and the top. At the other end of the timeline is the Super Soaker, which put a tank of water on a squirt gun in 1990.

What: Madcap Puppets: “Twain’s Twisted Tales” When: Monday, July 7, 11 a.m. Running time 45 minutes, plus a Q & A. Where: Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield ...