Some 60 years after Lamb Chop made her television debut on the hands of her sidekick, Shari Lewis, the beloved sock puppet that has entertained generations of children and families is back and planning a special appearance in Thomasville. 

The third event of Thomasville Entertainment Foundation’s inaugural Family Series, the March 11 performance teams Lamb Chop with Mallory Lewis, daughter of the late performer who first brought the iconic character to television in 1957.

“Many of today’s parents and grandparents grew up watching Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop on network television and on their own PBS children’s show. I certainly did,” said TEF President Ann McCrickard. “We hope they will bring their children and grandchildren and allow them to experience the magic for themselves.”

A veteran entertainer, Shari Lewis passed away in 1998, and, after a brief hiatus, Lamb Chop went back to work again, and she has been sharing the spotlight with Mallory since 2000. These days, they travel the world together, appearing in performing arts centers, at state fairs, on cruise ships and at military bases.

Expect a high energy show, filled with music, comedy and audience participation designed to resonate with audiences from toddlers to seniors, McCrickard said.

The Saturday morning event is free to children and students, with tickets for accompanying adults on sale for $10. The performance begins at 10 a.m. at the Thomasville Center for the Arts, and, following the performance, children are invited to stay for a workshop during which they can make their own sock puppets to take home.

Pre-registration is required to attend the workshop, which will be led by Emily McKenna of You’re Maker.

TEF’s Family Series is presented in collaboration with the Thomasville Center for the Arts, and Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop are made possible in part by a grant from Georgia Presenters and Fox Theatre Institute.  

“We are so happy to bring this series of family entertainment to the Thomasville Center for the Arts, helping to build the next generation of arts lovers here in south Georgia,” said TEF Artistic Director Janice Faircloth. “We hope these lively and interactive programs will stimulate emotion, imagination and creativity.”

Previous offerings for the premiere season included a fall family picnic in MacIntyre Park featuring brass quintet, Garnet & Brass, and a performance by the acclaimed Cashore Marionettes.

For more information on “A Lamb Chop Celebration” and to pre-register for the children’s workshop after the performance, log onto www.TEFconcerts.com or call (229) 226-7404.