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Braving the snow and sleet, 60 attendees gathered at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) on Sunday, January 19, for the “Happiness Show,” a heartwarming puppet performance by Derrick Singlar, a 44-year-old with Down syndrome and Jill Liflander, a professional puppeteer. The winter-themed show masterfully blended music, improvisation, and audience participation, earning glowing reviews from the crowd. Paul Griffin, a professional musician, joyfully led the group in wintery sing-alongs and provided accompaniment and merriment throughout the show.
For Singlar, the performance marked a milestone as he received his first paycheck as a professional artist. “I like making children happy,” he said. “Working with Jill makes me feel joyful and supported. Doing the show makes me feel really proud.”
His family — including his mother, brother, and brother’s fiancée—watched with pride, celebrating his success.