The Exterminating Poet | Upper Jay | May 14, 2026

Thursday, May 14, 2026
7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Upper Jay Art Center 12198 State Highway 9N Upper Jay, NY, 12987 United States (map)

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The Exterminating Poet Brings Intimate Theatre to Upper Jay

On May 14, 2026, The Exterminating Poet arrives in the Adirondacks for a one-night theatre and puppetry performance at Upper Jay Art Center. This work-in-progress, showing by guest artist Vinny Mraz, blends solo performance, poetry, and puppetry into a quietly powerful evening of experimental theatre in the Whiteface region.

Set in the hamlet of Upper Jay—just minutes from Lake Placid and along the Ausable River—this intimate performance offers a rare chance to experience new work in development inside one of the Adirondacks’ most creatively vibrant community arts spaces.

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A work-in-progress theatre experience in the Adirondacks.

At its core, The Exterminating Poet is a meditation on mortality, longing, and the search for beauty in an imperfect world. The piece centers on Jack, an exterminator’s office manager who spends his days surrounded by reminders of life’s fragility—yet continues to write poetry and search for meaning in the mundane.

The performance unfolds as an assemblage of poems attributed to Jack Wiler, imagined from the later years of his life. Through a collage of text, puppetry, and theatrical storytelling, the work explores themes of love, truth, and the tension between materialism and deeper human connection.

Performance art using puppetry to tell a story. — A performance using puppetry and theatrical storytelling.

Inspired in part by the confessional storytelling style of Spalding Gray, the piece leans into intimacy—inviting audiences into a reflective, almost conversational theatrical space.

Upper Jay Art Center and the Adirondack creative scene.

Events like this highlight the evolving cultural landscape of the Adirondacks. While the region is often associated with outdoor adventure, venues like Upper Jay Art Center continue to expand what “things to do in the Adirondacks” can mean—especially for travelers seeking arts and culture alongside mountain views.

Located just outside Lake Placid and within easy reach of Keene and Wilmington, Upper Jay has quietly become a hub for creative residencies, performances, and experimental work. Mraz’s residency as part of the “New Work in the North Country” program underscores the Adirondacks’ growing role as a place not just to escape—but to create.

Meet the artist behind the performance.

Vinny Mraz is a multidisciplinary theater-maker whose work spans New York City and beyond. His performances have been presented at venues including HERE Arts, La MaMa, and The Tank, as well as at festivals and cultural programs across the country.

He brings a distinctive blend of storytelling, movement, and visual elements—including puppetry—to his work. His recent collaboration on Azad (The Rabbit and the Wolf) earned critical praise and recognition on KQED’s “Best of Theater 2025” list.

Beyond performance, Mraz is also a teaching artist deeply engaged in creative aging programs and community-based storytelling—an influence that subtly informs the reflective tone of The Exterminating Poet.

What to expect from this Upper Jay performance.

This is not a polished, final production—and that’s precisely the appeal.

Work-in-progress showings offer audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Expect a performance that feels immediate, exploratory, and deeply personal. Puppetry elements, poetic text, and theatrical experimentation combine to create something closer to an experience than a traditional play.

For those visiting Lake Placid, Wilmington, or Keene Valley, it’s a compelling way to spend an evening off the trail—immersed in Adirondack arts and storytelling.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Arrive early to explore Upper Jay and grab a pre-show bite at NewVida in Jay or in nearby Keene or Wilmington. Seating is typically intimate at Upper Jay Art Center, so early arrival ensures the best vantage point for this nuanced, close-up performance.

Vinny Mraz, Artist in residence at the Upper Jay Arts Center — Upper Jay Art Center guest artist Vinny Mraz. Photo by Max Danesh

Plan your visit.

The Exterminating Poet
May 14, 2026
7 pm – 9 pm

Upper Jay Art Center
Upper Jay, NY (near Lake Placid)

As with many Adirondack arts events, details may evolve—visitors are encouraged to check the venue’s website or social channels for the latest updates.

And if discovering unique events like this is your thing, consider subscribing to In Good Taste, ADK Taste’s weekly guide to the Adirondacks’ best stories, food, and happenings.