
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.
Singlar, a lifelong fan of Jim Henson, developed his passion for puppetry at YAI’s Tarrytown Day Habilitation Center, where he began crafting sock puppets during art activities. His collaboration with Liflander, who volunteers at the day hab, began serendipitously during an impromptu interaction between their puppets. That magical moment evolved into the “Happiness Show,” a celebration of creativity and connection.
The performance featured Singlar’s beloved characters, Dazzle the dog and Mitzi the cat, alongside Liflander’s creations. Highlights included the improvised “Hot Chocolate Song” and the Bunny Hop dance, which brought the entire audience to their feet. Following the show, a puppet-making workshop encouraged the audience to channel their creativity and craft their own unique characters.

The event also carried a deeper message of inclusivity. “To see Derrick performing as an equal with Jill is powerful,” said Ken Reedy, a YAI trainer and program support. “It shows that people with disabilities have talent, dreams, and so much to contribute. For others with disabilities in the audience, it’s an inspiring reminder that they can achieve their goals too.”
The JCC received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many attendees eager for future performances. Plans are already underway to bring back the “Happiness Show” and continue spreading Singlar’s uplifting message.