Weird Al marionette maker gets surprise visit at Halifax gallery

A marionette maker from Harrietsfield, N.S. says he's still riding a wave of excitement after meeting Weird Al Yankovic at thedebut ofhis Weird Al-themedcollection at an art gallery on Friday.

Darren Moreash, owner of Darrionettes,says he was meeting with patrons at Argyle Fine Art in Halifaxwhen Weird Alwalked in.

"It was very surreal," Moreash told CBC News.

"And I'm in there, and then, next thing you know, I'm looking at Weird Al Yankovic."

Weird Al was in Halifax for two shows at Casino Nova Scotia on July 23 and 24 as part of his Mandatory Fun tour.

Moreash handcrafted a set of wooden marionettes inspired by some of Weird Al's most famous music videos, including 1984's Eat It, 1988's Fat and 1996's Amish Paradise.

A not-so-mandatory visit

Moreash was taken by surprise, he says, because the gallery openingwasn't heavily promoted. Even though there were rumours Weird Al had been walking around Halifax, Moreash didn't think he'dshow up.

Weird Al attended the opening for abouthour, Moreash said.He talked with patrons, took photos and signed autographs.

"I've never meet a more down to earth, normal person," he said.

"It was one of those weird conversations where youjustit clicks. It's like you're talking with an old friend. It was like I was talking with someone from high school that I haven't seen in 20 years."

A highlight of the evening, Moreash said,was a short puppet show his son Jordan performed to Weird Al songs.

"[Yankovic]sat on the floor right in front of it with his phone and taped some of it, and I noticed he put some of it up on Instagram later on that night."

Moreash said the two exchanged gifts.Weird Al took home the Amish Paradise-themedmarionette. Moreash was given free tickets to Friday night's show.

"I wasn't going to go either night. I mean, I make marionettes. How much money do I have?"he joked.

Argyle Fine Art owner Adriana Afford has set up an auction for an autographedmarionette inspired by the Eat It music video. The bidding has started at $200, and the funds will be donated to a charity of Yankovic's choosing.