Northwest Puppet Center’s season opener features the return of Paul Mesner and his marionettes for the comedic Italian folk tale, “Strega Nona,” now through Oct. 24.

The trouble begins when Big Anthony is left alone with Strega Nona’s magic pasta pot. Before long the village is up to its ears in pasta as the pot pours uncontrollably all over the town.

“Strega Nona” is performed with marionettes designed in the traditional 18th century Sicilian style, with metal rods to the puppets’ heads instead of strings. Sicilian style marionettes, popular in France and Belgium as well as Italy, were traditionally used to perform chivalric tales and are still used for the same purpose today.

Paul Mesner Puppets hails from Kansas City, Mo. and has been featured in NWPC’s family series for many years. His sell-out appearances include his popular presentations of “Anansi the Spider,” “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs A. Wolf,” and “The Dinosaur Show.” He has performed all over the world and has been awarded many honors, including the UNIMA award for outstanding achievement in the art of puppetry, an award created by the late Jim Henson of “Muppets” fame.

Performances for “Strega Nona” are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, and at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 24. The Northwest Puppet Center is located at 9123 15th Ave. NE in north Seattle. Tickets are $9.50 adults, $7.50 ages 16 &under, $8 seniors, available at the door (25 minutes before each show), or by calling 206-523-2579.