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Marionettes danced upon the Knickerbocker Theatre’s stage Saturday.

Joseph Cashore, with the help of wife Wilma Cashore, presented a series of brief but intimate stories with the elaborately stringed puppets. Among the tales: A harried new mother trying to comfort a squalling infant; a joyful horse exploring the world beyond its corral; a wise old man encountering an unexpected distraction; a violinist at work; a homeless man grappling with despair; a widow remembering her husband; and a young girl torn between the demands of homework and the pursuit of fun.

The puppets’ antics and tribulations elicited great delight from the large afternoon audience.

Heidi and Michael Van Wieren of Holland brought their children, Lauren, 5, and Lucas, 2, to enjoy what may be the family’s last outing before the Van Wierens welcome their third child.

“Our kids love the puppet show in The Sound of Music,” said Heidi Van Wieren, whose due date is Feb. 18. Michael Van Wieren declared the show “awesome,” while Lauren smiled shyly and said her favorite part was “all of it.”

Her excitement matched that of Bill Henderson, the founder of the West Michigan Puppetry Guild and for 13 years the owner of a Chicago puppet theatre. Henderson, 65, caught Cashore’s show about 20 years ago and said it was unforgettable.

Saturday’s attendance delighted Derek Emerson, Hope College’s director of events and conferences, who deemed both shows sellouts. Few seats were empty during the matinee.

Cashore worked without a microphone, giving brief introductions to each piece. Dressed in black, he remained visible to the audience but nearly forgotten as most people watched the marionettes’ intricate movements.

Bob and Pat Williams found seats at the back of the main floor. The parents of the late artist Brad Williams, who created puppets for Nickelodeon’s Pinwheel and Pee Wee’s Playhouse, consider themselves puppet devotees. Pat Williams said Cashore’s work “is enthralling.”