The story’s star is a rebellious little bee who has no desire to stay in the hive and so flies off to savor the honey beyond and ends up saving her bee community. The narrative also teaches kids some of the why’s and wherefore’s of life outside the hive. All the puppet characters Maya meets display a wide range of human frailties, from irritability to vulgarity. Nor do they express the least interest in their spunky, but gentle visitor, which contrasts with her hive’s camaraderie.

Brainchild of renowned jazz artist Nancy Harmon, the show brings to life a beloved German children’s book. The production features an amazing array of puppets designed by Zofia Czechlewska and constructed by Polish craftsmen at the Teatr Baj and Eli Worden. The music and lyrics by Ms. Harmon, arranged by Sir Roland Hanna and sung by the composer and jazz headliners Daryl Sherman and Grady Tate, go a long way toward making this story a special treat, featuring sophisticated jazz numbers. Behind the show ‘s success also are veteran puppeteer Nancy Shaw and a handful multi-talented actors and musicians.

In addition to the independent Maya, about a dozen marvelous puppets include a dark moth suffering from low-self esteem; a Dragonfly resembling May West, and a hornet mourning a lost love among others. At a recent performance, kids laughed most when the cloddish dung beetle rolled over and couldn’t right himself. The nasty spider rated a few boos and oohs greeted the splendiferous Queen Bee’s golden robes. Kids also enjoy a happy ending when Maya saves her hive from hornets and is finally rewarded with a hero’s hearty welcome home. Audience members get to ask questions after the show.#(Saturdays, 2 p.m., the Bleecker Street Theater, 45 Bleecker St., East Village, $15; $7 for children. Reservations: 212-539-6644.)