The average puppet show might be entertaining to kids, but Jordan Toronto's play employs puppets for the whole family.

With puppets representing her children in the play "It's Been a Mom Day," the mother of two has entertained audiences while sometimes leaving them "teary-eyed," said Cherie Sinclair, marketing director for Centre Stage.

Jordan Toronto's one-woman play aims to highlight the struggles and triumphs of being a mom, and has free performances at noon Thursday and Friday in the lobby of the Citizens Bank Theatre, 146 S. Allen St.

Her husband, and the play's director, Matt Toronto said the show tells the story of a day in the life of a mother and is based on specific events surrounding the lives of their two children, Clementine, 1, and Kaylor, 4.

Jordan Toronto said that the initial idea was more focused on herself, but she soon realized she also wanted to express the voices of her two children.

"I was brainstorming what songs I wanted to do for a one-woman show and I must have thought, 'this thought would sound good coming from Clementine,' " Jordan Toronto said. "It just seemed right. Over time I realized that it would be really cool to have them sing. Certain songs are better coming from them."

While the story focuses on the Toronto family, he said audience members will easily relate.

"It's a universal experience," he said.

Sinclair agreed.

"The response has been overwhelming and very touching, often never leaves a dry eye in the house," she said.

The play is directed at a more adult audience because of the serious nature of its storyline. However, the inclusion of puppets makes the show kid-friendly, she said.

"There's definitely a lot of humor about it. I guess I'm kind of inviting the audience into something that's both a struggle and a joy," Jordan Toronto said. "Humor, but a lot of poignant moments -- sort of a combination of a tender thing and, of course, some raucous good fun."

The performance is almost entirely made up of songs, including some taken from Pippin, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia!, and Footloose, Jordan Toronto said. Some of the songs are rearranged, while others remain the same, she said.

Jordan Toronto, who once lived in New York City, never had the opportunity to create her plays. Now that she's moved to State College, she's been able to work on her second love -- her first love being her family.

"It's sweet to be able to combine my love for family and performing," she said.

The play will continue through noon on Friday, free of charge, and audience members are allowed to bring food and drink, Sinclair said.

"If you're homesick, this will probably make you appreciate your mom," she said.