So many Tiny Heroes!

Hey there Puppet Friends! Spring is here, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and we are in the LAST series of our 40th Anniversary Season! Boy, how time flies. Our "Tiny Heroes" started off with a bang with Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers' productions of "The Legend of Banana Kid" and "Everybody Loves Pirates", which were SO much fun we are still recovering! And now we have SEVEN more shows for you to round out the series, starting off this week with "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Magpie Puppets!

Show Description: Kids learn to speak up for what’s right in this fun and highly interactive show. The Emperor has so many outfits that he orders all the shops and schools in the kingdom to close so that he’ll have more space to store his wardrobe. Two brave tailors, Greta and Rebecca, outwit the vain Emperor to save their country from ruin. Audience members help fool the Emperor’s assistant by inventing an imaginary outfit, then everyone teaches the Emperor a lesson by questioning him at the Royal Press Conference! Children will enjoy the show’s many colorful characters and silly adaptations of courtly behavior.

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, April 30th @ 10:30am 
Friday, May 1st @ 10:30am
Saturday, May 2nd @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, May 3rd @ 1pm & 3pm

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About the Performer: Maggie Whalen is the creator of Magpie Puppets, a one-woman puppet theater based in Stoneham, Massachusetts. She has been creating and performing puppet shows for children since 1969. In 1971, she founded and directed Poor People’s Puppets in NYC, which performed in its own storefront theater from 1971-1974. In addition to performing, Maggie has taught puppet-making workshops at schools, community centers and at Club Med Mini-Clubs in the Caribbean. She builds customized puppets for theater, film, and individuals as well. She is a member of the Boston Area Guild of Puppetry and Puppeteers of America. 
Recommended for ages 3-6. Very gentle, silly, and interactive.

Coming up immediately after that will be the quintessential tiny hero: "Jack and the Beanstalk" by Spring Valley Puppets...

Show Description: Can a boy outwit a giant? Can beans make wishes come true? They can and do in this award-winning puppet production! When Jack trades the family cow for a few magic beans — which grow into a beanstalk overnight — he climbs it to find adventure and fortune. Along the way he meets a feisty and funny chicken, a magic singing harp, and one real rat of a giant. This popular classic features beautifully crafted hand and rod puppets, colorful scenic design, special effects, and an original script in which Jack, with the help of a clever chicken, saves the day! 

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, May 7th @ 10:30am *SOLD OUT!*
Friday, May 8th @ 10:30am
Saturday, May 9th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, May 10th @ 1pm & 3pm

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About the Performer: Michael Graham has performed with puppets since he was a young boy. He founded the Spring Valley Puppet Theater in 1977. Since then, he has performed throughout New England, primarily for schools and libraries. His work has been featured numerous times at regional and national festivals of the Puppeteers of America, and he is a recipient of the prestigious UNIMA citation of excellence. Michael designs and makes all of his puppets by hand, writes his own scripts, creates the scenery, and performs many of the voices. He graduated from Western Connecticut State College with a degree in Elementary Education and Spanish, and has created many bilingual adaptations of folk tales. Michael has been a guest instructor at the University of Connecticut Puppet Arts program, the Institute of Professional Puppetry Arts (IPPA) at the O'Neill Theatre Center, and has presented casting and hand puppet construction workshops for puppetry guilds in Connecticut and Massachusetts. 
Recommended for everyone ages 4 and up. 

What's next, you ask? Why, it's the classic tales of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Lion and the Mouse" by Pumpernickel Puppets! You don't want to miss this one...

Show Description: Two classic tales make up this wonderful show. In 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff,' the quick-witted billy goats outsmart the troll, but the troll isn’t really mean – he’s just green, has a snaggletooth, and lives under a bridge. In 'The Lion and the Mouse,' two unlikely friends – one very big and one very small – learn to help each other to solve their problems. Both tales are told with colorful, friendly hand puppets and lots of audience interaction. 

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, May 14th @ 10:30am *SOLD OUT!*
Friday, May 15th @ 10:30am
Saturday, May 16th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, May 18th @ 1pm & 3pm

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About the Performer: The Pumpernickel Puppets are the creation of John McDonough of Worcester, Massachusetts. John was four years old when he saw his first puppet show, and he immediately knew that he wanted to be a puppeteer. By his teens, John was presenting shows all over the New England area. The Pumpernickel Puppets have had the honor of appearing at The Puppet Showplace Theatre, Boston Children’s Museum, The Institute of Professional Puppetry Arts at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., The Cultural Olympiad at The Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, and the prestigious International Festival of Puppet Theatre sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation at the Joseph Papp Public Theatre in New York. For each production, John creates and performs all of his own puppets, which range from small hand puppets to larger-than-life figures.
 

Next up is the hilarious tale of "The Reluctant Dragon" by All Hand Productions. This is truly a special show, funded in part by the Jim Henson fund!

Show Description: Princess Penelope loves to read about dragons. Imagine her surprise when she actually meets one! When the much-touted dragon slayer Sir Reginald Thwebes arrives in the castle, King Rhubarb calls upon him to fight the fearsome beast. The Princess has to think quickly to save her friend. Will it be a fight to the death? Will it be a draw? Will they even fight at all? Find out in this hilarious performance featuring magnificent moving-mouth puppets, elaborate medieval costumes, and many very creative ways to hide a pet dragon.

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, May 21st @ 10:30am
Friday, May 22nd @ 10:30am
Saturday, May 23rd @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, May 24th @ 1pm & 3pm

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About the Performer: David Stephens is the creator of All Hands Productions, a puppet company that, for over a decade, has been dedicated to developing and presenting quality puppet theater for audiences of all ages. David has toured his seven popular productions to theaters, schools, libraries, and festivals throughout the United States and Canada. His show, 'Billy Goats Gruff and Other Stuff' was awarded the prestigious UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence in 2005 (the equivalent of an Oscar in the puppetry world).

In addition to creating original works, David has also been a puppeteer for the Jim Henson Company and has been a Muppet performer on 'Sesame Street.' He also performed numerous characters in the live production of Emmet Otter at the Goodspeed Opera House. David is a graduate of Troy University and the University of Connecticut’s Puppet Arts program (MA 2001). Originally from Alabama, he now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition his work as a puppeteer, David is also an accomplished banjo player. For more information visit www.allhandsproductions.com andwww.davidstephensbanjo.com. Recommended for everyone ages 4 and up. This show was funded in part by a 2008 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant.

Had enough heroes yet? Neither have we! Here comes "Every Hero Has a Story" by Sparky's Puppets, an adorable tale that's perfect to kick off your summer!

Show Description: You never know who will save the day: it’s not always the biggest and strongest! This show is a lively collection of tales about some surprising heroes. Watch a tiny mouse rescue a huge lion. Follow the adventures of a brave kitten who travels to the moon to solve some puzzling riddles. See how a clever rabbit outwits a pesky goblin. And discover an unexpected character who proves to be 'the greatest of all.' Kids will love the funny voices and very silly storytelling in this highly interactive show!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, May 28th @ 10:30am
Friday, May 29th @ 10:30am
Saturday, May 30th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, May 31st @ 1pm & 3pm

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About the Performer: Kathleen 'Sparky' Davis began dramatizing stories with hand puppets while working as a children's librarian. Since 1980, Sparky's Puppets have delighted children and family audiences at schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England. Every summer, Sparky creates a special show for the Rhode Island statewide public libraries' summer reading program.
Sparky loves to see children's reactions to their favorite stories brought to life with endearing puppet characters. She is known for her quick wit and hilarious sense of humor. A preschool child at a recent show was heard to say.'It was so funny I burst out laughing!'
Recommended for ages 3-6. 

Coming up after Sparky's Puppets is our incredibly talented Resident Artist Brad Shur's original show, "Robin Hood"This show has been so popular in the past we are running it for TWO weeks this time, so make sure you reserve your chance to get a piece of the action!

Show Description: Explore the wilds of Sherwood Forest in this rollicking retelling of the classic tale! When Robin discovers that the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to no good, he sees his chance to fight back and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero. Of course, he'll need a little help from his friends. Join Maid Marion, Little John, and a mischievous deer with excellent taste in clothes on a medieval mission to save the forest. Featuring hilarious dialogue, original music, and beautifully-crafted costumes and scenery.

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, June 4th @ 10:30am
Friday, June 5th @ 10:30am
Thursday, June 11th @ 10:30am
Friday, June 12th @ 10:30am
Saturday, June 13th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, June 14th @ 1pm & 3pm

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About the Performer: Brad Shur is a versatile puppeteer who has created and performed characters made of everything from pixels to papier mache. As the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace Theatre he performs regularly and teaches puppetry classes to students of all ages, Pre-K to adult. As protégé of master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis, Shur trained extensively in glove puppetry and currently performs two of Davis’ classic shows at venues across New England. 'Robin Hood' is Shur's first original glove puppet show. Shur’s other original works include 'The Carrot Salesman,' 'Dr. Doohickey and the Monster Machine,' 'The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England' and 'The Magic Soup and Other Stories,' featured at the Puppeteers of America National Festival 2013. Prior to becoming the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace, Shur toured the country as a performer with Big Nazo (Rhode Island), Wood & Strings Theatre (Tennessee) and The PuppeTree (Vermont). As a builder Shur has designed and fabricated puppets for American Idol, Dollywood, Avenue Q, and the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Last up, we've got the ever popular Tanglewood Marionettes back in town for their gorgeous production of "Hansel & Gretel"! This exquisite show is not to be missed, and is the perfect finale for our "Tiny Heroes" Series!

Show Description: 'Hansel and Gretel' is a riveting adventure story about a brother and sister who get lost in the woods. In this original adaptation, each sibling has a different strength, but they must learn to work together if they want to get back home. Large-scale puppets, intricate scenery, and an exciting musical score will amaze audiences of all ages and inspire kids to get creative when faced with big challenges!

SHOW DATES & TIMES, TWO DAYS ONLY!
Saturday, June 6th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, June 7th @ 1pm & 3pm

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About the Performer: Founded in 1993 by Peter and Anne Schaefer, Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette company whose unique productions have been seen by hundreds of thousands of children and families across the country. With seven shows currently in their repertoire, the company performs year-round at venues ranging from school assemblies to renowned cultural institutions. Performer Peter Schaefer was born into a Boston-area family of puppeteers and has visited Puppet Showplace since he was a child. After apprenticing with the Bennington Puppets, Peter launched his own company, “Mountain Marionettes,” before joining with Anne Schaefer and fellow Bennington puppeteer Stephen Hancock to form Tanglewood Marionettes. Performer Jennifer Tebo discovered her love of puppetry while pursuing a degree in Theater and Classical Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She has been touring with Tanglewood Marionettes since 2004 and plans to spend a lifetime in puppetry. The company has received two UNIMA awards, puppetry's highest honor, for their productions An Arabian Adventure and The Dragon King. Tanglewood Marionettes believes above all that a performance is a communal experience, with connections established not only with the performers, but also between members of the audience themselves as they laugh together, gasp together, and cheer together when the good guys prevail!

Here Comes April Vacation Week!

Can you believe April Vacation Week is upon us already? Where did the time go? Well, at least we've finally got sunshine and blue skies to replace all that yucky snow, and we've got some GREAT puppet shows to go with it! This week we've got TWO shows for you, both by the amazing Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers: the hilarious "The Legend of the Banana Kid" and the hugely popular "Everybody Loves Pirates"!  And with titles like those, how can you resist??

"The Legend of the Banana Kid" Show Dates & Times:
Tuesday, April 21st @ 10:30am & 1pm
Wednesday, April 22nd @ 10:30am & 1pm
Thursday, April 23rd @ 10:30am & 1pm

Show Description: Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers are back in Boston with the inspiring story of a young kid with a big imagination who saves the day! Little Chucky loves to watch TV Westerns. One day, he meets a mysterious cowboy who takes him to a remote town that is being harassed by a seedy group of outlaws. Chucky, pretending to be a local hero, rides into town on his trusty goat, outsmarts the bad guys, and brings justice back to the people... using bananas as his weapon of choice! Three puppeteers and over a dozen handmade puppet characters will have you cheering on the little guy in this hilarious adventure tale!

Recommended for everyone age 4 and up. Funny, lighthearted adventure story.

PURCHASE TICKETS!

"Everybody Loves Pirates" Show Dates & Times:
Friday, April 24th @ 10:30am & 1pm
Saturday, April 25th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, April 26th @ 1pm & 3pm

Show Description: Eight-year-old Lucy and her goofy pal Little Chucky are searching for buried treasure, but a gang of bumbling pirates keeps getting in the way! The kids get some help from their new ocean-dwelling friends, including enthusiastic superhero Lobster Boy, his reluctant sidekick Crabby, and an overgrown sea monkey. 'Everybody Loves Pirates' features 15 hand-crafted mouth and rod puppets, and an 8 foot paper-mache pirate ship. Don't miss this swashbuckling adventure that’s fun for the whole family!

About the Performers: Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, founded in 2000, is a puppetry troupe based in Bar Harbor, Maine, and comprised of three siblings - Erik and Brian Torbeck and Robin (Torbeck) Erlandsen. The traveling trio has performed their original productions at fairs, festivals, theatres, schools, libraries, and some of the finest petting zoos across the United States and Canada. They write and create all the shows they perform and have received three Citations of Excellence from UNIMA-USA, the highest national award in puppetry. In addition to 'Everybody Loves Pirates,' their repertoire includes 'The Legend of the Banana Kid' and 'The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.'

Recommended for everyone age 4 and up. Funny, lighthearted adventure story.

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These two hilarious shows kick off our 40th Anniversary Season "Tiny Heroes" Series, and are sure to be a favorite for all ages. This new series features stories of all different kinds of heroes from "Jack and the Beanstalk", to "The Reluctant Dragon", and even "Robin Hood"! Check out all of our offerings during our Tiny Heroes series HERE!

See you soon, Puppet People! :)
 

Let's go on an African Adventure!

Are you enjoying this beautiful Spring weather? Are you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the world? Then how about coming along with us on an adventure, when Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents "African Adventure Tales"! This is the last show in our "Puppets Around the World" series and is sure to be a great event, perfect for sunshine and warmth!

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Two funny folktales from Africa come to life in this vibrant new production. In 'Koi and the Kola Nuts,' the youngest son of a tribal chief only receives one small kola nut tree as an inheritance instead of his father's riches. On his travels, he meets a snake, a crocodile, and a colony of ants, all in desperate need of the one thing Koi has: kola nuts. Koi's kindness to the creatures he meets is later rewarded when their help saves his life! Then, 'Anansi and the Talking Melon' features the irrepressible trickster Anansi the Spider who is lazy, greedy and out only for himself. Anansi eats his way into a melon and, finding himself too full to get back out, fools the other animals into believing that the melon itself can talk! Spectacular scenery and catchy music make this a must-see performance.

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, April 16th @ 10:30am
Friday, April 17th @ 10:30am
Saturday, April 18th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, April 19th @ 1pm & 3pm
 

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:
Jamie Keithline and Bonny Hall formed Crabgrass Puppet Theatre in San Francisco in 1982 and have delighted audiences across the nation with their whimsical humor and puppetry ever since. Their performing venues have included the Detroit Institute of Art, the Smithsonian, Paper Mill Playhouse, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. They have been awarded two Citations of Excellence from UNIMA-USA, the highest puppetry award in the United States, and in 2009, Bonny Hall was awarded a Design Commendation from the Arlyn Award Foundation. Since 2001, Jamie and Bonny have been living in Halifax, Vermont, a tiny town in the hills near Brattleboro, where they continue to create their award-winning productions.

Recommended for ages 4 - 10. 

PURCHASE TICKETS TO AFRICAN ADVENTURE TALES!
 

Cooking up some Magic!

Hey there Puppet Friends! We hope you've been enjoying your Spring holidays, and if you joined us for one of our sold out performances of "Peter Rabbit Tales", THANK YOU! We are now gearing up for another wonderful show this week: "The Magic Soup and Other Stories" by Resident Artist Brad Shur! Brad has been super busy lately teaching an awesome Shadow Puppetry Production Lab, and we are SO excited for him to be back on stage with this hilarious and heartwarming original show.

SHOW DESCRIPTION:
What do you do when your relatives are coming over for dinner, but there's no food in sight? A young man's search for a family recipe ends up bringing folk tales to life...in his kitchen. Based on a collection of traditional Yiddish stories, 'The Magic Soup' teaches that it is those with wit, humor and imagination who have the best chance of filling their bellies -- and fulfilling their dreams.

Recommended for everyone ages 6 and up. Lots of word play. 

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, April 9th @ 10:30am
Friday, April 10th @ 10:30am
Saturday, April 11th @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, April 12th @ 1pm & 3pm

PURCHASE TICKETS!
 

ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Brad Shur is a versatile puppeteer who has created and performed characters made of everything from pixels to papier mache. As the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace Theatre he performs regularly and teaches puppetry classes to students of all ages, Pre-K to adult. As protégé of master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis, Shur trained extensively in glove puppetry and currently performs two of Davis’ classic shows at venues across New England. 'Robin Hood' is Shur's first original glove puppet show. Shur’s other original works include 'The Carrot Salesman,' 'Dr. Doohickey and the Monster Machine,' 'The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England' and 'The Magic Soup and Other Stories,' featured at the Puppeteers of America National Festival 2013. Prior to becoming the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace, Shur toured the country as a performer with Big Nazo (Rhode Island), Wood & Strings Theatre (Tennessee) and The PuppeTree (Vermont). As a builder Shur has designed and fabricated puppets for American Idol, Dollywood, Avenue Q, and the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.
 
PURCHASE TICKETS!

We've been having LOTS of sold out shows lately so be sure to reserve your tickets early for "Magic Soup"! Up next is the final show in our "Puppets Around the World" Series: "African Adventure Tales" by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre!

What is our next series, you ask? Well, it's called "Tiny Heroes" and we're kicking it off with TWO April Vacation Week shows: "The Legend of Banana Kid" and "Everybody Loves Pirates" by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers! And you were worried you wouldn't have anything to do during Vacation Week... :)

Check out all of our Spring offerings HERE

But wait, there's more! Our Build Your Own Monster Puppet Class starts on April 28th! This
fur-tastic class is taught by Jonathan Little of Little's Creatures (that's right, the man who brought you Bella Monster!) and meets Tuesday evenings 6:30-9pm for four weeks. Check out all the details and reserve your spot for all the furry fun you could ever want!

Make your own furry creature with Jon Little, Little's Creatures! Class begins April 28.

AND, guess what's happening June 2nd at the George H. Wightman Mansion in Brookline? Why, it's our CARNIVAL OF WONDERS Spring Gala! This magical evening is sure to be the event of the summer--a fabulous night of food, drinks, music, puppets, performances, special guests, awards, a silent auction, and so much more--you definitely don't want to miss it. Check out all the details and purchase your ticket to this very special event!

Thanks for reading, Puppet People. Now get out there, enjoy the Spring sunshine, and let's have a PUPPET SHOW! :)

Join us on Another Journey Around the World!

Hey there Puppet Friends! We hope you had a great weekend, and if you had the chance to come join us for World Puppetry Day, THANK YOU! We had such a great time hanging out with Nappy's Puppets for "Shadows Around the World", and of course for our Sold Out Puppet SLAM! Some local media stopped by too--Metro Boston even put us on the cover of Monday's Paper! Check out the link for their awesome article on us as well as the brilliant Jim Napolitano!

Did we mention we've had the most adorable letter writing campaign going on to encourage our Governor to support puppetry arts? It worked so well that he even declared March 21st to be the Massachusetts Day of Puppetry! Yep, it's good to a puppeteer in Massachusetts. Check out these cool snaps we took of some of the artwork and the extra special Proclamation, Oooooh.....Ahhhh.

And since you know we can't sit still for more than two seconds, we've got ANOTHER amazing new show this week! Part of our Puppet Around the World Series,  "Tiger Tales" is created and performed by the incredible puppeteers at Chinese Theatre Works. They're performing this week only and Thursday and Friday morning's shows are already SOLD OUT, so make sure to get your tickets now for the weekend...

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Show Description: Four performers blend Chinese and Western styles of shadow puppetry to create a delightful theatrical experience filled with wit and wisdom. A wise old rabbit recounts for her granddaughter the rise and fall of the reigning jungle monarch, the fearsome but none-too-smart Tiger. Based on traditional Chinese folklore (with a humorous modern twist!), 'Tiger Tales' features a colorful cast of antique-replica shadow puppet characters and traditional Chinese music.

About the Performers: Chinese Theatre Works (CTW) was created in 2001 out of the merger of two non-profit institutions with long histories of bringing both traditional and contemporary Chinese performing arts to local, national, and international audiences. Now based in New York City, CTW's mission is to preserve and promote the traditional Chinese performing arts (including opera, shadow theatre, puppetry, dance and music); to create new performance works that bridge Eastern and Western aesthetics and forms; and to foster understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture in audiences, artists students, scholars and educators around the globe.

Recommended for everyone ages 6 and up.

PURCHASE TICKETS!

These wonderful puppeteers are also doing something really special for us this Thursday night, March 26th--They're holding a Shadow Puppetry Master Class for one night only, 6:30-8:30pm! Come see how they make puppetry magic, and learn how to do it yourself! For more info and to register, CLICK HERE!

*Phew* Did you catch all that? Oh wait, there's MORE! As always we've got a new episode of Puppet Playtime on Wednesday, and now we've ADDED a 3:30pm show due to popular demand! Our 10:30am shows have been selling out almost every week, so if you want the same fun and excitement with Bella Monster and the gang without worrying about a wait-list, try the 3:30 show and see what you think. More details here!

As always there is plenty more to come at Puppet Showplace Theater, so stay tuned and have a great week!

-Katie B, Puppet Showplace Social Media Intern :)

Celebrate World Day of Puppetry at Puppet Showplace Theater!

What? You didn't know there was a whole DAY dedicated to puppetry? Well there is! The National Day of Puppetry is also the WORLD Puppetry Day, on Saturday, March 21st! And boy have we got a lot planned for you....

FIRST UP: Nappy's Puppets presents "Shadows Around the World", part of our 40th Anniversary Puppets Around the World Series!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Thursday, March 19th @ 10:30am
Friday, March 20th @ 10:30am
Saturday, March 21st @ 1pm & 3pm
Sunday, March 22nd @ 1pm & 3pm

GET TICKETS FOR "PUPPETS AROUND THE WORLD"!

Show Description:
Travel the world with shadows, stories and songs! For thousands of years, people have manipulated puppets, and one of the oldest and most wonderful puppetry styles is shadow puppetry. In this fun and interactive show, you'll meet everyone from elegant Chinese Emperors to the topsy-turvy Turkish trickster Karagoz, all with the hilarious Jim Napolitano as your guide! Audiences of all ages will enjoy this fun opportunity to experience world cultures and history, learn about traditional storytelling, all while witnessing the exciting evolution of shadow puppetry as an art form.

About the Performer:
Jim Napolitano, a.k.a. 'Uncle Nappy,' is a Connecticut native and one of America’s most-loved shadow puppeteers. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut’s Puppet Arts program, and has taught puppetry to students of all ages throughout New England. For over 20 years Nappy’s Puppets has toured nationally to theatres, festivals, libraries, and museums, delighting audiences of all ages with quality shadow theatre productions.
Jim has also worked extensively as a freelance artist and puppeteer. As a member of Bits and Pieces Puppet Theatre he performed musicals with giant puppets across the country and around the world, including at the National Cultural Center in Japan and the National Theatre in Taiwan. His television credits include Between the Lions, The Book of Pooh, and segments for Nickelodeon, Scholastic Home Video, and HBO Pictures. He currently resides in Connecticut with his two young children.

Recommended for everyone ages 4 and up. Lots of mini-stories, interactivity, and humor mixed with educational content.

And, as if we won't be having enough fun already on Saturday, we are throwing another incredible Puppet SLAM that evening at 8pm! Come on down for all the adult-only fun, laughter, and creativity from some of the best puppeteers around. Each SLAM is unique and they always sell out, so get your tickets early so you don't miss out!!

Puppet SLAM: International Edition- March 21st, 2015
Every other month Puppet Showplace Theater stays open late to present the region’s finest puppetry acts...for adults! In honor of the World Day of Puppetry, the March puppet slam features performances inspired by stories and puppetry styles from across the globe, including globe-trotting shadow puppeteer Jim Napolitano. Live music, cash bar. Funding made possible in part by the Puppet Slam Network, check them out at www.puppetslam.com

GET TICKETS TO THE PUPPET SLAM ON MARCH 21ST!

The Puppeteers of America and UNIMA-USA are helping us celebrate this special day even more! Check out their write up on some of our festivities!

Coming up next: Continuing our Puppets Around the World Series with "Tiger Tales" by Chinese Theatre Works, and then "Peter Rabbit Tales" by Tuckers' Tales! Stay tuned...

Go behind the scenes with Artistic Director, Roxie Myhrum!

Hi there, Puppet friends! Have you heard about our upcoming show "Where I Live/La ou j'habite" by the Canadian company Des mots d'la dynamite? Not quite sure what to expect? Well, you're in luck! Our fabulous Artistic Director Roxie Myhrum has graciously agreed to do an interview highlighting some key aspects of the show as well as answering our burning questions about her own artistic vision. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy an exclusive interview with Roxie!

Where I Live (Là où j’habite) by Words of Dynamite (Des mots d'la dynamite):

What drew you to this show and why did you choose it for the "Puppets Around the World" series at Puppet Showplace?

I first encountered this wonderful company at the Puppets in the Green Mountains festival in Vermont. There, they performed a work called "Scenes from a Tree." The piece was delightful and interdisciplinary, filled with gentle music, soft textures, and beautiful visual tableaux. Since then, I have wanted to present this group at Puppet Showplace. When I heard that they were planning a U.S. tour for their newest piece, "Where I Live," I started working with other presenters and the Quebec Delegation to bring them to the Northeast. 

"Where I Live" is recommended for children ages 18 months to 5 years. What do you think they will enjoy about it?

Nathalie Derome, the artistic director of this company and one of the show's performers, is passionate about exploring how very young children see and experience the world. This show was developed in partnership with a Montreal daycare center, and the performers channel children's inquisitive nature as they explore the many places they call their home.  The experience is very gentle and inviting, but also very profound. The puppets, props, and scenic elements are all made from familiar materials easily available to families, so the creative experience can continue after you have left the theater. Natalie's philosophy is that theater can make ordinary experiences more like visual poetry, and make the world seem full of wonder. 

Des mots d'la dynamite are from Montreal and this is actually their Boston debut! What do you enjoy about art from other countries and cultures? Why do you think it's important to bring multicultural art to Boston families?

I have attended several international puppetry festivals, and one of my favorite experiences is attending performances where I do not speak the language. In those situations, the art itself speaks directly to my soul, and I feel connected to the story on a visceral, emotional level. 

Of course, some puppetry traditions are very culturally specific. In some countries puppeteers perform sacred stories for religious worship, or engage in political satire through street theater. In America, puppetry is most commonly associated with children's entertainment, but our artists draw on many diverse global traditions to inspire their work. 

I hope that when families encounter this series, they will be inspired to learn more about the specific cultures where these stories and styles originated. I also hope they will be inspired to reflect on their own heritage, and to imagine new ways art can be used to bring people together in our diverse community.

Is there anything else you think people should know about this show and why they should come and see it?

This performance will be a welcoming environment for families with very young children. When I asked Natalie more about what it's like to perform for this demographic, she wrote to me, "We are not fazed when, during the show, a child stands up, needs to say something to an adult, or even starts to cry. On the contrary, young children challenge the performers to listen actively and respond openly. We are delighted to perform for these candid spectators who have yet to learn about theater etiquette or how to behave at cultural events."

What do you love about bringing puppetry and theater to such young audiences?

We once had a young patron respond to a show by saying "I hope I remember this forever." I want kids to treasure their experiences at our theater, and that the characters and stories they encounter here will to spark joy and imagination in their lives.

How does it feel to be at the helm during Puppet Showplace's 40th Anniversary season? What is special to you about this theater?

I'm a bit of a history geek, so I have enjoyed taking time this season to look through our archives. Our predecessors did so much to get us where we are today, and I feel a great sense of responsibility to build on their work. There is no place like Puppet Showplace in Boston, and I am thrilled whenever new fans find us and become a part of our family! 

Fun Fact, you speak French and your husband is French! Tell us something you enjoy about French culture--food, music, art, language, etc:

Correction, I am LEARNING French. But I do love French theater, which is very stylized and filled with wit and wordplay. I also enjoy visiting my relatives in the South of France and sitting down to big family dinners with many generations around the table. I'm going to the Castelier festival in Montreal this March, which will be my first trip to Quebec / French Canada, and I am so excited. Both France and Quebec are HUGE leaders in the world of puppetry arts!

Also, be sure to check out this gorgeous video preview:

Where I Live/Ou la j'habite- Interdisciplinary show for the little ones (18 months to 5 yo) Created by Des mots d'la dynamite (Montréal, 2013) Recorded at the Vancouver International Children's Festival (May 2014)

We are very grateful to Roxie for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions for us. As you can see, "Where I Live-Ou la j'habite" is sure to be an incredible show and a wonderful addition to our "Puppets Around the World" series. Reminder: There are only THREE performances of this beautiful piece so get your tickets early!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Wednesday, March 11th @ 10:30am
Thursday, March 12th @ 10:30am
Friday, March 13th @ 10:30am

PURCHASE TICKETS!

NEXT UP: The classic tale of "Rumplestiltskin" will be performed by DreamTale Puppets starting on Saturday, March 14th! See you soon...
 

Native American Tales, and Special Canadian Guests!

Happy almost Spring, Puppet Friends! We have been SO busy here at Puppet Showplace--Between the simply gorgeous world premiere of Lollipops for Breakfast, awesome Vacation Week shows by Barefoot Puppets, field trips, classes, and super fun shows of Puppet Playtime, we've barely slept a wink! And guess what? We're not slowing down a bit! Following a wonderful week of The Singing Turtle, Resident Artist Brad Shur is back for round 2 with another run of Raccoon Tales created by Paul Vincent Davis! Whether you've never seen it before or loved it and want to see it again, this show is the perfect way to kick off your March with lots of smiles and giggles!

SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
Thursday, March 5th @ 10:30am
Friday, March 6th @ 10:30am
Saturday, March 7th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, March 8th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm

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ABOUT THE SHOW: Journey deep into the forest with the trickster Ring-Around-His-Tail Raccoon as your guide! The animals in the forest are always getting into trouble playing tricks on each other. Will they ever learn their lessons? "Raccoon Tales" features three humorous vignettes inspired by the Native American just-so-stories of the Seneca tribe: How the Fox and the Raccoon Trick Each Other; Why the Blue Jay is Blue and the Gray Wolf Isn’t; and, Why the Bear has a Stumpy Tail. Recommended for ages 4 - 10. Some characters tease and trick each other. One scene involves a hive with stinging bees.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Brad Shur is a versatile puppeteer who has created and performed characters made of everything from pixels to papier mache. As the Resident Artist at Puppet Showplace Theatre he performs regularly and teaches puppetry classes to students of all ages, Pre-K to adult. As protégé of master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis, Shur trained extensively in glove puppetry and currently performs two of Davis’ classic shows at venues across New England. 'Robin Hood' is Shur's first original glove puppet show. Shur’s other original works include 'The Carrot Salesman,' 'Dr. Doohickey and the Monster Machine,' 'The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England' and 'The Magic Soup and Other Stories,' featured at the Puppeteers of America National Festival 2013. Prior to becoming the Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace, Shur toured the country as a performer with Big Nazo (Rhode Island), Wood & Strings Theatre (Tennessee) and The PuppeTree (Vermont). As a builder Shur has designed and fabricated puppets for American Idol, Dollywood, Avenue Q, and the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Master puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis is widely recognized as one of America's foremost glove puppeteers. For over 30 years he served as Artist in Residence at Puppet Showplace Theater where he and founder Mary Churchill worked tirelessly to establish a home for puppetry in New England. Paul created over a dozen full-length puppetry productions and received five prestigious UNIMA Citations of Excellence for his work. He has also toured internationally, including a multi-city tour of Japan in 1993. Paul was also honored with the President's Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Puppeteers of America. Now retired from performing, Davis remains active as a teacher and mentor in the New England puppetry community. Paul currently resides in Brookline Village, where he recently celebrated Puppet Showplace Theater's 40th anniversary and his own 80th birthday.

"Raccoon Tales"

"Where I Live"

"Raccoon Tales"

"Where I Live"

"Where I Live"

"Where I Live"

"Where I Live"

"Where I Live"

"Raccoon Tales"

"Raccoon Tales"

"Raccoon Tales"

"Raccoon Tales"

"Raccoon Tales"

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Immediately following "Raccoon Tales", we are so excited to present a truly unique show for you: Canadian company Des Mots d'la dynamite will be travelling all the way from Quebec to premiere "Where I Live--La ou j'habite"! This is a beautiful work that is recommended for ages 18 months - 5 years, and is sure to be a treat for you and your little ones.

SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
Wednesday, March 11th @ 10:30am
Thursday, March 12th @ 10:30am
Friday, March 13th @ 10:30am

PURCHASE TICKETS!

ABOUT THE SHOW: Montréal's acclaimed 'Words of Dynamite' theater company explores the wonder of the places we inhabit in this wildly imaginative production for very young audiences. Two characters, Téqui (Who-are-you) and Téou (Where-are-you) create delightful vignettes from found objects and simple materials in order to better understand one another. As they play, their feet become cars, their heads houses, their arms pathways, and their voices cities. In this way, even the smallest audiences members are invited to consider big questions about how we inhabit our bodies, our homes, our neighborhoods, and our planet. 
 Recommended for ages 18 months to 5 years old. Very gentle, interactive visual storytelling; visible puppeteers.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Since 1988, Des mots d'la dynamite has been a pioneer in the field of interdisciplinary arts, creating shows for small children and their families that incorporate theater, puppetry, dance, music, and visual/media arts. The company has been seen throughout Canada, France, Italy, the United States, and Cuba, and has performed for theaters, museums, artist-run centers, festivals, and other cultural events. This performance is their Boston debut.

In 2008, the company decided to focus on a relatively unexplored area of the Canadian performing arts: the very young audience (18 months to 5 years old). 'Scenes from a Tree' premiered in 2009 and toured internationally, including to Sandglass Theater's Puppets in the Green Mountains Festival in Vermont. In 2013, 'Where I Live,' co-written with the children and educators of a Montreal daycare center, became the company's newest production.
Reflecting on the experience of performing for very young audiences, company co-founder and General and Artistic Director Nathalie Derome writes 'We are thrilled to have such candid spectators who challenge us to listen actively and respond openly...for some children, this is their first contact with the performing arts; for others, it is a whole new experience. As performers...we are exhilarated when we make eye contact with an inquisitive youngster who is surrounded by strangers in an unfamiliar place. Our shows are a tribute to poetry, creative thinking, and the freedom of being.'

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"Where I Live-La ou j'habite" is sure be a feast for the senses and truly unique experience. And, it will only be here at Puppet Showplace for THREE performances, so be sure to reserve your tickets early for all the magic! Also, keep an eye out for an interview with our Artistic Director, Roxie Myhrum on what inspired her to present the show at Puppet Showplace and why you will love it!

More to come...thanks as always for your support and see you soon, Puppet Friends!

-Katie B, Marketing Intern :)

Become a Puppeteer!!

Want to add "Puppeteer" to your resume? Whether you've always wanted to learn how Shadow Puppetry works, or you just want to make a cute little furry puppet friend to call your own, our Winter & Spring Adult Classes have got you covered!

First up is the Shadow Puppetry Production Lab with none other than our brilliant Resident Artist, Brad Shur. Bring your story ideas into reality as you learn to build and perform your very own shadow puppet show in this rigorous and supportive class. We'll begin with exercises in design and research, using both scripting and visual storyboarding to get your concept ready for production. Participants will then create scenery and environments, and will learn to bring shadow characters to life with movement, sound, and advanced manipulation techniques. We will also learn methods for crafting puppets from durable materials and will utilize mechanisms such as hinges, rivets, springs, and slides. Participants are invited to showcase their final work in the Puppet Showplace Slam. This is an advanced-level class: "Introduction to Shadow Puppetry" or equivalent experience is recommended. Participants will be expected to work on projects outside of class time.

Register online or call the Box Office at: 617-731-6400 x101

Six Sessions: Monday Nights, February 23rd & March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th 6:30-9:00pm

Fee: $200 + 20 Materials fee, due in cash to the instructor at the start of the class.

(Puppets at Night Members save 15%!)

After that,  we've got Jonathan Little from Little's Creatures back for another round of Build Your Own Monster Puppet! Have you always wanted to make your own customized puppet? What about your own pet monster? Now you're in luck! This class will give you all the skills you need to start building your very own puppets (monster or otherwise).

Class participants will be guided step-by-step through the process of making a moving-mouth puppet with rod-controlled arms, a style frequently used in television puppetry. You will be taught how to properly cut fake fur, how to hide and minimize the appearance of seams, how to create posable hands, and much, much more! In addition to learning how to build the puppet, participants will be introduced to the materials used in professional puppet design, and the common tools every puppet maker needs.

This is an Introductory-level class: prior building experience is not necessary. All participants will be trained and expected to sew, use hot glue, and use basic hand tools.

Register online or call the Box Office at: 617-731-6400 x101

Four Sessions: Tuesday Nights April 28th & May 5th, 12th, and 19th from 6:30-9:00pm

FEE: $200 +$25 Materials Fee due in cash to the Instructor at the start of the class.

(Register by April 1st: $175. Puppets at Night Members Save 15%!)

Registration info: Class registration must be complete the Friday before a class begins and payment must be made in full.  Late enrollment is not permitted.  We are happy to do our best to accommodate all enrollees; so please communicate any special needs to our staff before registration to be sure that the class is right for you. Payment is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.

These classes have been hugely popular in the past (just look at those adorable pictures!) and space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early for all the furry fun. Can't wait to see you there, Puppet Friends!!

Lollipops for Breakfast!

As part of our 40th Anniversary Season "New Year, New Shows!" Series,  we are so very excited to present the World Premiere of "Lollipops for Breakfast" by Bonnie Duncan of They Gotta Be Secret Agents, running January 31st- February 16th! Bonnie rocked the house in 2013 with her production of "Squirrel Stole My Underpants" and we can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

PURCHASE TICKETS!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Saturday, January 31st @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, February 1st @ 1:00 & 3:00pm
Friday, February 6th @ 7:00pm (Nighttime Show!)
Saturday, February 7th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, February 8th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Saturday, February 14th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, February 15th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Monday, February 16th @ 10:30am & 1:00pm

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About the Show:

You can't have lollipops for breakfast! Sylvie decides she’s going to break that rule, even if it means she has to make her own amazingly perfect lollipop from scratch. Come along as she and her trusty pet bird search for missing ingredients, wrestle with giant candy machines, and get lost in a magical pop-up cookbook. 'Lollipops for Breakfast' is a wildly imaginative ode to children’s boundless creativity. The performance, told entirely without words, features multiple styles of puppetry, original music, acrobatics, and lots of audience participation.

About They Gotta Be Secret Agents:

They Gotta Be Secret Agents, established in 2007 by Bonnie Duncan and Tim Gallagher, immerse audiences into simply constructed worlds that play with and distort the grand themes of time, scale, formality and reality. Short segments of clowning, dance, puppetry, and theatre flow into one another and spin together touching moments with humorous ones. 

The Agents first show, Poste Restante, toured nationally and internationally and won numerous accolades and standing ovations, including the Austin Critics Table Award for 'Best Touring Show of 2011,' Best of the Fringe & Best Physical Comedy, San Francisco, 2009. Their follow-up show for families, Squirrel Stole My Underpants, has been selling out venues and inspiring kid-made puppet shows up and down the east coast and beyond since 2012.

Bonnie Duncan has blended puppetry, dance, and physical theatre in surprising and delightful ways for the past 14 years. Her work has been described as 'an artful world of silent dreams, mime, and dance' (Austin Live Theatre). She has most recently been working as one half of They Gotta Be Secret Agents with Tim Gallagher. Their show, Poste Restante, continues to tour worldwide, winning 'Best Touring Show of 2011,' Austin, TX; Best of the Fringe, San Francisco, 2009; and a nomination for Most Innovative Show at Prague Fringe Festival. She is currently touring her solo family show, Squirrel Stole My Underpants, throughout the US to delighted audiences. She just celebrated show #100! Prior to her work as a Secret Agent, Bonnie was a company member of Snappy Dance Theater for 8 years, performing sculptural, acrobatic dances nationally and internationally. Her movement was called 'breathtakingly simple' and 'delightfully crafty' by the Boston Globe. When Bonnie is not performing, she is the mother of three young children, an avid runner, and vegan cupcake maker.

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This show is sure to sell quickly so make sure to get your tickets in advance! And as always, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Puppetshowplace and to Like us on Facebook! See you soon, Puppet Friends!

-Katie B, PST Marketing Intern

Puppet Playtime is BACK!

Hey there, Puppet Friends! We are still recovering from all the awesomeness that was our sold out PuppetSLAM this past Saturday, stay tuned for the next one coming up in March! We are also entering the final week of The Pied Piper of Hamelin presented by CactusHead Puppets. Both shows yesterday were completely sold out so get your tickets now before it's too late!

And now...the moment you've all been waiting for...the Winter session of Puppet Playtime!! That's right--Bella and the gang are BACK for more adventures, original music, and hilarious puppet shows for all to enjoy! Come visit us on Wednesday, January 21st and Thursday, January 22nd at 10:30am to enjoy free play, imagination games, and plenty of singing and smiles for you and your little one!

Puppet Playtime is a fun, interactive performance experience designed for very young children (0-3). In each hour-long session, two friendly performers guide children (and their grown-ups) through free play, sing-a-longs, stories, and imagination games. Puppet characters appear throughout to introduce the theme of the day and to join in the fun, and each session ends with a short puppetry performance.

PURCHASE TICKETS!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am
Jan 21, 22, 28 and 29, Feb 4, 5, 11 and 12

Wednesdays at 10:30am & 3:30pm
Feb 25, Mar 4, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, and 29

VIEW CALENDAR

Single Session:
$25 per child-adult pair 
($10 additional child, $15 additional adult, $20 member adult/child pair)

Flexible 5-Session Pass:
$100 ($75 members) 
purchase pass

About the Performers

Phil Berman is a singer-songwriter, actor, and puppeteer with a BFA in Theater Arts from Boston University. Phil has performed in shows across the Boston area and the Northeast, including Astro Boy and the God of Comics (Company One) and Brundibar & But the Giraffe (Underground Railway Theater). At Puppet Showplace Theater, he is a co-creator of Puppet Playtime, a weekly interactive performance series for children aged 3 and under. He has also played music for several touring puppetry productions, including Puppetkabob’s What the Moon Saw and The Joshua Show by Joshua Holden. His debut album of music for grownups, The Battle of Bunker Hill, will be released in Winter 2015. When not performing, Phil directs the music program at Rock and Roll Daycare in Cambridge.

Brenda Huggins is an educator and theatre artist who has taught puppetry classes to students of all ages throughout greater Boston area. She received her MA in theatre Education at Emerson college after studying vocal performance at Western Connecticut State University. Her work as a director, costume designer, and solo performer has been seen throughout the New England region.

Bella Monster was created by Jonathan Little of Little's Creatures and has been Puppet Showplace Theater's "monster in residence" since 2011. She enjoys puppet shows, singing, and the color pink.

PURCHASE TICKETS!

Also, don't forget about the World Premiere of Lollipops for Breakfast by the great Bonnie Duncan, opening on January 31st! We had the honor of seeing a preview of this awesome show at our PuppetSLAM and believe us, you will not want to miss it. Click here for a sneak peek!

One last thing: We are super excited to be starting a NEW weekly Ticket Contest on Social Media: Take a photo at any of our shows and TAG US @PuppetShowplace on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and get entered to win 2 FREE tickets to a show of your choice! New winners announced every week, so get clickin'!

See you soon Puppet Friends! :)

New Year, New Shows!

Happy New Year, Puppet Friends! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and a fabulous New Year's Eve! We had the pleasure of performing at First Night Boston, and boy was it a fun time! Parades, Puppet Shows, Fireworks--what an awesome way to kick off 2015. We can't wait to do it next year! Check out our photo album below for a glimpse into all the puppet fun at the Puppet Showplace Theater First Night Puppetry Festival:

We have SO much going on this January to keep you warm and entertained, starting with our great new series titled "New Year, New Shows!" The first production we have on deck is the World Premiere of  "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" by CactusHead Puppets, and it is sure to be a great time!

"The Pied Piper of Hamelin" by CactusHead Puppets
Jan 10-25, 2015

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Show Description: The town of Hamelin has a rat problem, and there's only one person who can help! CactusHead Puppets bring the story of the Pied Piper to life with a cast of colorful characters in this comedic adaptation of the traditional folktale. Not only does the town find a musical solution to pest control, but the kids of Hamelin also teach the grownups a lesson about generosity. In the end, the townspeople all come together in celebration. Join puppeteers John and Megan Regan as they present this classic tale, told with multiple puppetry styles, and plenty of dancing rats!

About CactusHead Puppets:

CactusHead Puppets are known for their playful performance style and exuberant creativity. The West Springfield-based company was founded in 2010 by husband and wife team John and Megan Regan. Since then, they have created six shows based on favorite, familiar folktales and have toured throughout Western New England. John and Megan are both graduates of the University of Connecticut's Puppet Arts program. Megan is originally from the Kansas City area, where she worked with Paul Mesner Puppets. John is from Western Massachusetts, and is honored to be performing in the same libraries where he saw puppet shows growing up. Megan collects pop-up books, and John has a love for giant monster movies. Both John and Megan were interns at Puppet Showplace Theater, and they are excited to return to Boston to share their work as professional puppeteers!

Saturday, January 10th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, January 11th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Friday, January 16th @ 7:00pm (Evening Show!)
Saturday, January 17th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, January 18th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Monday, January 19th @ 10:30am & 1:00pm
Saturday, January 24th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, January 25th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm 

PURCHASE TICKETS!

Coming up after that will be the World Premiere of "Lollipops for Breakfast" by Bonnie Duncan of They Gotta Be Secret Agents, running Saturday January 31st through Monday February 16th!

We also have our Winter Session of Puppet Playtime starting on Wednesday, January 21st! Tickets sold out during the last session so get your tickets early!

New Adult Classes are starting this month as well, starting with Character Construction with Artist-in-Residence Brad Shur and many more! Check out our offerings here!

Last but not least, we are SO excited to host our next Puppet SLAM on January 17th @ 8:00pm! This event always sells out so make sure to get your tickets now to ensure an awesome Adults-Only night of Puppet Fun!

We can't wait to see you at all of our fun and festive events this month, stay warm out there Puppet Friends!

-Katie B, PST Marketing Intern :)

A Very Punch-y Christmas!

This week we are thrilled to host Crabgrass Puppet Theatre and their hilarious production of "Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol"! This production is funded in part by the NEST program of NEFA, made possible with funding from the NEA Regional Touring Program and the 6 New England state arts agencies.

Our 10:30am show on Wednesday, December 24th is already SOLD OUT and last weekend's performances of "Cinderella" were sold out as well, so you know what you need to do....

PURCHASE TICKETS!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Wednesday, December 24th @ 10:30am (SOLD OUT!) & 1:00pm
Friday, December 26th @ 10:30am & 1:00pm
Saturday, December 27th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, December 28th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm

Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol

by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre

Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol

by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre

Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol

by Crabgrass Puppet Theatre

Crabgrass Puppet Theatre

Bonny Hall and Jamie Keithline

ABOUT THE SHOW: The celebrated hand puppet hero Mr. Punch stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this rollicking retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale. Scrooge's bad attitude makes everyone around him miserable, especially his overworked clerk, Bob Cratchit. When Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, he learns to look beyond his bank account and see a world of hope and love. Crabgrass brings this story to life with hilarious antics, ingenious design, and multiple styles of puppetry. Don't miss your FINAL CHANCE to see this show on tour!

ABOUT CRABGRASS PUPPET THEATRE: Crabgrass Puppet Theatre is an award-winning touring puppet theatre founded in 1982 by Jamie Keithline and Bonny Hall. They have twice been awarded the prestigious Citation of Excellence from the American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA-USA), the highest honor in American puppetry, in 2001 and again in 2005. In 2008, Bonny Hall received a Commendation for Design in the Puppet Theatre from the Arlyn Award Foundation. Their performing venues have included the World Trade Center, the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, the Philadelphia Museum, Paper Mill Playhouse, the North Carolina Museum, the New York State Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the California Academy of Sciences, the Detroit Institute for the Arts, and hundreds of schools, museums, and theaters across the country. Crabgrass Puppet Theatre continues to perform more than 200 shows each year, reaching over 100,000 people throughout the US.

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We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday and hope to see you at the theater soon. Be sure to look out for Beauty and the Beast coming up next week! December is just blowing by and soon it will be 2015 with many more amazing shows to come. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PuppetShowplace for exclusive updates and behind the scenes looks, including previews of the next season of Puppet Playtime with the one and only Bella Monster!

 Have a holly jolly holiday and a happy new year,
-Katie B, Puppet Showplace Theater Marketing Intern :)

More Winter Transformations: An Enchanting Cinderella Story!

This week only we are hosting the Tanglewood Marionettes and their gorgeous production of Cinderella! This is a must-see production for anyone who is a fan of the classic fairy tale. Tickets are already SOLD OUT for Thursday December 18th, and there are only 3 more days of performances, so get your tickets now!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Thursday, December 18th @ 10:30am SOLD OUT!!
Friday, December 19th @ 10:30am
Saturday, December 20th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, December 21st @ 100pm & 3:00pm

PURCHASE TICKETS

ABOUT THE SHOW

"Cinderella" is the classic story of a young woman whose good heart transports her from rags to royalty. Set in the eighteenth century and featuring a dozen lavishly costumed 30” marionettes, this production of “Cinderella” is a Tanglewood Marionettes showpiece. All of your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious stepsisters and the charming Prince. This telling is based on the original beloved tale, with a few unexpected surprises!

ABOUT TANGLEWOOD MARIONETTES

Founded in 1993, Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette theater based in New England. Large, beautifully hand-crafted marionettes, colorful sets, and integrated lighting and sound create a fully immersive theatrical experience. Their highly skilled puppeteers have spent many years perfecting their art, delighting audiences of all ages as they bring our repertoire of classic tales to life. They are the recipients of two UNIMA awards, puppetry's highest honor, for their productions An Arabian Adventure and The Dragon King.

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Up Next: "The Velveteen Rabbit"

If you love the book as much as we do, then you'll love Applause Unlimited's production of The Velveteen Rabbit! Featuring colorful hand puppets, this production is a great fit for the young and young at heart.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Margery Williams' classic children's book comes to life through puppetry, storytelling, song, and a magic trick (or two!) in this gentle, heartfelt production. "The Velveteen Rabbit" tells the story of a young boy and his favorite stuffed animal as they grow up together in the nursery. Although the other toys snub the rabbit for being simple and old-fashioned, the boy's love makes the rabbit feel real. A popular show for the young and young at heart, it will be loved by anyone who has ever had a favorite toy.

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Thursday, December 11th @ 10:30am
Friday, December 12th @ 10:30am
Saturday, December 13th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Sunday, December 14th @ 1:00pm & 3:00pm

Tickets are $12 for General Admission and $8 for Members. Stop by our box office or give us a call at 617-731-6400 ext. 101, or of course you can order online!

Also, don't forget about our Puppet Store when doing your holiday shopping! We have finger puppets, hand puppets, marionettes, and much more that will delight everyone on your list. As always our prices are super affordable and there is tons of variety to choose from, so stop in today!

Lastly, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PuppetShowplace and invite your friends to Like us on Facebook! We have so many shows this month but they are only running for one week each, so we want to make sure that everyone gets the chance to see them!

Thanks for reading and stay warm out there,

-Katie B, Puppet Showplace Marketing Intern :)

Feeling out Felt!

Needle Felting for Puppeteers

Instructor: Nicol Wander, Wanderful Creations

Thursday, December 11 at 6:30-9:30pm

Puppet Showplace Theater is Boston's favorite place to learn the art of puppetry! We are thrilled to present a new workshop perfect for beginners or for experienced puppeteers and artists looking to experiment a new fiber-based medium.

About the Workshop: Take the plunge and learn how to create a detailed puppet head in only 3 hours using wool, needles, and the amazing "felting" technique. See incredible examples of felted hand puppets and marionettes, then have fun creating a one-of-a-kind character of your own. Each participant will receive two felting needles, a spherical wool puppet head "base," and dyed merino wool for sculpting features. In addition to a finished puppet head, you will also take home detailed instructions, a supplies list, and all of the knowledge and you need to continue creating felted puppets. 

About the Artist: Nicol Wander, MFA, has been felting for over a decade and has created many "Wanderful" felted puppet characters, figures, dolls, birds and animals. Learn more at www.wanderfulcreations.com.

Register online or call the Box Office at: 617-731-6400 x101

Winter Transformations

December is here and that means a very busy month for Puppet Showplace! This month we kick off our Winter Transformations Series as part of our 40th Anniversary Season. We have six--that's right, SIX--different shows in the series, starting this week with King Midas by Liz Joyce and A Couple of Puppets! There are only six performances so make sure to get your tickets fast!

VIEW SHOW CALENDAR

As always, buy tickets at puppetshowplace.org or call the box office at (617) 731-6400 x 101.

"King Midas" by Liz Joyce and a Couple of Puppets
Thursday and Friday, December 4 & 5 @ 10:30am
Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7 @ 1:00pm and 3:00pm

About the show: A greedy king learns lessons of love in this delightful musical performance, inspired by the famous Greek myth. Award-winning puppeteer Liz Joyce brings a cast of colorful hand puppet characters to life, including King Midas, the Green Witch, and a friendly raccoon. Find out how they help to save the day in this fun and interactive show, featuring the original songs “Give me Gold,” “Love Makes the World go Round,” “Learn Your Lessons,” and more!

Also this month: The classic children's storybook comes alive with The Velveteen Rabbit by Applause Limited. That is followed by our Puppet Playtime Holiday Sing-a-Long on December 17th, which is already filling up fast! After that, Tanglewood Marionettes performs the timeless tale of Cinderella, and then Crabgrass Puppet Theatre puts on the hilarious Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol! We round out the month with the National Marionette Theatre's gorgeous production of Beauty and the Beast! Then, starting in January we are featuring The Joshua Show by the very talented Joshua Holden. Had enough holiday entertainment yet??

Our puppet gift shop is also open for all your holiday shopping needs: We have finger puppets, hand puppets, marionettes, affordable stocking stuffers, gift certificates and lots more! We are so happy to have you as part of our puppet family and can't wait to see you this holiday season!

Happy holidays,

Katie, Puppet Showplace Marketing Intern :)

Stories, Shadows and Songs

Join us Thanksgiving Weekend for The Yankee Peddler: Songs and Stories from Old New England, part of our 40th Anniversary Season American Journeys Series!

This is one of our all-time favorite shows featuring Resident Artist, Brad Shur, and multi-talented musician Chris Monti. They make a great pair, and you will definitely enjoy their beautiful music and hilarious shadow puppets!

The Yankee Peddler opened last week to great audiences, and continues this week with 6 more shows until Sunday, November 30th! With its familiar folk tales, merry music and skillful shadow puppetry,  it is the perfect idea for family entertainment during the Thanksgiving holiday. See show dates below:

Friday Nov 28 @ 10:30am & 1pm The kids are off from school! Take them.
Saturday Nov 29 @ 1pm & 3pm Relatives still in town? Make a day of it.
Sunday Nov 30 @ 1pm & 3pm Closing day--a great finale to the holiday weekend!

We've been selling out a lot of our shows lately so make sure to reserve your tickets early. Tickets are super affordable, only $12 for General Admission and $8 for Members!

Check out some info on Brad and Chris below:

VIEW Brad Shur Arist Bio 

VIEW Chris Monti's website 

Here's a great article from TheArtery featuring The Yankee Peddler that talks about how Puppets are not just for kids, and we agree with them! VIEW ARTICLE  

You can reserve tickets for The Yankee Peddler and our other amazing Mainstage shows online or you can reach us at the Box Office at 617-731-6400 ext. 101.

OTHER NEWS:

Speaking of Puppets not just being for kids, thank you to everyone who came to see "Of Bread and Paper" as part of our Puppets at Night series! Be sure to mark your calendars for our next Puppet Showplace SLAM coming up on Saturday, January 17th @ 8pm. Our last SLAM sold out so make sure you get your tickets early for that as well! Now, aren't we busy filling up your social calendar?

And speaking of Social...Puppet Showplace is now on Instagram! Follow us on @PuppetShowplace to see exclusive photos, videos, and sneak peeks of some of the magic happening around here. We're also on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Flickr if you haven't gotten around to those yet either :)

As always, thank you for being a part of our Puppet Showplace Community, we hope to see you again soon!

-Katie B, Puppet Showplace Marketing Intern

Make Your Own Gobbling Turkey Friend!

DIY Puppet Crafts!

Bring some puppets to the table this Thanksgiving with these simple and cute DIY turkey puppets! And be sure to join us at Puppet Showplace for the last show in our "American Journeys" series.

ON STAGE NOW: "The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England" by Resident Artist Brad Shur and Musician Christ Monti. Thursday, November 20-Sunday, November 30 (Two weekends including Thanksgiving weekend!)

MATERIALS:

• Construction Paper
• Feather Template (you can find it here)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Marker
• 2 cups
• Pencil

STEPS:

1. Use your two cups, one slightly larger than the other, to trace two circles touching side by side. Draw two curved lines to connect the two circles. Cut the whole outline out. You can trim around the edges to get your desired shape for the turkey's body.

2. Use the feather templates to trace and cut out various feathers of different colors. Glue them to the back of the turkey's body.

3. Cut out a three inch slip of brown paper. Curl the paper so you make a look that two fingers can fit through and glue the ends together. Glue this to the back of the turkey.

4. Cut out a beak, a waddle, and draw eyes, or add any other decorations you want your turkey to be sporting this holiday season! Now you're ready to put on a puppet show at dinner!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

A Pink and Furry Holiday!

We have been having such a fun time during the fall session of Puppet Playtime, our interactive series for children 3 and under (and their parents and caregivers) featuring Phil Berman, Brenda Huggins, and of course, Bella Monster! This Wednesday November 26th @ 10:30am they will be going on a Cooking Adventure in the spirit of Thanksgiving! You can order tickets online or over the phone for Puppet Playtime. Performances have been selling out lately so get them early! Bella also has a Twitter account @PinkFurryBella, because we all know she has a lot to say :) 

This is our last performance this fall before our Puppet Playtime Holiday Sing-a-Long with Bella and her friends. The sing-a-long extravaganza will be on Wednesday, December 17th at 10:30am and 3:30pm, so be sure to reserve tickets for that as well to secure your spot for all of the holiday magic!

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