Behind the Scenes at PST: Puppet Slam!

NOVEMBER "VOTE FOR PUPPETS" SLAM!

Saturday Nov 10, 2012
8:00 pm at Puppet Showplace Theatre
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First Thing's First...

What is a puppet slam?  Well, for those of you who don't know, a puppet slam is a contemporary short-form puppet-and-object theatre experience for adult audiences.  They're often performed late at night in small venues like nightclubs and art spaces.

What's it like at PST?  It's an evening of short varied theatrical mini-plays for adults that use (or sometimes abuse) puppets for all or part of the drama. Each piece is performed by a different artist or artists, and the content can be wide-ranging; some are elegant or poignant, others are satiric, irreverent, or humorous, and still others can be passionate, political, or spiritual in nature. The performers range from the seasoned professional to the nascent puppeteer, and often include musicians, dancers, mimes, actors, and other sundry affiliated artists.

Gathering influence from vaudeville, burlesque, and performance art, puppet slams are rude, crude, and downright hi-larious!

PST'S Recent Puppet Slam History

You didn't know?  Just a few weeks ago, we hosted a puppet slam - better known as "Puppets @ Night" - here at PST and it was a huge success.  Full house, basically.  We think the reason why it was such a huge success is because we were able to showcase a wide variety of vignettes for our audience, including "The Golden Stoat" - the story of a royal princess and her dyslexic lover - which featured PST's very own Communications Director, Brenda Huggins, who served as the story's narrator and the Executioners.

Brenda Huggins in "The Golden Stoat."

Who knew the late hours of the night could bring out the "crazy" in these performers (in a good way).  It's a good thing, though, because without crazy, puppet slams are not as entertaining.

This Week...

In addition to celebrating the holiday season with the Feast of Food and Folktales, PST will also be hosting yet another puppet slam.  For those of you who attended our last one, you know what you're in for (kind of), but for all you first timers?  This will be a great break from the norm.

Featuring the Iron Will Tate puppet show by Bat Honey Puppeteers plus new works by Evan O'Television, and musical guests Tom and Marianne Tucker - this month's puppet slam is sure to be just as hi-larious as our last.

About the Performers...

Let's start with duo of Britt Juchem and Ariel Gregory (a.k.a. Bat Honey Puppeteers).  They have collaborated on stop-motion animations, murals, children’s books, board games and puppet shows.  Britt Juchem was raised in Pennsylvania.  Loving the excitement and close proximity of the East Coast, Britt would draw inspiration from the unique sights and sounds of the city and the crowds.  Ariel Gregory was raised in New Mexico.  A lad armed with a spear and the wide open desert, Ariel’s work reflects a boy’s wild imagination.

An example of Bat Honey

Next is Evan O'Television.  He's been dazzling and perplexing audiences with his one-man-double-ac and video ventriloquism since 1995.  Evan also serves as a co-founder and resident Artistic Co-Director of the underground performing arts space, Pan 9.  In 2007 he was profiled in An Encyclopedia of Vaudeville Performers by Routledge Press.  Evan’s full-length solo theatrical work - “Double Negatives” - premiered at the Perishable Theatre in March 2008 and will be appearing in new venues throughout 2009.

An example of Evan O'Television

And Tom and Marianne Tucker.  You may know them better as the team behind Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theatre, the Performing division of Puppet Perceptions, Inc., which is a Philadelphia-based performing company founded in 1981. Both Marianne and Tom Tucker have performed at puppet, folk, ethnic and street festivals, and at craft fairs, shopping centers, theaters and schools around the country. Audiences from small children to senior citizens have enjoyed the variety of styles skillfully displayed in their interesting programs.  They also teach workshops in puppetry and construct puppets as requested.

An example of Tuckers' Tales

What a colorful cast of characters, eh?  Just imagine what the performers are like...at night.  Oh, the comedic genius is endless.  They will all razzle and dazzle you.

Finally...

Be sure to come on down to PST the night of November 10th.  Once the sun goes down and the moon rises, PST will host the craziest (therefore funniest) of performers you can ever imagine.  Tickets may be purchased HERE.  

Till next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.  

PST Thanks Our Members This Thanksgiving!

Turkeys and Tortillas: A Puppet Party for All Ages!
Exclusive Members Event!*

Saturday Nov 17 | 4:00PM 

FREE Admission! Fun for all ages!

Join us the Saturday before Thanksgiving for a special, members and donors only event, following the 3:00 performance of Crabgrass Puppet Theatre's show, The Day It Snowed Tortillas (BUY TICKETS).

This event is our way of saying THANK YOU to our wonderful members and donors who support Puppet Showplace Theatre.

Featuring: Refreshments!Music!Puppet making activities!Performance activities!Prizes!

A special THANKS to Anna's Taqueria for providing yummy food and drinks!

*Donors who are not members, please call the box office at 617-731-6400 x101 to register.  Or...if you would like to become a member, CLICK HERE.  

Remember: your membership helps us continue our mission, plus you'll receive great benefits including: (1) up to 33% off the price of tickets, (2) discounts on workshops, products, and special events, (3) exclusive members-only newsletter and events, (4) VIP treatment and reserved seating

Behind the Scenes at PST: Raccoon Tales

Paul Vincent Davis, creator of Raccoon Tales

Raccoon Tales, Not Tails

Greetings, Readers!  In honor of Thanksgiving - which we all know is tied for "Best Holiday of the Year" with Christmas because you get to sample so many different kinds of pies (*insert happy "YAY!" here*) - we're bustin' out some of our favorite stories, each seasoned with a dash of food-themed fun.

We begin the yummy, finger-lickin' season with Raccoon Tales by Paul Vincent Davis, performed by PST artist-in-residence Brad Shur, which, we think, will inspire you to create a family folklore of your own - with the help of some tribal tricksters, of course.

About the Show...

What better way to bring in the holiday season with a show inspired by Native American tales of the Seneca Tribe?  That's right!  Thanksgiving's (basically) just around the corner and we're celebrating with Raccoon Tales.  Based on tales such as "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," Raccoon Tales is guaranteed to get you in a "thankful" mood.

Yes, see what happens when the animals from the forest play tricks on each other. Will they learn their lessons? Boy, we hope so because!

Its History...

Although our artist-in-residence Brad Shur is performing Raccoon Tales this week, the show was first created by Paul Vincent Davis in the late 60's - one of the six shows commissioned by the New York Town/Park Department.  Drawing inspiration from a humorous collection of Native American tales called Skunny Wundy, written by Arthur C. Parker, Paul prepared the show in a year, with puppet making help from friend, Karen Larson.

The "Inspiration"

Of course, the show due at PST this week is Paul's third revision.  That's right.  Paul loved Raccoon Tales so much - more than the other five shows he was commissioned to do - that he thought, "Let me make some changes.  So, how did the show change?  Well, it used to be that the puppets were glove puppets with Styrofoam heads, but then Paul changed them into glove puppets with paper mache heads - all handcrafted with faux fur.

Paul's Hand Puppets

You may be wondering: why glove puppets?  Well, in case you didn't know, they're Paul's signature - his "thing."  For the longest time, he's been fascinated by glove puppets because they're the hardest puppets to manipulate.  Seems strange, right, to enjoy something so challenging?  Wrong.  Paul loves a challenge - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  As a puppeteer, he believes in communicating through movement - to use a puppet's entire body to showcase what it feels about what it's saying - and it takes a lot of work to do so with glove puppets.  Of course, Paul's so invested in his work - studying his art - that he's, in a way, mastered it.

Paul, performing an earlier version of Raccoon Tales

Now, when Paul handed down Raccoon Tales to Brad, he was a little nervous, not because he thought Brad was a "bad" puppeteer but because he was asking him, this other person, to do the show in his voice.  One of the reasons why Paul was so invested in Raccoon Tales during its earlier run was because he wrote the script using his own sense of humor - his own voice.  Of course, after meeting Brad and seeing how much of a fast-thinker he is, Paul gave him his blessing.

And the Man Behind the Raccoon...

Paul is widely recognized as one of the foremost hand puppeteers in the country.  Not to mention, he's a great artist, writer, etc.

One of Paul's sketches

Paul joined the PST team in 1977 as its artist-in-residence and has been part of its history since then.  He has received many awards, including four "Citations of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry" from UNIMA-USA (the highest award given in puppetry) and the distinguished President's Award from Puppeteers of America.  In addition to performing, Paul has taught at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  Pretty impressive, eh?  Well, he's also served as a faculty member and on the Board of Overseers for the Institute of Professional Puppetry Arts at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.  With a resume like this, we're proud to call Paul "family!"

Paul, surrounded by clowns (literally)

Oh, and be sure to keep your eyes open!  Paul's been writing a book - working title Glove Puppets: Fantasy and Realism Hand in Hand.  "It's almost done," he says.  There was a minor setback when his computer lost the pages, but our wonderful artist-in-residence Brad Shur saved every file.  The finished work is being proofread, so we hope to see it on shelves soon!

And Finally...

Be sure to come on down to PST this week to see Raccoon Tales.  Tickets can be purchases online HERE.

Till next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.

Food and Folktales at PST!

PST Feast of Food and Folktales 2012!
November 1 - December 2
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With our Halloween Extravaganza coming to an end, we're getting ready for Thanksgiving - a special time that brings families together to share stories while enjoying yummy food!  Take a seat at our table as we present some of our favorite stories, each seasoned with a dash of food-themed fun!

THIS WEEK AT PST:

Raccoon Tales by Paul Vincent Davis, performed by Brad Shur, PST Artist-in-Residence
Thursday Nov 1 | 10:30 AM
Friday Nov 2 | 10:30 AM & 3 PM
Saturday and Sunday Nov 3 & 4 | 1 PM & 3 PM

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About the Show: The animals in the forest are always getting into trouble, playing tricks on each other. Will they learn their lessons? Three humorous tales inspired by the Native American tales 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 ages 4 & up. Hand puppets. Tickets: $12/general admission, $8/PST members.

About the Artist: Brad Shur, PST Artist-in-Residence, has been professionally involved in puppetry for over 10 years.  He first began as a performer with the Providence puppet and mask company Big Nazo while he was a student at the Rhode Island School of Design and has toured nationally with Wood & Strings Theatre, a marionette company out of Tennessee.  As a teaching artist, he teaches workshops and classes for students of all ages. 

Behind the Scenes at PST: The Witch Who Wasn't

The Witch Who Wasn't...Scary?

Guess who's flyin' over to PST for Halloween weekend?  A witch!  But don't worry.  She's just an itty-bitty witch...unlike some (*ahem* Wicked Witch of the West).  Yes, that's right.  If you're not interested in a gory Halloween and you just want to have some fun, then we suggest you come on down to PST and see The Witch Who Wasn't.

A History Of Witches...

We all know - witches are no strangers to Massachusetts.  Anyone remember the Salem Witch Trials?  It's not exactly something you could ever forget - one of the most notorious cases of mass hysteria in human history.  You know, because so many innocent people were executed at the hands of paranoid ministers, governors, and whatnot.

A courtroom, during the Salem Witch Trials

The question is: why?  Why did so many people feel the need to rid of these so-called "witches?"  It could be because, since who knows how long, witches have been viewed as evil creatures - evil creatures who perform black magic.

Wicked Witch of the West (above), Witches of Macbeth (bottom)

Of course, not all witches are evil - at least, they don't have to be.

Hermione Granger (above), Samantha Stephens (bottom)

What we learn from The Witch Who Wasn't is this: there is a difference between an evil witch and a witch who just wants to scare in the spirit of Halloween.

About The Show...

The Witch Who Wasn't is a delightful tale about a little witch who can't do anything - emphasis on anything - scary.  And because of this, she dreads attending her first Halloween Witches Convention.  Fortunately, she's not alone on this journey.  Her short story is followed by visits from a happy juggling pumpkin, a roller-skating demon, and a compliment of scarecrows, witches, ghosts, and silly monsters.

...And The Man Behind The Witch

Wayne Martin and The Witch Who Wasn't

Believe it or not - Wayne Martin founded his company, The Wayne Martin Puppets, when he was just eight years old!  Pretty impressive, huh?  I think so!  Imagine what he's accomplished since then.

Over the course of forty-plus years, Wayne's developed a hefty credits list, which includes guest appearances with Symphony Orchestras and work as principal manipulator for industry greats such as the Heiken Puppets, Sid and Marty Krofft Productions, and Jim Henson's Muppets (just to name a few).

And it doesn't end there.  Wayne has also appeared in many award-winning television programs and commercials.  These include critically acclaimed educational and training films and his very own television series and specials that have earned him two Emmy nominations.  Yes, I said it - Emmy nominations.

Of course, Wayne's first love remains live performance.  He has toured Canada, Europe, and Autralia - as well as presenting his one-man variety revue hundreds of times each year across the United States.

Some of Wayne's Puppets

The Witch Who Wasn't is a childhood favorite of his, written by Jane Yolen, that his mother had read to him when it was first published in the early sixties.  He decided to produce his version of the story for a "Breakfast With The Witch" promotion with McAlpin's Department Stores in 1978.  He worked with a writer at the time, one who would take his ideas and story suggestions and write the scripts for him.  They would then go into a studio and record all of the voices and music, which he would play back during live performances.

When The Puppet Showplace approached him to present a show during the month of October, Wayne immediately thought of The Witch Who Wasn't. It runs just over 12 minutes and will be followed "Halloween Spooks," his thirty-plus minute Halloween trick-marionette variety revue. 

Yes, come on down to PST and celebrate with us as we begin our Halloween Extravaganza with The Witch Who Wasn't.  If you haven't done so already, tickets can be purchases HERE.Till next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.

Behind the Scenes at PST: Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine

Reginald the Rabbit, the monster!

Doohickey M.D.?

Dr. Doohickey may not have a degree from the Yale School of Medicine, but that's ok.  You're not in need of any health-related advice.  You're in need of a good show - nay, a great show!  Well, guess what?  Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine is just that - a great show.

About the Show...

Halloween's just around the corner and you're all probably wondering: what makes Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine so spook-tacular?  Well, for one thing, the words "Doctor" and "Monster" are in the same title. Take a look at Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  Both have taught us that when doctors and monsters mix, they result in Halloween-worthy stories.

Reginald and Friends

Of course, Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine is not grotesquely scary like most of today's scary stories, movies, etc.  It's Halloween fun that everybody can enjoy, including the wee little children.

With the help of his assistant, Reginald the Rabbit, Dr. Doohickey embarks on a quest.  Using music, machines, and a little bit of magic, he sets out to prove that the world would be a much more exciting place if people were a little bit more like monsters.  Actually, not like monsters.  Dr. Doohickey tries to turn people into monsters, which makes sense, right?  What else is one supposed to do with a monster machine?

Now, Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine is very different from most puppet shows that pass through PST.  We're so used to seing so many small hand puppets that we forget they can be big.  Take Reginald the Rabbit, for example.  He's pretty big - almost the size of a real-life person.  And his mouth moves, too!  So, it's almost like he is a real person, even though he's kind of a "thing."  

Also, he's not the only puppet - or should I say, "person" - on stage.  Brad actually performs as Dr. Doohickey.  And there are, of course, a few shadow puppets here and there!  What a perfect Halloween-related factor, right?  Shadow puppets.  What could be more "Halloween-y?" 

Doctors, Monsters, and everything in between - how did Brad Shur come up with such an amazing show?  Hmm...perhaps it's because he's super talented.  Yeah, I think it's that.

...And the Man Behind Dr. Doohickey

I don't know if you knew this, but Brad Shur is the Artist-in-Residence here at PST.  Since he first started in 2009, Brad has performed a variety of shows on our stage, including three of Paul Vincent Davis' original shows (The Singing Turtle, Raccoon Tales, Clown Circus) and some of his own, like Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine, The Carrot Salesman and Magic Soup & Other Stories.

Brad in The Carrot Salesman

Brad also brings the magic of puppetry to schools, libraries, and other venues.  Yes, that's right.  He's a touring performer as well as an in-house performer.  Also, people find themselves so intrigued by how Brad constructs his shows, from script to stage, they often enroll in some of the teaching classes he offers here at PST.  Last summer, for example, Brad offered a workshop called "Junk Puppets," in which he taught puppet enthusiasts how to make puppets from recycled materials.

Brad, teaching "Junk Puppets"

As for the year before, Brad performed The Carrot Salesman at the Huntington Arcade, presented by The Kid's Stage in Barnes & Noble Booksellers.  This event - "Puppets Take Prudential" - occurred at the Prudential Center, where the Boston skyline was lit up with PST's signature orange color in honor of the theatre's month-long "31 Nights of Light," which was everyone's way of celebrating local non-profit organizations.

Brad, doing "Puppets Take Prudential"

Of course, what about before and outside PST?  In 2003, Brad graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Film, Animation, and Video.  Pretty impressive, right?  Well, it doesn't end there.  After, he was a workshop leader for Wood and Strings Theatre, where he performed in full-stage, nationally touring shows.  Also, he built the interactive show Escape From the Zoo.  

Brad, making puppets for Escape From the Zoo

Then, he was an art teacher at the Providence After School Alliance, teaching grades five through seven.  His students created masks, comics, a collaborative video game, and a short film - which you can see HERE.

In between all this, he founded Little Bee Puppets, where he created and performed shows for children and adults alike throughout Nashville, TN and Providence, RI.

And if all of this isn't enough to "wow" you - Brad also designed, built, and performed body puppets for an American Idol commercial, headed by Ford.  Check it out:

Yes, it's no secret: Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine is guaranteed to bring a smile to audiences of all ages with many thanks to our super talented Artist-In-Residence, Brad Shur.  Be sure to come on down to PST and join us as we launch our two week-long "Halloween Extravaganza" this Friday, October 19th. 

In case you haven't done so already, tickets for Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine can be purchased online (HERE).

Till next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.

Silly Ghosts and Ghouls come to PST!

PST HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA 2012!

PST Halloween event, 2011 "Spooky Story Station"

October 19-28

View Show Calendar

For two weeks this October, Puppet Showplace Theatre will be taken over by sweet and silly spooks. The “Halloween Extravaganza” will take place on October 19 - 28, featuring two different Halloween themed puppet shows, and an off-site appearance at the Brookline Lincoln School’s annual “Pumpkinfest.” 

Audience members are welcome to attend performances in costume! 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Dr. Doohickey’s Monster Machine by Brad Shur, PST Artist in Residence

Friday October 19 | 10:30am Saturday and Sunday October 20 & 21 | 1pm & 3pm 

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Dr. Doohickey thinks that the world would be much more exciting if people were a little more like monsters, don’t you? Join the doctor and his assistant Reginald the Rabbit as they use music, machines and a little magic to bring funny monsters to life. Moving-mouth and shadow puppets. Recommended for ages 4 & up. Tickets: $12/general admission, $8/PST members. 

About the artist: Brad Shur, PST Artist in Residence has been professionally involved in puppetry for over 10 years. He first began as a performer with the Providence puppet and mask company Big Nazo while a student at the Rhode Island School of Design and has toured nationally with Wood & Strings Theatre, a marionette company out of Tennessee. As a teaching artist, he teaches workshops and classes for students of all ages.

The Witch Who Wasn’t by Wayne Martin Puppets

Friday October 26 | 10:30am Saturday and Sunday October 27 & 28 | 1pm & 3pm 

BUY TICKETS

“The Witch who Wasn’t” is a delightful tale about a little witch who can’t do anything the least bit scary and who dreads attending her first Halloween witches convention. Her short story is followed by visits from a happy juggling pumpkin, a roller-skating demon, and a compliment of scarecrows, witches, ghosts and silly monsters all performing unique tricks for your treat in this hilarious Halloween-themed variety revue. Hand puppets, rod puppets and marionettes. Recommended for ages 4 & up. Tickets: $12/general admission, $8/PST members.

About the artist: Wayne Martin has been featured in numerous award winning television programs and commercials. These include critically acclaimed educational and training films and his very own television series and specials that have earned him two Emmy Award nominations. At the top of his profession for nearly forty years, Wayne’s credits include guest appearances with Symphony Orchestras and work as principal manipulator for industry greats, the Heiken Puppets, Sid and Marty Krofft Productions and Jim Henson’s Muppets, among others. Having designed and built over two thousand puppets to date, Martin’s act has appeared with such established artists as Bob Hope, Dolly Parton, The 5th Dimension and The Temptations.

SPECIAL EVENT

Pumpkinfest @ Lincoln School Sunday October 21, 12-4pm 

Click for event info

Bella Monster sure could use YOUR help to get into the Halloween Spirit!

Join Puppet Showplace Theatre artists at Brookline’s Lincoln School for an afternoon of FREE monster-related puppet activities and crafts. Learn about mouth puppetry, make your own monster puppet, and meet some of our favorite furry monsters including Bella, PST’s “Monster in Residence.”  

Behind the Scenes at PST: Senseless!

A 2011 performance of Senseless!

Playing With The Senses in Senseless!

You know how we puppet-loving PST employees love to bring joy to children?  Yeah, well, we like doing that for adults too, which is why we thought we'd add Senseless! to our fall lineup.  Before you see the show, take a moment to read about it.

The Show...

Let's begin with the story.  Senseless! is a send-up of classic old time radio melodramas.  Using puppets and live Foley sound effects, the performers create a Film Noir-like world, in which Brick Foley: Blind Detective must stop a series of murders at the Helen Keller School of Music and win the heart of the woman he lost years before.  Sounds great in print, I know, but check out a clip from their premiere below:

Take a moment to let that soak in.  Did you do it?  Do you agree that it's awesome - like nothing you've ever seen before?  Ok, good.  Let's continue.  

Senseless! premiered as part of the Puppet Lab series at the renowned St. Ann’s Warehouse in New York City, where it received nothing but praise, of course.  Since then, it has been performed at the Voice 4 Vision Puppet Festival and the New Orleans Fringe Festival, where the NOLA Defender had this to say about it: "a nearly flawless performance" - which we agree to. 

Yes!  Inspired by the shows of the Golden Age of radio and by live performances of NPR's Prairie Home Companion, Senseless! brings the exciting and chaotic sound effects props table to life with object-theatre puppetry.

And The Performer(s)... 

You know what they say: "story and character are key."  Senseless! has both for sure.  You've read about (even seen) some of the story.  Now let the colorful characters (a.k.a. the performers behind 'em) do some of their magic.

Let's begin with Elizabeth Hara, the mastermind behind Senseless!.  With a resume that highlights past work like "puppet builder for the Jim Henson Company, Sesame Street, and Avenue Q," you know she's guaranteed to bring the mother of all shows to the PST stage.

And then there's her team, which features the performing talents of Brendan Yi-Fu Tay (The Puppet Kitchen,) Sarah Lafferty (Castleton Opera Festival,) Katrina Denney (Fundamental Theatre Group), Emmy Award-winner Michael Schupbach (Sesame Street, Johnny and the Sprites) Eric Wright (The Puppet Kitchen, The Metropolitan Opera, The Public Theatre) and David Brown (Poor But Sexy).

Just a small number of the Senseless! Performers

Now, just a reminder: Someone is killing the students at the Helen Keller School of Music - and the poor kids never saw it coming. Only Brick Foley: Blind Detective can save the school and the woman he loves from the senseless murders.

If you want in on this adventure, then you better come on down to PST this weekend because the more the merrier.  Plus, you don't want to let Brick Foley go about this all by his lonesome self, do you?  I didn't think so.  In case you haven't done so already, you can buy your tickets HERE, as well as the PST Box Office.

Till next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.

Behind the Scenes at PST: A Woodland Cinderella

It's Not Just Cinderella, It's A Woodland Cinderella

Deborah and Cinderella

Hellooo, Readers!  This week at PST, we conclude the 2012 Fall Fairytale Festival with A Woodland Cinderella, which, we promise, is a fitting send-off for the first half of our magical fall season.

Deborah Costine: Puppeteer!

All right, folks.  Let's meet the woman responsible for A Woodland Cinderella.  That's right.  I'm talkin' bout Deborah Costine!

Deborah's first puppet

Deborah grew up in a region of Lancaster, NH known as "The Great North Woods."  Unfortunately back then, there were no visiting assembly programs, so the only puppet Deborah knew was "Bunny Rabbit" on Captain Kangaroo.  Of course, that all changed when she made a puppet of her own, a papier mache clown that sits in her studio to this day.  Does it surprise you that such a creative child grew up to be a master puppeteer?  Right.  I didn't think so.  And you know what?  The creativity didn't end there.

Since 1974, Deborah has been one-half of the well-known Gerwick Puppets, touring throughout New England at schools, libraries, museums, and events such as First Night Boston.  She writes the scripts with her partner-in-crime, Lenny Gerwick, and makes all the puppets - over two hundred to this day!

Deborah, with Lenny Gerwick

Yes, Deborah's quite the busy bee.  You don't believe me?  She has presented over 5,000 performances to over a million children.  Productions include: Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Pilgrim Adventure in America, Inside the Haunted House, and Midwinter Magic - just to name a few.  And in addition to her work with Gerwick Puppets, Deborah has designed, constructed, and performed solo shows such as the upcoming Woodland Cinderella, The Three Pigs and Other Tales, and The Twig Family in the Oak Tree.

And then, there's her teaching job.  Deborah has taught puppetry classes at Plymouth State University, Worcester State College, and Northeastern University.  It's almost like she's running on a never-ending battery.  She's always up and running, trying to spread the joys of puppetry, not just to students but to everyone around her, which is great news for us all because she is just delightful!

Deborah Costine: Puppeteer!

A Woodland Cinderella vs. Every Other Cinderella

Now, some of you may be wondering: what makes A Woodland Cinderella different from, let's say, Disney's Cinderella?  Well, I'll tell ya.

In 1950, Disney released their version of Cinderella, one of their best - not to mention one of the greatest adaptations of all time.  Though, back then, it was considered a major gamble.  The story goes: if Cinderella had failed at the box office, then Disney Studios would have shut down forever.  Luckily for them, it was a huge hit, one of their first since Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, which they released in 1937.  So imagine that - it took Disney Studios thirteen years to get back on top.  Hard to imagine, right?  Considering they're very much on top of their game today.

Disney's Cinderella (1950)

Anyway, you know the story: Cinderella is the much-loved daughter of a widowed aristocrat.  Feeling that his daughter needs a mother's care, he marries Lady Tremaine, a proud woman with two daughters from her first marriage, Drizella and Anastasia, both plain and socially awkward and bitterly envious of the beautiful and charming Cinderella.  After Cinderella's father dies, Lady Tremaine takes over the estate and she and her daughters (even their cat, Lucifer) mistreat her out of jealousy.  Regardless, Cinderella grows up to be a kind woman and she gets the happily-ever-after-ending.  You know, the one with a gorgeous pair of shoes and that sweet, sweet Prince Charming.

Deborah Costine's A Woodland Cinderella

Yes, it can't be denied: Disney's Cinderella is a lovely adaptation, but I'm more interested in Deborah Costine's version, A Woodland Cinderella.  Why?  Because it's a one-woman show!  Every detail that went into making this show - the script, the puppets, the set - it's all Deborah's doing.  She put a lot of thought into.  And it's not just the beautiful set design or the elaborate puppetry that make A Woodland Cinderella so different (in fact, better) than most versions of Cinderella.  It's the theme: that it's not how beautiful you are on the outside or how much stuff you have that makes you a beautiful person.  It's "the goodness in your eyes."

You know it would be a shame to waste a wonderful opportunity like this - to see Deborah, whose fairytale puppets will be sure to please you.  Take my word for it: A Woodland Cinderella is funny, touching, and everything in between.  Be sure to come on down to PST to see a performance, starting October 12 (BUY TICKETS).  And for more information on Deborah and her amazing puppetry, please go to her website: http://www.deborahcostinenaturepuppets.com/.

Till next time!  Your's truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.

A Woodland Cinderella Comes to PST!

THIS WEEK AT PST

The Second Annual FALL FAIRYTALE FESTIVAL concludes with... 

A Woodland Cinderella
by Deborah Costine, Pupeteer!

Fri Oct 12 | 10:30 AM 
Sat Oct 13 | 1 PM & 3 PM
Sun Oct 14 | 1 PM & 3 PM
BUY TICKETS

This past month, we've met many colorful characters, including: a fairytale investigator, giants living on top of a beanstalk, a big, bad wolf hungry for three little pigs, princes (or frogs that became princes) and princesses, an emperor, a little girl (and we mean that literally), and an ugly duckling.

This week, we invite you to the conclusion of the Second Annual Fall Fairytale festival with Cinderella: A Woodland Fairy Princess - before we officially get into the spirit of Halloween with our "Halloween Extravaganza," beginning October 19th through October 28th.

About the Show: In this original, UNIMA award-winning version of Cinderella, the King of all Woodland Fairies wants his son to marry a fairy princess, but he knows they are very hard to find, so he hosts a great ball and commands all the young fairy maidens to attend - with hopes that the missing Fern Fairy Princess will come. The question is: will she?
Hand puppets, recommended for ages 3 & up

About the Performer: When Deborah was a mere 10-years-old, she made her first puppet. She had no idea how to go about it, but she made a papier mache puppet, which sits in her puppet studio to this day!  Deborah also designs and performs shows for young audiences and was recently awarded a UNIMA "Citation of Excellence" for her show Cinderella: A Woodland Fairy Princess in 2009. The UNIMA "Citation of Excellence" is the highest honor in American puppetry.

Behind the Scenes at PST: The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen

Applause Unlimited: Give 'Em a Round of Applause

Chris, in The Tales of Beatrix Potter

Greetings, Readers!  Back for another "behind-the-scenes" adventure?  Good!  Because this week at PST, we welcome Applause Unlimited with open arms as they perform not one but three classic Hans Christian Andersen tales: The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelisa, and The Emperor's New Clothes.  Yes, it's true what they say - three's a magical number.  Hope you Hans and Honeys are ready for some kickin' storytellin' because that's what you're going to get with Applause Unlimited's show!

The Company...

You'd think after receiving not one but two "Citations of Excellence" from the Union Internionale de la Marionette, these guys would take a break.  Luckily, for us puppet enthusiasts at PST and audiences alike, they don't.

In addition to performing in schools, museums, theaters, and festivals in and around their hometown, Richmond, VA, Applause Unlimited has toured up and down the entire east coast, making a few stops here and there, including: The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA, The Puppet Co. Playhouse in Glen Echo, MD, The National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD, The Wetlands Institute in Cape May, NJ, and The Smithsonian Discovery Theatre in Washington D.C.

...And The Shows

Pretty impressive, right?  Well, that's because Applause Unlimited offers a wide range of performances featuring fresh interpretations of classic tales like The Velveteen Rabbit, Peter and the Wolf, Puss in Boots, and The Tales of Beatrix Potter (due at PST this December).  Using masks, music, and comedy, they entertain audiences as much as they educate 'em.  So, in other words, they put the "fun" in "learning can be fun."

The Velveteen Rabbit (left) and Peter and the Wolf (right)

Puss in Boots (left) and The Tales of Beatrix Potter (right)

Let's Meet the Performer

Now, you may be asking - who's the man behind the puppets?  The answer is: Christopher Hudert, a versatile artist whose many skills include script writing, sculpting, set and puppet construction, puppetry, clowning, stilt walking, and juggling.

Chris, between Siegfried & Roy - 1991

Christopher began his career in theatre at an early age, performing with The Children's Theater of Children and Puppetfest Productions.  Later, he put his Theatre Studies on hold to attend Ringling Bros. Clown College.  He was such a good student, they offered him a chance to join the Circus, which he, of course, accepted (who wouldn't?!).  Much thanks to his clown contract, Christopher went on tours across the United States and Japan, which goes to show - if you have dreams of traveling the world, you should pack your bags and go to Clown College.

Chris (right), in "A Duck Walks into a Bar" - Puppetry Slam at the Puppet Co. Playhouse in Glen Echo Park

To this day, Christopher - now a veteran of Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus - has performed for millions of people and has appeared in TV shows, commercials, magazines, and newspapers in both the United States and Japan.  He was Boss Clown for Ringling Bros. before leaving to join Master Puppeteer Terry Snyder in the creation of Applause Unlimited.  He is also the Stage Consultant and the Youth Services Coordinator for Puppeteers of America and serves on the Board of The National Puppetry Guild.

Oh, and if you're ever in need of a Clown College instructor, Christopher's doing that, too!

So, need to laugh a little?  Well then, be sure to come one down to PST to see Applause Unlimited perform three of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tales in The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen, beginning Friday October 5th and running until Monday October 8th (BUY TICKETS).

'Til next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.

The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen coming to PST

THIS WEEK AT PST

The Emperor, Thumbelisa, and The Ugly Duckling

The Second Annual FALL FAIRYTALE FESTIVAL continues with...

The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen
by Applause Unlimited 

Fri Oct 5 | 10:30am & 3:00pm
Sat Oct 6, Sun Oct 7 | 1:00pm & 3:00pm
BUY TICKETS

All hans on deck for a celebration of Hans Christian Andersen! Whether dealing with ducklings, a (very) little lass, or an emperor's wardrobe malfunction, the Danish fairytale author could find meaning and morals in everything. Check it out this week at PST.

About the show: Applause Unlimited celebrates one of the 20th century’s greatest storytellers - Hans Christian Andersen - with this magnificent UNIMA award winning show. Sometimes serious and heartwarming, sometimes downright silly, but always fun, the show features storytelling and song as well as multiple styles of puppets in three of Andersen’s best loved tales: “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelisa,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
Hand puppets, rod puppets, and marionettes, recommended ages 4 & up

About the performer: Applause Unlimited offers a wide range of performances featuring fresh presentations of classic tales.  Their approach includes masks, storytelling, music, and comedy in a unique combination that quietly educates as it entertains.  Applause Unlimited has performed at festivals and in theaters worldwide.  Their shows have been acclaimed by audiences, educators, producers, and sponsors of children's and family entertainment - receiving two Citations Of Excellence from the Union Internionale de la Marionette.

Behind the Scenes at PST: The Frog Prince

Pumpernickel Puppets: No, They're Not Edible

Welcome back, readers.  It's me, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST - and I'm here to take you on another "behind-the-scenes" adventure.  This time, it's all about The Frog Prince, which is due back at PST this week.  But first!  Allow me to introduce you to the man behind the Pumpernickel Puppets: John McDonough.

John and his MJ Puppet

John, Then...

John's story begins when he was just a wee lad.  That's right.  He was only four-years-old when he saw his first puppet show and thought, "Hmm...I think I want to be a puppeteer."  You know what?  Scratch that.  John didn't think he wanted to be a puppeteer.  John knew - he was absolutely certain - that he wanted to be a puppeteer.  Seriously.  He was on a mission.  By his teens, John was performing a large number of puppet shows throughout the New England area, including here in Brookline, specifically on the stage of our very own PST, which John might as well call "home" since he's been here so many times - much to our delight!

...And Now

Over thirty-seven years later, John is still entertaining audiences with his beautifully crafted puppet pals.  They've appeared here in Boston at The Boston Children's Museum as well many out-of-state institutions, including: The Institute of Professional Puppetry Arts at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, CT, The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., The Cultural Olympiad at The Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA, and the prestigious International Festival of Puppet Theatre sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation at the Joseph Papp Public Theatre in New York.

The Man Behind the Frog

This week, we're very luck to have John back at PST to perform his rendition of The Frog Prince. Excuse me. I should have said, "His beautiful rendition of The Frog Prince." Why beautiful? Well, John is known for crafting some of the most intricate puppets in the business. They're just breathtaking! Don't believe me? Take a look:

For each production, John designs and creates all of his puppets, which range in size.  Some of 'em are small hand puppets while others are life-size figures - sometimes bigger!  

He also manipulates the entire cast and provides the voices and sound effects as well.  He even has his very own portable stage, which can be set up in any indoor location and comes complete with sound and lighting. All that he needs is a 7x7 ft. square space with a 7'2" floor to ceiling clearance and a regular electrical outlet nearby.

Now, if you haven't seen John and his mechanics at work (and you're dying to know what it's like to see his work come to life), do not fear because we've got a pictorial history of some of the performances he's done over the last few (and most recent) years, including: The Lion and the Mouse and Three Billy Goats Gruff in 2010, and then Peter Rabbit and Sir George and the Dragon the following year - all of were met with great success.

Yes, John's puppet pals are sure to "wow" audiences of all ages, especially this week with The Frog Prince (BUY TICKETS).  We insist you come on down to PST and watch the beautiful Princess kiss the slimy Frog.  We promise, he'll turn into a handsome Prince soon enough!

'Till next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern.

PST to Host Traditional Story Slams

Traditional Story Slams for Teens and Adults

Have a favorite folk or fairytale you like to tell your kids? A soft spot for heros, evil kings, and talking animals? Want to dabble in the world of parables and fables? You're invited to participate in PST/massmouth, inc.'s monthly Traditional Story Slam. Each event, which will take place from 7-9pm at Puppet Showplace Theatre in Brookline, will feature seven story slammers and one featured storyteller. 




Slam guidelines include:

• 7-minute story limit
• content must be fictional and based in some tradition and the evening's theme.
• content cannot be from a literary work must be teller’s own words
• tellers may use props, costumes, and/or music
• tellers cannot use notes

Prizes for top storytellers (chosen by the audience) include a bag of magic beans, a magic wishing stone, and a small bale of hay. Additional prizes maybe added.

Traditional Story Slam Dates!

2012: Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20 from 7-9pm
2013: Jan 17, Feb 14, Mar 14 from 7-9pm

Tickets will be $8 online and $10 at the door.  

Story Slams

massmouth storyteller

The primary way in which massmouth promotes storytelling is through story slams. Similar to a poetry slam, a story slam is a competition based on the art of storytelling. At each event, interested slammers will submit their names to participate and the chosen few (the lucky eight to ten chosen at random from a box) get to tell their stories. Each participant will deliver a five-minute story (based on the event’s chosen theme), which will be scored by volunteer judges. The judges’ base their scores on presentation, structure, exploration of and connection to the slam’s theme, and time limit. 
Additionally, the story must be an original, real-life adventure with a beginning, middle, and end. The two highest-scoring tellers are awarded prizes and an opportunity to perform at the “the big mouthoff”

Through the 2012-2013 season, massmouth, inc. will offer three to four story slams a month at venues across the Greater Boston area. Upcoming story slams include themes such as “night owl,” “foodie,” and “betrayal.” The organization’s next event will take place on Saturday, September 29, from 3pm-6pm at the Rosebud Bar and Grill in Somerville, Mass. The event’s theme is “labels.”

For more information about massmouth, inc., check out their website.

Traditional Storytelling

Rumpelstiltskin

Where the massmouth/Puppet Showplace Theatre collaboration differs from usual story slams is the emphasis on traditional storytelling. Where massmouth events typically require stories to be first-person narrative based on lived experience, traditional stories must be based in fiction and borrowed from a traditional source.

These adults-only events are geared towards restoring the rawness and roughness and eliminating the “knee-slapping and feel good endings” of watered-down folk and fairytales. Contrary to fairytales of the Disney era, these stories should not provide tidy moral lessons.

Similarly, massmouth, inc. founder Norah Dooley warns participants to be wary of the term “adult.” According to Dooley, “‘adult’ [does] not mean simply tacking on promiscuity, gender issues and substance abuse one has created an "adult" tale… an adult tale is one that is complex, deep, and resonating enough to entertain and challenge even the most jaded grown up.”

For more information on traditional storytelling, check out Norah Dooley’s blog post on the subject.

The Frog Prince is Hoppin' On Over to PST

THIS WEEK AT PST

The 2nd Annual
FALL FAIRYTALE FESTIVAL continues with...

The Frog Prince
by Pumpernickel Puppets
Sat & Sun | Sep 29 & 30 | 1 PM and 3 PM
BUY TICKETS

About the Show: Young Prince Tad has been caught teasing the forest creatures...again! As punishment, a Magic Tree turns him into a frog, hoping to teach him a lesson. Along the way, Tad meets a Princess who could turn him back with - brace yourselves - a kiss. Yuck! Will she do it? All ends happily as the characters learn about being kind and keeping promises.
Hand puppets, recommended for ages 3 & up

About the Performer: The Pumpernickel Puppets are the creation of John McDonough of Worcester, Massachusetts. He was four years old when he saw his first puppet show and he knew immediately 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 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.

After-school Activities: PST's After-school Show Series Returns

PST announces Fall 2012  After-school Show Line-up

Starting Friday, October 5, Puppet Showplace Theatre is bringing back its after-school show time series for youth and family audiences. For the remainder of the Fall 2012 season, PST will present a 3:00pm show the first Friday of every month (October 5, November 2, and December 7).

Behind-the-scenes Access:

Ever wonder what goes into a puppet show? Well, you're in luck! Each performance will include a post-show behind-the-scenes puppet demonstration and a Q&A session with the puppeteer. According to Brad Shur, Artist-in-Residence at PST, “These performances are a great opportunity for kids to meet with artists, ask questions, and see how a professional puppet show works!”

Puppet-making Activity:

Following each performance, audience members are also invited to enjoy a FREE puppet making activity. All the materials will be provided by PST, and every child can make their own puppet to take home.

Tickets cost $12 General/$8 PST members/$8.50 for groups of 20 or more.

View Calendar

2012 Fall After-school Puppet Show Season Line-up:

The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen by Applause Unlimited – PST Premier!

October 5 at 3pm

Applause Unlimited celebrates one of the 20th century’s greatest storytellers - Hans Christian Andersen - with this magnificent UNIMA award-winning show. Sometimes serious and heartwarming, sometimes downright silly, but always fun, the show features storytelling and song as well as multiple styles of puppets in three of Andersen’s best loved tales: “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelisa,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Recommended for ages 4 & up.

BUY TICKETS!

Raccoon Tales by Paul Vincent Davis, performed by Brad Shur, PST Artist-in-Residence.

November 2 at 3pm

The animals in the forest are always getting into trouble playing tricks on each other. Will they learn their lessons? Three humorous tales, inspired by just-so-stories of the Seneca tribe, combine in this delightful show: 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. Hand puppets. Recommended for ages 4 & up

BUY TICKETS!

Tales of Beatrix Potter by Applause Unlimited – PST Premier!

December 7 at 3pm

A solo puppeteer/storyteller explores the fantasy world of one of Victorian England's best-known authors and illustrators. Set in an old-fashioned nursery, this performance includes three favorite Beatrix Potter stories as seen through the eyes of a young English girl growing up at the beginning of the twentieth century. As she pursues the everyday activities of playing and learning, the tales of "Two Bad Mice", "Jeremy Fisher", and "Jemima Puddleduck" seem to grow from her imagination. Hand, Rod, and Shadow puppets. Recommended for ages 4 & up.

Tickets Coming Soon! 

From the PST Vault: Mary Churchill's "Three Little Pigs"

"The Three Little Pigs" by PST's Founder:

While getting ready for our upcoming performance of "The Three Little Pigs" by WonderSpark Puppets this weekend, I rememberd a conversation I had with Paul Vincent Davis, our Artist-In-Residence Emeritis about Mary Churchill's production of the same story. I was inspired to search deep into our old photos, and found three delightful images of Mary's beautiful show! Enjoy!

-Brenda Huggins, Communications Director


About Mary:

The Puppet Showplace Theatre (PST) was founded in June 1974 by visionary educator and puppeteer Mary Churchill. Mary saw puppetry as a powerful medium for teaching children, stimulating their creativity, and introducing them to the experience of live theatre.

One of the many shows she performed at PST was the story of the three little pigs! For almost 20 years, Mary performed this show with hand made puppets created in her signature, croche design. Families would enjoy a puppet show bill that included this story with two others; sometimes "Little Red-Riding Hood", or Aesop's tale of "The Lion and the Mouse."

Mary's Three Little Pigs:

In Mary's telling of this classic tale, there were not just three pigs in the story; the famous trio was joined by their mother. Four pigs! Mother pig had two sons, and one daughter. It was important to Mary, when adapting classic stories, to paint a picture of female characters in a stronger light, where they could have control over their own lives, and were not at the mercy of an evil witch, or married-off to a prince who she knew for about 2 hours.

 Mary's "Three Little Pigs" is a perfect example of this feminist twist to a classic tale, where the pig who build's a brick house is a girl pig, studying to become a dentist! How fun, and what a great message to little girls in the audience!

At the end of the show, the girl, soon-to-be-dentist-pig defeats the Wolf by pulling out his teeth! A famous line of the show spoken by the wolf: "That's O.K., they were just my baby teeth, and another set will grow in."

Mary's visionary work continues to inspire the staff and artists at PST, and we are so happy to share these beautiful images of her work from our archive!

The Three Little Pigs Take Over the Net!

Newsflash, Readers!  The Three Little Pigs have taken over the Net.  I repeat: The Three Little Pigs have taken over the net...but that's totally ok because they're cute and cuddly, so no need to be alarmed.  I just thought you should know, what with WonderSpark Puppets returning to PST this week with their rendition of the classic tale.

Yes, in celebration of their return - both WonderSpark Puppets and The Three Little Pigs - I thought it would be best to do a countdown of some of the best Pig-related videos on the Internet, courtesy of Sesame Street, Jim Henson, and his Muppets.

5. Kermit Reports On The Three Little Pigs...and Count Ruins It

CLICK TO WATCH

Poor Kermit.  All he wants to do is interview the Three Little Pigs, but he can't because Count keeps, you know, counting 'em.  That's right.  Every time a Little Pig appears, Count shouts "ONE Little Pig," "TWO Little Pigs," and then "THREE Little Pigs," making it very difficult for Kermit to ask them any questions regarding their encounter with the Big Bad Wolf.  Fed up with all the hullabaloo, the Pigs shut the door - and Kermit walks away without a story...or so you think!  

Just next door are the Seven Dwarves.  Oh, but wait.  That's not good.  Seven Dwarves means seven more things for the Count to, you know, count!  Get ready, Kermit.  The cycle's doomed to repeat itself.  

4. Kermit Reports On Two Homeless Piggies

CLICK TO WATCH

After an unwanted visit from the Big Bad Wolf, two Pigs are left homeless.  

At the first scene of the crime - a big pile of straw - Kermit asks the first Pig what it's like to be homeless.  His response: "What kind of dumb question is that?!  I'm angry!  How would you feel if some big Wolf came along and huffed and puffed and blew your house down?!"

At the second scene of the crime - a big pile of sticks - Kermit asks the second, teary-eyed Pig the same question.  His response: "How do I feel?  How can you be so cruel as to ask me that?  My house is in rubble and you ask me that?  I'm sad!"

At the third scene of the crime - oh, wait!  There is none because it's made of brick.  Knowing this, Kermit asks the third Pig, who stands in front of his brick palace, trying to figure out where his satellite dish should go, what it's like to have a house that's "nice and solid and strong."  His response: "Proud."  Sure, he may seem vain, but when the other two Pigs come a-runnin', he takes them in and protects them from the Big Bad Wolf's big, bad breath.  Kermit, however, is not so lucky because the Wolf huffs and puffs and blows him away.

3. Kermit Reports on the NEW Three Little Pigs Story

CLICK TO WATCH

That's right.  There's a new Three Little Pigs story, courtesy of the Big Bad Wolf, who's invited Kermit and his news team to capture it on video.

The story begins with the Wolf asking the Three Little Pigs to join him outside.  The Pigs refuse because in the old story, he huffed and puffed and blew their houses down.  The Wolf promises that he won't do that again, so the Pigs decide to give him a chance.  They go outside, where the Wolf begins the new story so: "Once upon a time, there were Three Little Pigs and a Frog Reporter.  When the Wolf saw them standing there, he took a deep breath and..." - Kermit and the Pigs jump - "sang a song!" 

This song turns out to be a game.  The Wolf sings, "Three of things belong together.  Three of these things are kinda the same.  One of these things just doesn't belong here.  Now it's time to play a game!"

Guess how the game ends.  Kermit, a frog, does not belong with the Three Little Pigs, so the Wolf huffs and puffs and blows him away and he and the Three Little Pigs live happily ever after.  As the Pigs rejoice, Kermit pops out of his coat and says, "I think I like the old story better."

2. Kermit Reports On the First Pig

CLICK TO WATCH

Kermit interviews the first Pig, the one with the house made of straw.  When he asks, "Why straw," the Pig responds so: "Because straw is light and easy to carry - and when we get hungry, we can nibble on a wall or two."  Kermit suggests it would have been wiser to build a house made of wood or bricks, in case a Big Bad Wolf comes along and huffs and puffs and blows it down.  The Pig laughs this off, saying he worked on the house for four days and is, therefore, strong, then returns inside.

Moments later, the Big Bad Wolf arrives and Kermit - who thinks he knows the story of The Three Little Pigs - stands to the side and watches as he huffs and puffs and blows everything down...except the Pig's house.  Boy!  You may think you know the story, but then something like this happens.  It may not make sense, especially to Kermit, but that's what makes it funny.  

1. A New Way To Walk

CLICK TO WATCH

Welcome to Mac TV!  Today's music video features kickin' music and pork bellies.  It's called "A New Way To Walk" and it features the talented Oinker Sisters.

Yes, this video - an obvious homage to Madonna, (specifically Madonna from the 80's) - is just delightful.  And it certainly puts a new twist on the story of The Three Little Pigs.  In the version we grew up with, they're running scared from the Big Bad Wolf.  Here, they're singing and dancing - and giving "Girl Power" a whole new meaning. 

I don't know about you, but this is definitely worthy of the number one spot.  It's got everything you could ever want from a Sesame Street music video: Madonna-esque dancing pigs and an 80's pop song - guaranteed to put a smile on your faces.

Feel like you need more Pig-related fun in your life?  Then come on down to PST this Saturday (or Sunday) to see WonderSpark Puppets perform their version of The Three Little Pigs.

'Til next time.  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern.

PS: Tell us what some of your favorite pig videos are!

Organizations Unite to Promote Storytelling

Puppet Showplace Theatre to collaborate with storytelling 

nonprofit massmouth, inc.

This 2012-2013 season Puppet Showplace Theatre will be teaming up massmouth, inc., a nonprofit organization focused on promoting storytelling in the 21st century, for a new partnership to promote traditional storytelling in Boston. The non-profit organizations are set to collaborate on all-ages, family storytelling performance-and-workshops with massmouth, inc.'s Norah Dooley as well as adults-only Folk and Fairytale slams.

Storytelling Workshop Series Dates

“How to Tell a Great Fairytale,” Oct 8 from 3-5pm - Experience the magic of a well-told traditional tale, then learn how storytellers can make fantastical characters and settings come to life using the power of words and imagination. Bring a favorite fairytale, or use one from our collections! Register Here

“Family Stories,” Dec 2 from 3-5pm - Heirlooms, attic boxes, old photo albums...Is your house filled with the beginnings of great stories? Just in time for the holidays, learn how to turn mementos and memories into compelling tales that can be shared with friends and family. Bring a photo or any object that reminds you of a person or event in your life or family history. Or simply bring a memory that you think would make a good story. Register Here

Single registrant: $25/person ($20 PST members)

Family pricing: $25/ first participant, $15 additional ($20/$10 for PST members).

Children under 13 must participate with an adult.

massmouth, inc.

Founded in August, 2008 by Norah Dooley, Andrea Lovett and Doria Hughes, massmouth, inc. is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit committed to promoting the timeless art of storytelling in the 21^st century through digital and social media, education and live performance. massmouth aims to reinvigorate storytelling in Massachusetts and restore it to its rightful place as a recognized art form.  Additionally, the organization hopes to improve storytelling’s accessibility to all and empower others to listen to, create, and share their stories through education and community outreach. 

For more information, check out massmouth's website. 

Norah Dooley

Norah Dooley, workshop leader

The massmouth, inc./PST collaboration has been spearheaded by massmouth founder Norah Dooley. A storyteller, critically-acclaimed children’s author and educator, Norah started a story slam series in Greater Boston as co-founder of massmouth, inc. Additionally, Norah has published six storytelling CDs, and her widely acclaimed picture book, Everybody Cooks Rice is one of four titles in a series about her former neighborhood in Cambridge, Mass. She teaches storytelling, performance skills, directs theater, and performs in schools, libraries and teacher’s conferences. Norah was the featured storyteller in the Christmas and Spring Revels in Cambridge and Boston, Mass., the Cambridge River Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Albany NY River Festival, 3 Apples Storytelling Festival, MA and at the Clearwater Festival.

For more information about Norah, visit her website.  

Behind the Scenes at PST: The Three Little Pigs

WonderSpark Puppets: They've Got Their Hands Full

Welcome back, readers!  It's yours truly, Esra Erol, one of the marketing interns here at PST, and I'll be taking you on a behind-the-scenes look at WonderSpark Puppets' rendition of The Three Little Pigs, due to premiere at PST this week!

Chad Williams & Lindsey "Z" Briggs - Founders of WonderSpark Puppets

Now, I don't know if you know this, but the Three Little Pigs are traveling all the way from Central Park in New York City to Boston. That's right.  When they're not traveling to different venues, like PST, WonderSpark Puppets - founded by husband-and-wife team Chad Williams and Lindsey "Z" Briggs - perform a variety of puppet shows for children and adults alike in the different boroughs of Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, etc.  They also volunteer at Mount Sinai's KidZone TV and have given lectures and demonstrations to a class at the Children's Museum for the Arts in Manhattan.

I think it's no secret: both Chad and Lindsey care deeply about children and bringing the arts to the children, which is why their rendition of The Three Little Pigs is guaranteed to bring in laughs and smiles from your little ones.  

Bringing the Pigs to the Stage

We all know the story: Three Little Pigs build three little houses, but when the Big Bad Wolf comes rollin' into town, hungry for some bacon, they have to see which of their three structures can withstand his huffin' and his puffin'.

In his adaption of the classic tale, Chad Williams hauls an entire show...alone!  He manipulates different characters, changes scenery, and keeps direct contact with the audience.  "How," you may ask?  With table-top puppetry, of course!

The Three Little Pigs in Central Park

By using the table-top style, he can manipulate up to two characters at once, stop for a bit of storytelling, and quickly summon different puppets or change a prop in full view of the audience, which allows him to create this intimacy between the stage and the audience.

From Script to Stage

Now, for those of you who may not know, this show is what the industry refers to as an "adaptation," meaning it's based on previously written material - in this case, The Three Little Pigs.  Of course, that shouldn't suggest this is not, in a way, a WonderSpark Puppets original.  

During rehearsals, Chad did re-writes of the script.  His mantra for writing characters is to "make each one stand out."  In other words, each of the pigs, while literally being made of the same materials and patterns - all of which were designed by Lindsey - had to have completely different voices, mannerisms, fatal flaws, and goals.  As a writer, it was important for Chad to ask questions like: What does each pig want?  What can the Big Bad Wolf use against them?  And so on...

Chad Performing as One of the Three Little Pigs

By taking these steps - asking questions, doing character profiles, and re-writing the script - Chad was able to take someone else's Three Little Pigs and make them his own, giving them wacky personalities like the "Sloth," the "Diva," and the "Nerd."

Speaking of them pigs - you can't help but wonder: what would've happened if they had done their homework and gone to, let's say, Cal Poly, which offers some of the best undergraduate programs in architecture and engineering.  They probably would've built more durable houses - you know, to withstand the big, bad breath of the Big Bad Wolf.  Thank goodness that's not the case because then there'd be no story and the wonderful people at WonderSpark Puppets wouldn't be able to perform their delightful version of The Three Little Pigs.

To see 'em in action - and by action I mean, going head-to-head with the Big Bad Wolf - come on down to PST, where WonderSpark Puppets will be performing The Three Little Pigs on September 22 and September 23 (BUY TICKETS).  You know you can't resist puppet pigs!

'Til next time.  Yours truly, Esra.