"The City" by Modern Times Theater at PST

Puppets At Night Returns!
One Night Only...
"The City" by Modern Times Theater

Sat, Feb. 16 | 8 PM

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We are excited to be hosting “The City” by Modern Times Theatre as part of our Puppets@Night series. "The City" is a toy theater play and we are looking forward to this special puppet show! During the show, you will experience over 1,000 years of history about the emergence of the city and its people. With Great Enthusiasm, we invite TEENS and ADULTS to join us for this One Night Only Show!!!

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the show with Modern Times Theater on WBUR.ORG:
CLICK HERE

About the Show: A fairy tale written by Hermann Hesse, “The City” takes you through one thousand years in the history of civilization presented in vivid cardboard Technicolor! Experience the arrival of the urban world taking shape before your very eyes on a minuscule stage of wonder! Hosted by Punch and Judy, puppetry’s favorite jerk and his loudmouth wife, the oddly amusing duo is sure to be a can't miss drama in pint-sized proportions.

Additional Fun: The Modern Times Theatre also doubles as the Plank House band, a cornet and cigar-box Ukulele duo specializing in classic novelty tunes of the 1920’s. Plus a street show series from “The Rural Person’s Verbal Reclamation Front,” whose mission is to reclaim language from the icy grip of the post-industrial empire and present them as a gift for the mutual benefit of women and beast, man and pasture. To date the words “chore” and “economy” have been saved!

About Modern Times Theater: Modern Times Theatre makes puppet shows for the street, the school, the barn, the pasture and the subway. Using cantastoria, cranky, hand puppet, and toy theatre forms, the shows convey a general dissatisfaction with post-modern convenience and promote a return to old-fashioned difficulty. Modern Times Theater is also part of the Vermont Vaudeville troupe, performing Vaudeville shows in the Opera Houses of Vermont. Modern Times Theater is Rose Friedman and Justin Lander, alumni of the Bread and Puppet Theater. The Bread and Puppet Theater, found by Peter Schumann, rose in the lower east side of New York in 1963. The original concerns of the early productions were rents, rats, police and other neighborhood problems. From there more complex pieces emerged equiped with scultures, dance and music.

"Under Night Sky": Stories of the Underground Rail Road

THIS WEEK AT PST

"Under Night Sky" by Puppetkabob
Thurs & Fri | Feb 14 & 15 | 10:30 AM
Sat & Sun | Feb 16, 17 | 1 PM & 3 PM
Mon | Feb 18 | 10:30 AM & 1 PM

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If Nemo ironically made you miss Sarah Frachette award-winning show “The Snowflake Man” here’s another chance to see her exciting work on the PST stage! Puppetkabob will be back this week performing “Under Night Sky” Thursday through Monday.  We are ready to kick of school vacation week with Stars, Stories, and Shadows! Join us for an exciting adventure through the Underground Railroad.

Travel through time as the performers quilt  together memories formed over generations. Follow three children on journeys united by threads of courage, love and hope. Unravel the stories of the Underground Railroad stitched together in Grandmother's patchwork quilt. Hear the waves crash aside the ship as you listen to the magical tale of an Irish Memory Quilt. Quietly enter an Old School House to see a girl proudly wearing her coat of rags, stitched to patchwork perfection.

CHECK OUT A SNEAK-PEEK VIDEO! CLICK HERE

BROOKLINE UNDERGROUND

William Ingersoll Bowditch House, Brookline, MA

Did you know we have ties to the Underground Railroad right here in our very own backyard? Well we do! The William Ingersoll Bowditch House was an important stop along the route. Along with being active in local politics, William Bowditch was an avid abolitionist who used his house to shelter slaves searching for freedom. Perhaps he’s most famously known for making the brave journey of driving a man from Boston to Concord, assisting his quest for freedom. 

THE NIGHT SKY COMES TO LIFE!

Using table top and shadow puppetry, "Under Night Sky" is a show that blends hand-held lights, illustrated paper puppets, composed music, and character storytelling to create a style of cinematic puppetry that flows like film. Shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment in which the puppeteer uses flat articulated figures in order to give the appearance of three-dimensional moving objects. And if you thought table top puppetry is performed on top of a table, you are absolutely right! Commonly using rod puppets, artists make their characters dance across the table top before your eyes!

Photo by Jessie Forand from the Saint Albans Messenger

Quote from the artist: "The show was created for my late Grandmother Fayan, who use to squeeze the two of us together in her chair and tell me stories over and over again, even past the point when I was too big to really fit next to her, she still found room!"- Sarah Frechette 

MEET THE PERFORMERS!

This week's performance of "Under Night Sky" features TWO puppeteers: Puppet Kabob's founder Sarah Frechette, and special guest, Carole D'Agostino.

Sarah Frechette and Carole D'Agostino performing "Under Night Sky". Photo by Jessie Forand from the Saint Albans Messenger

Sarah Frechette, the founder of Puppetkabob revolutionizes the ancient art of shadow puppetry, the oldest form in the world! Sarah studied in Germany with Legendary Master Puppeteer Albrecht Roser absorbing his theories on Zen and the art of puppetry. With her BFA from UConn’s Puppet Arts Program, Sarah also plays “Penny Pup” on the children’s television series “Seemore’s Playhouse,” seen on PBS.

Carole D’Agostino is an award winning puppeteer, including the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry Audience Favorite Award. Versed in various styles her skills of shadow and table top puppetry are sure to be on display. Perhaps you’ve caught her work before on Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. What inspired her...    

This Week in Puppet Playtime...TREES!

Rumble rumble rumble . . . 

by Guest Blogger: Phil Berman, Puppet Playtime performer

Do you hear that? Underneath all the snow? It’s the sound of the acorns stretching in their sleep as they wait patiently for spring.

Performers Phil Berman and Brenda Huggins perform "The Girl and the Squirrel", on stage tomorrow as part of PST's Puppet Playtime!

But how did they get underground when they come from a tree? They’re buried by squirrels saving their nutty snacks for later! The seeds the squirrels forget about start to sprout underground and break out when the weather gets warm.

Join us in the trees tomorrow morning for our fifth session of Puppet Playtime. We have lots in store for you: an arboreal Irish sing-a-long; interactive squirrel games; ballads celebrating American agricultural icons; and of course, the naughtiest crocheted squirrel south of the Charles River.

Brenda, Bella monster and I will be taking a break next week to get ready for the next five sessions of Puppet Playtime. We made it halfway – we hope you’ll continue to join us for the home stretch!!

-PB

Puppet Playtime

Wednesdays at 10:30am
Feb 13 & 27
March 6, 13, 20 & 27

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Puppet Playtime is Puppet Showplace Theatre's NEW weekly interactive performance recommended for children 3 and under (and their grownups)

5-Session passes still available! 

Save by purchasing 5 sessions at one time; buy 4 get one free! There are only 6 sessions left, so now is a great time to take advantage of the 5-session flex pass.  Every week features a new theme with brand-new music and puppet show!

5-Session Flexible Pass: $100 ($75 for members) PURCHASE PASS

This week in Puppet Playtime...

In the Village, in Brookline Village, the Lion Sleeps Tonight . . .
by Guest Blogger: Phill Berman, Puppet Playtime performer

Shhhh…be very quiet…we’re walking through the deep dark Jungle: who knows what friendly animal companions could leap out at any minute? A lion? A mouse? An exotic bird that may-or-may-not-be a chicken? Or could it be the jungle’s most dangerous predator of all – TODDLERS! When the jungle is in the middle of New England’s oldest puppet theatre, the possibilities are endless.

This week's session of Puppet Playtime features the story of the  "Lion and the Mouse!" (in this photo, Bella recreates her own special version!)

As Brenda, Bella Monster and I put the finishing touches on our fourth episode of Puppet Playtime, we find ourselves coming back to the same question: how can this show be more interactive?

We’ve marched with ants, speckled a galaxy with stars and clucked with all the chickens in the barn. As we approach our halfway point in the series, we are still committed to find opportunities for the invisible lines between performers, toddlers and grown-ups to truly disappear.

Bella had a blast last week clucking with our chicken friends!

So far our audiences have done a great job of encouraging each other (as well as the three performers onstage) to commit deeply and fully to the imagination journeys we’ve embarked on. As we adventure into the jungle tomorrow morning, I hope more than ever that everyone is there for each other.

AND WATCH OUT FOR THAT LION!

-PB

Puppet Playtime

Puppet Showplace Theatre's NEW weekly interactive performance recommended for children 3 and under (and their grownups)

Wednesdays at 10:30am
Feb 6, 13 & 27
March 6, 13, 20 & 27

LEARN MORE/ BUY TICKETS!

Drop in rate: $25 per child-adult pair ($10 additional child)
5-Session Flexible Pass: $100 ($75 for members)

Meet Puppetkabob! In-residence Through Feb 18th

PST Welcomes Guest Artist: Sarah Frechette

Sarah Frechette of Puppetkabob

Here at PST, we are excited to host guest artist-in-residence, Sarah Frechette, the founder of awarding winning puppet company, Puppetkabob.  Her inspring work can be seen on our stage Feb 7-18th with two different shows, and a special one-night only masterclass on Thurs, Feb 7th. First up is the UNIMA award winning production of "The Snowflake Man", based on the story of Snowflake Bentley, the first man to take a photograph of a snowflake.  Continuing with the theme of exciting stories from American History, PST will present Puppetkabob's, "Under Night Sky" to kick off our February Vacation Week programming. 

Join us this February as snowflakes and stars come to life!

The Snowflake Man by Puppetkabob

Thurs & Fri | Feb 7 & 8 | 10:30 AM

Sat & Sun | Feb 9 & 10 | 1 & 3 PM

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About the show: The story of "The Snowflake Man" is inspired by Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley, the self-educated farmer and scientist who attracted world attention when he became the first person to photograph a single snow crystal. "The Snowflake Man" transports audiences into historic New England through creative storytelling, intricately designed Czech-style marionettes, and a striking pop-up book of water color scenery. This show combines art, science, and New England history to magical effect! 

The Snowflake Man was awarded a 2011 UNIMA Citation of Excellence. This show is sponsored in part by a Creation Grant from the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Under Night Sky by Puppetkabob

Thurs & Fri | Feb 14 & 15 | 10:30 AM

Sat & Sun | Feb 16 & 17 | 10:30 AM

Mon | Feb 18 | 10:30 AM & 1 PM

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About the show: "Under Night Sky" follows three children on journeys united by threads of courage, love and hope. Unravel the stories of the Underground Railroad stitched together in Grandmother's patchwork quilt. Hear the waves crash aside the ship as you listen to the magical tale of an Irish Memory Quilt. Quietly enter an Old School House to see a girl proudly wearing her coat of rags, stitched to patchwork perfection. 

Puppetkabob artist Sarah Frechette revolutionizes the ancient art of shadow puppetry by using light to manipulate depth and space. "Under Night Sky" is a show that blends hand-held lights, illustrated paper puppets, composed music, and character storytelling to create a style of cinematic puppetry that flows like film.

Strings Attached - Puppetry and Solo Performance Workshop with Instructor: Sarah Frechette

One session: Thursday February 7, 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Location: Puppet Showplace Theatre

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If you ever wondered what it would be like to put on a one person show, join master artist and professional puppeteer, Sarah Frechette for this fun and eye-opening workshop. Frechette will take you through the creation process of her award-winning solo show “The Snowflake Man,” which is based on the life of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley and features a cast of beautifully sculpted Czech-style marionettes. This is an introductory-level class: prior experience is not necessary. MORE INFO

Today, Sarah Frechette joins us as a guest blogger to take us behind-the-scenes of her upcoming shows:

BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH SARAH FRECHETTE
by Guest Blogger: artist Sarah Frechette of Puppetkabob

Photos taken by the real "Snowflake Bentley"

When my grandfather was a young boy he purchased from Snowflake Bentley three snowflake photos. My grandfather's pride in his photos inspired my idea for this show and at the heart of it is a love letter from me to my late Grandfather. Behind all of the shows I create is the memory of my Vermont heritage, my grandparents and relatives who work with their hands and with their hearts.

I enjoy collaborating and was delighted to work with many great & talented friends on this project. And I made Bentley a sharp dressed man!

For my performance I blend czech-style marionettes, miniatures, pop-up paper art, music and live storytelling to convey historical information in a way that I find fun, dramatic and personal. My goal is to draw the audience into the experience and leave having learned something. I use an antique trunk to create the stage for Snowflake Bentley's life and the scenery changes by flipping the pages on a hand painted watercolor pop-up book. In The Snowflake Man, I engage the audience through dialogue and interaction to illustrate Bentley's theories and passions for the minute in nature. My narrator character is human and marionette-sized creating fun dramatic moments with Snowflake Bentley.

Miniature Czech-style marionettes built by Sarah Frechette for "The Snowflake Man"

In 2011 I received an UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence for The Snowflake Man which is a great honor as it is like the Oscar of Puppetry!

I am taking The Snowflake Man on the road this month on a mini tour starting at the Puppet Showplace Theatre, then to libraries in Vermont and ending at Goat on a Boat Puppet Theater in Sag Harbor, New York. This summer, I will be a featured performer at the Puppet Festival
(r)Evolution in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania on August 13, 2013!

I am also touring my cinematic style shadow puppet show UNDER NIGHT SKY with puppeteer Carole D'Agostino - look for that show this coming February 14-18 at the Puppet Showplace! We then head to Hop Stop at Dartmouth College and to the Long Island Children's Museum.

-Sarah Frechette

Sarah Frechette performs "The Snowflake Man" to delighted audiences!

“The incredible attention to detail, both visually and in her performance style, demonstrates Sarah's mastery of storytelling in this charming show!”...UNIMA-USA

“My granddaughters, daughter, daughter-in-law and I all enjoyed your

show. It was beautiful!”...Peabody Essex Museum, MA

“One might think that young children would prefer puppets that are

loud and flashy, but they were enraptured with Sarah's story and her

marionettes.”...Philadelphia Museum of Art

Save the Planet with Puppets!

A marionette made from recycled materials!

ALL AGES WORKSHOP:

Build Your Own Recycled Puppets
With Brenda Huggins, PST Teaching Artist
Saturday February 2, 10:30 am - 12:00 PM

Cost: $15/Individual; $10/Member

*Children under age 13 must participate with a parent or guardian.  Recommended for ages 5 & up

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Climate Action Week continues in Brookline through Feb 3rd, and Puppet Showplace Theatre is excited to participate with a SUPER FUN puppet making workshop!

Have you ever wondered what to do with those old jeans with holes and rips, or have a pillow that is not fluffy or comfortable to sleep on and more? Or maybe your recycling bin is piling up with cardboard and plastic bottles, and you have always wondered if maybe there was a more creative way to Reduce, Re-use, Recycle than just dropping the bin at the curb?

Join us for an all-ages workshop on Saturday to learn how to turn materials already in your home into creative characters that come to life! No need to stop by the craft store, or spend tons of money on a bolt of fabric!  All materials are included for this hands-on, all-ages workshop. Each participant will make a puppet from recycled materials to take home.

Teaching Artist, Brenda Huggins is today's guest blogger.  Let's find out what to expect during class on Saturday:

ANYTHING CAN BE A PUPPET!

by Guest Blogger, Brenda Huggins

Brenda Huggins and her puppet Bella Monster, made by Jon Little of Little's Creatures.

I love the idea that "any thing can be a puppet." It is a catch phrase that I use often in my teaching, and I am sure I picked it up from an immersion in puppetry education programs at PST for the past three years.  Often when I teach puppetry, I begin with "Object Theatre", or the idea that any everyday object can become "alive" when the puppeteer discovers how it can move, how it looks around in its environment, how it breathes, and perhaps even what its voice sounds like.  These are the fundamental basics of puppetry manipulation.  Why is this important in a puppet building class?  As a puppet builder, I like to think about how the characters I am creating will exist in the world, as this greatly inspires their design and the materials they will be made out of.

Yes, the MATERIALS! Let's talk about the materials, because that is why we are here isn't it?  When we are creating puppets from recycled, or re-purposed materials, the goal is to take an everyday object and be inspired to transform that object into something new-and also perhaps save a little money from not having to buy brand new materials at the craft or fabric store.  It is also a FANTASTIC way to recycle materials you wouldn't even think to recycle.  How many times have you thrown out an old shirt because it had a stain or rip in it? I know many of us are very good about donating clothing to Good Will or other second hand shops, but what do you do with those old things that cannot be resold?  Instead of flooding landfills with these precious textiles, let's make puppets!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as seen in "Puppet Playtime"

When I am building puppets, I LOVE to be inspired by the materials I will be working with, especially the textiles.  Maybe this comes from my work as a costume designer.  As an example, some of the most recent puppets I built are for a new program at PST called "Puppet Playtime." The materials I used are  a towel and recycled clothing  (I have a huge suitcase full of cut up clothes and other goodies for crafty projects! I can't wait to share it with you!) To create the character of the Very Hungry Caterpillar, I used a bright green towel for the body, and created three dimensional spots by cutting circles out of a dress shirt I have from when I was in college. (I will admit that was almost 10 years ago! I held onto the shirt, because the fabric was so beautiful and I just HAD to use it for a fabulous crafting project!)

Join me on Saturday for an hour and a half of recycling, creation, and play! I can't wait to see each of your unique pieces of art come to life!

-Brenda

This Week in Puppet Playtime!

Puppet Playtime: Opening circle with Phil Berman and Brenda Huggins

PUPPET PLAYTIME FOR TODDLERS AND TINY TOTS!
Wednesdays at 10:30am through March

MAKE A RESERVATION

Bella Monster and the very hungry Caterpillar!

We are two weeks into our brand new interactive program for young children (ages 0-3) and it has been a blast!  So far we have adventured with our fabulous furry friend Bella Monster to outer space, marched with ants in the garden (hurrah, hurrah!), dined with a very hungry caterpillar, and sang our favorite songs and new original tunes composed by our very own Puppet Playtime performer, Phil Berman.  

One of the participants with a 2 year old child said:

 "My daughter was singing the songs from Puppet Playtime all day long, the experience has definitely stuck with her.  We will be back next week!"


WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THIS WEEK?
Guest Blogger: Phil Berman

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

Wake up and smell the corn husks, this Wednesday morning Puppet Playtime is off to the farm! 

Brenda, Bella Monster and I have been blessed with Puppet Showplace's rich and eclectic stock of puppets from past productions that are (literally) hanging around every corner of the theater. When developing new shows every week we try to take our cue from the wealth of materials already available to us. Bella Monster discovered a box of chicken puppets created by my dear friend from Free Hands, Allie Herryman, and we knew they were too good not to use in a show.

It turns out there's a lot of great children's music featuring these fearless flightless fowl. There's something hilariously satisfying about these birds to folks of all ages: is it the noise? the movement? the prideful attitude? We humans may never truly understand why we love chickens so much. What I can tell you is that we have a fun-filled interactive show ready for our littlest chicks: 

We'll crow and squawk and bark and whinny with the rest of the animals in the farm; plant wheat with a well-known avian baker; shake eggs while we cluck with the hens; and recount the stresses and joys of poultry puppet parenthood.

Don't stay cooped up all winter - we'll see you at the theater on Wednesday morning -- don't forget your overalls!

See you at the Theatre!

-PB

PST Musician-in-Residence on Creating Music for "Squirrel"

Bonnie Duncan in "Squirrel Stole My Underpants"

"NEW YEAR, NEW SHOWS!": Series of new work created by local artists continues with great success!

What an EXCITING weekend! After a completely sold out run this past Saturday and Sunday, "Squirrel Stole My Underpants" by Bonnie Duncan is bringing much joy and adventure to audiences young and old.  The final weekend of performances runs Thursday through Sunday, Jan 31-Feb 3.

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New Year, NEW MUSIC!

In addition to Bonnie's unique mash up of theatrical tricks, including dance, physical theatre, and puppetry, local musicians created a brilliant score to help take the audience on an underpants search-party adventure.  Puppet Showplace Theatre's own musician-in-residence, Brendan Burns is one of the co-composers and performers.

Brendan Burns is a guitarist & educator rooted in Somerville, MA.  He released his debut album TimeStamp (recorded live at the Somerville Theatre) in 2012 (available via BandCamp, iTunes & Spotify), and is featured in Alexia Prichard's Documentary about the project; as well as the Boston Globe.  Brendan is a regular contributor with SchoolTree, Kristen Ford Band, Karin Webb, Molly Zenobia & Brendan Burns' Roadhouse.  He is also a founding member of the music & puppetry troupe: Elephant Tango Ensemble (nominated for an IRNE), former director of the house band for Bent Wit Cabaret and currently the musician-in-residence at the Puppet Showplace Theatre. 

Brendan is today's guest blogger, writing about his experience collaborating on this exciting new project.

Creating Music for Squirrel Stole My Underpants 

by Guest Blogger: Brendan Burns

Bonnie Duncan is amazing.  I've been an admirer of her work and creative brain for years.  

Bonnie Duncan in "Squirrel Stole My Underpants"

She first introduced me to "The Squirrel" at a Puppet Incubator meeting at the Puppet Showplace Theatre.  Her show: Squirrel Stole My Underpants was still in development, but the idea was amazing and the creator was brilliant.  

Bonnie asked for my help to bring musicians into the project, and we soon discovered it was the perfect opportunity for Tony Leva (upright bass) and I to take on as co-composers.  For a little over two months, we met every Wednesday morning at the Puppet Showplace Theatre and tried out ideas.  Sometimes we would work on the entire show, and other times it was just one scene, but all of the time we were laughing & giggling.  Tony would record our rehearsals so we could listen back to our ideas, and most of the time he captured the three of us giggling uncontrollably at the silliness of what we were creating.  Here's an audio clip of an early draft of Sylvie's Lament where we were playing around with the sadness that comes from realizing your favorite underwear has been stolen by a squirrel - you can hear how long were able to keep things serious….

Example music sketches for "Squirrel Stole My Underpants"

Over time, and with lots of practice, we created the music that fit perfectly for this show.  As composers, Tony & I are mostly underscoring Bonnie and providing support where she needs it.  Our job is help illuminate and tie together the fantasy adventure that Bonnie has created. 

Top Left: Brendan Burns, Right: Tony Leva, Bottom Left: Ariel Bernstein

Early in the process, Tony & I realized that we would not be able to perform every show that Bonnie was going to put on, and therefore we strategized a way for her to use recorded versions of us when necessary.  Using the talents of engineer Ariel Bernstein, we crafted and chaptered a recording of the entire score so that Bonnie could use us on CD, triggering us to the next track when she needed it with a hidden remote.  Through studying our rehearsal video, we recorded and delivered a flexible soundtrack that could allow for spontaneity and consistency for whenever and wherever Bonnie was performing.  In the future, we hope to play with Bonnie in every way that we can, but if doesn't work out, we'll be there in spirit - on the recording. 

-Bb

http://www.brendanburns.com/

Brendan and Tony will perform live music for the 10:30am performance of "Squirrel Stole My Underpants" on Thursday, January 31st, and 3pm on Sunday, Feb 3rd!

New Year, New Shows: A Note From the Artist

PST Presents the WORLD PREMIERE performance of...

"Squirrel Stole My Underpants" by Bonnie Duncan

Sat & Sun: Jan 26 & 27 at 1pm & 3pm
Thurs & Fri: Jan 31 & Feb 1 at 10:30am
Sat & Sun: Feb 2 & 3 at 1pm & 3pm

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About the Show: Sylvie is sent to the backyard to hang up the laundry. The moment her back is turned, a mischievous squirrel steals her favorite piece of clothing and runs off. When Sylvie gives chase, an entire world emerges from her laundry basket, and curious characters show her the way through mysterious lands. Will our lonely heroine rescue her underpants and discover the magic within herself? Join us on this adventure to find out!

Bonnie and Tim:  "They Gotta Be Secret Agents"

About the Performer: Bonnie Duncan had already travelled the world as an acrobatic dancer and award-winning fringe theatre artist when she took a break from touring to raise her three young children. Bonnie found herself wanting to tour the world again, but this time with a show for kids. In addition to trying out ideas for the piece in her living room (her husband, Dan Milstein, directed the show), the growing community of local puppeteers nurtured by the Puppet Showplace Theatre gave Bonnie the resources to complete the work.

Bonnie Duncan has been creating and performing work as a dancer, puppeteer, and actor for the past 13 years. She danced for 8 years with Snappy Dance Theater and in 2007, formed “They Gotta Be Secret Agents” with Tim Gallagher, to create work mixing dance, theater, puppetry and circus arts. Her work has been shown in theaters in Boston, Providence, New York City, San Francisco, Austin, TX, Germany, and Czech Republic. The Secret Agents were awarded Austin Critics Table Award for “Best Touring Show of 2011,” Best of the Fringe, San Francisco, and were nominated for Most Innovative Show at Prague Fringe Festival.

The Making of Squirrel Stole My Underpants
BY GUEST BLOGGER: BONNIE DUNCAN

Bonnie Duncan and her three Children.

Squirrel Stole My Underpants came at a time in my life when I was looking for a change.  I have three small children—a four year old and two 19 month old twins. Before I’d started a family, I’d worked part time as a drama teacher, and, in every free minute, thrown myself into a blizzard of art and performance making—dance, puppetry, costume design, circus arts.  But with my oh-so-wonderful and yet oh-so-demanding family, that just wasn’t proving to be possible anymore.

Creating a show I could tour for family audiences felt like it brought a lot together: I could draw on all the (weird, wonderful, and totally unmarketable) skills I had developed; I could build a schedule around my family life (and maybe even have an excuse to take them all on the road with me); and I could get back to what I love—making art.

Squirrel 4.0

I was lucky enough to obtain early support from Puppet Showplace Theatre and the Jim Henson Foundation.  With the time that gave me, I was able to really delve into what can make a family show feel wonderful. Many ideas came and went but a few themes stuck with me:  how hard it is to grow up, those magic items that make you feel secure as a kid, and the injustice of something being taken.  And, thus, Squirrel Stole My Underpants began to take shape. 

Fast-forward ten months and here we are:  premiere week at Puppet Showplace. 

Top Ten Things I learned from this process:

1. Kids will always get sick the week of a deadline.  Sleep goes by the wayside and some things just don’t get done---whether it is laundry or fixing the broken rod on a puppet.

2. Once I surrounded myself with amazing collaborators, my work got better.  The musicians, costume designer, director, and set designer are all super talented and I feel so lucky that they are on my team.

Bonnie on the set of "Squirrel Stole My Underpants"

3. If you need to know if something works on stage, show your kid.  Then, show his friends.  If they don’t like it, scrap it. 

4. Having the support of the Puppet Showplace & Henson Foundation gave me structure, a place to rehearse, business advice, connections for assistance--you name it.

5. Some things work on paper.  A lot of those things don’t work on stage.  Make a mock-up first, put it on its feet, build it out if there is promise.  Then throw it out if it still doesn’t work.

6. I built four versions of the main character before I found the perfect design.  Sometimes you just have to make things over and over before it is right. 

7. At some point during a rehearsal, I looked up and laughed hysterically.  I realized that I am in my 30s and making a show about hot pink polka dot underpants and squirrels.

8. Procrastination is part of the process.  The internet, baking an elaborate cake, and just staring out the window are part of it all.  It may feel like the show will never get made but it does especially when there is a deadline involving the possibility of embarrassing yourself in front of strangers.

9. Having a studio space in my apartment was key.  When the kids napped, I worked with no commute time.  My husband (who directed this show) and I also worked in our dining room in the evenings after everyone was asleep.  Working from home made everything possible.

10. This may be a solo show but it is far from a solo process.  Family, friends, and colleagues made this possible.  Without them, I would still be staring at a blank stage.

I feel very thankful that Squirrel Stole My Underpants.

--Bonnie Duncan

This week in Puppet Playtime....

Two 5-week sessions: Weds @ 10:30am 

Last week's Puppet Playtime with Bella:  "Adventure in the Night Sky"

Jan 16 - Feb 13; Feb 27 - Mar 27

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THE FUN IS JUST BEGINNING!

What a blast! Our BRAND NEW programing for toddlers and tiny tots kicked of last week, to great success. This interactive program is designed especially for little ones and their grown-ups to sing and sway along, and join in the fun. Today, Puppet Playtime performer, Phil Berman returns as a guest blogger to talk about the program, and give us a sneak-peek at what is in store for tomorrow!

GUEST BLOGGER: PHILIP BERMAN

Phil Berman

What a whirlwind week! It's hard to believe that Brenda, Bella and I are already on our second episode of PUPPET PLAYTIME. The three of us had a blast last Wednesday on our adventure in the night sky with all the kids and grown-ups who braved the snow to play, sing songs and experience the magic of live puppetry.

As a kids' performer with no children of my own, I spend a lot of time thinking about how my work can best fit in with the busy lives of the families we entertain. With very young children it can be a hassle to leave the house to go anywhere, let alone attend arts events! What can my work offer to kids and grown-ups alike that makes each show a "must-see?"

What I saw last week was a beautiful preview of things to come: parents, caretakers, relatives and lots of little tykes playing with their familiar faces. By the end of the program, kids were singing, clapping and laughing together (as well as some of thier older companions.) I hope that this feeling of family and community continues to grow as we continue with the series through the winter.

Tomorrow we're in for an icky treat at PUPPET PLAYTIME: we'll march with the ants, meet a quartet of quarrelsome critters, wash out spiders and feed some very hungry caterpillars. Leave the OFF! at home, because this buggy adventure is sure to bring a smile to kids and grown-ups alike.

See you at the theater!

PB

Come dance, play and pretend with us, Wednesdays this winter at 10:30am!

World Premiere Performance Series starts with Songs and Shadows

Chris Monti and "The Fox"

“Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England” by Brad Shur and Chris Monti
Saturday & Sunday | Jan 19 & 20 at 1pm & 3pm
Monday | Jan 21 at 10:30am and 1pm 

BUY TICKETS

Puppet Showplace Theatre (PST) will present two world premiere performances of puppetry works created by Boston-based artists as part of the theatre’s “New Year, New Shows!” series, running from January 12 – February 3. The series begins with "The Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England", by PST Artist-in-Residence Brad Shur and Folk Musician Christopher Monti.  There are additional performances on Monday, Jan 21st at 10:30am and 1pm.  PST is open for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday!  As part of the theatre's shows in repertoire, look for "Yankee Peddler" on our calendar in the spring and beyond- it is sure to become a fan favorite!

Behind the puppet stage: Brad Shur's signature shadow puppets performed on an overhead projector

In this brand new show, two very different types of media come together to create storytelling magic! Both shadow puppetry and live music have a long history and tradition rooted in rich cultures of many peoples all over the globe. Brad Shur’s signature shadow puppetry style uses cut-outs manipulated on a overhead, and then projected onto a large screen.  During the entire show,  Chris Monti is the only performer visible to the audience. This creates a unique interaction between performer, spectators and characters on the puppet screen. Chris as the live performer acts as a go-between to draw the audience into the two dimensional world of the shadow puppets.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN 

Chris Monti and Brad Shur

Puppeteer Brad Shur knew he wanted to make a show with live music, so he tapped folk musician Chris Monti to collaborate on “Peddler.” Comrades and past roommates, this storytelling team is a perfect pairing of sound making and tale-crafting. Together, they scoured songbooks and dusted off folklore anthologies in search of material that would make for good visual storytelling while celebrating life in the Northeast.  Chris dove into the depths of his own repetorie that comes from playing with New England folk musicians and old time musicians. As an example, the song “The fox” comes from the Scotts who compiled a book called “Ballad of America.” The text is a history of America through folk song. 

ABOUT THE STORIES

After narrowing down an enormous list to 10 songs and stories, the result is a collection of unique folktales. All of the stories are pieces of folklore from the New England region. Some are based on historical facts, others express interesting cultural practices, and a few even tell the tall-tales of local mythology folk heroes. Every part of the world has their own arts and stories. New England has its own history with its own flavor, and “Yankee Peddler” reflects those traditions and local culture.

From "The Mammoth Cheese of Cheshire Massachusetts"

One of the stories is a piece of real history about giant cheese. This is clearly the kind of history you can’t ignore! The performers picked stories that had unexpected elements, with a lot of energy, and room for silliness. “The Mammoth Cheese of Cheshire Massachusetts , is the true story about Thomas Jefferson and the gift of a giant piece of cheese. Another historically inspired story is “Letters to Rats” which comes from actual letters found in old houses written by people in colonial times addressed to vermin infesting their homes and eating their food. These stories come from a broad range of social classes, including characters from a mayor to the president, and sailors, and even animals!

Often when we study American History, we first address the Revolutionary War, or the Civil war, but Brad and Chris didn’t want to explore Old New England culture using military history. War is only one small facet of history, and it is not something these performers wanted to glorify. They are instead interested in celebrating a different kind of hero. 

One such hero in “Yankee Peddler” is the famous Stormalong who battles with his own demons and whose hero status emerges because of his determination- and also his enormous girth! Stormalong is part of the same tradition as Paul Bunyan and John Henry who found fame in being very good at the thing they loved, and putting their passion into it. Have you ever seen Stormalong face-off with the Kracken, a giant octopus sea creature? Now is your chance! 

From "Cluck Old Hen"

Other stories in the show feature man’s connection to nature. Living more closely to the grand out doors was a huge part of life in old New England. In “Yankee Peddler”, expect to see forest creatures galore, like “The Fox” who dives into his den, and a bear who needs a little help getting dressed in “Jenny Jenkins”, some rats who love to eat cheese and crackers with jam in “Letters to Rats”, and the fastest egg-slinging hen in the east in “Cluck Old Hen.”




ABOUT THE MUSIC 

Chris Monti rehearsing in the PST lobby

All of the music in the show is performed live by Chris Monti.  The orchestration is mainly vocals, harmonica, guitar, kazoo and a few other noise makers like a triangle and symbol crashes for those pointed moments requiring special effects. Chris composed original music and adapted licks from fiddle tunes for incidental music that underscores about half of the shadow puppets stories.   Other visuals in the show are entirely based on the songs themselves.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

“Yankee Peddler” has benefited a lot from wonderful feedback of other local puppeteers and performing artist during its development. Scenes from the show were workshopped in 2010 at the Eugene O’Neil Puppetry Conference in Connecticut, as well as at PST’s own Incubator program for the development of new works. The show received support from the Harris Grant Program of the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America.

TAKE A SNEAK-PEEK!

Rehearsal footage from "Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs of Old New England"


STRAIGHT FROM THE PUPPETEER'S MOUTH

“This is Americana, but a different kind of Americana. It will make you proud to be a New Englander for reasons you never thought!” –Brad Shur

Brad Shur created over 100 shadow puppets for "Yankee Peddler: Stories and Songs from Old New England"

PST Premieres New Interactive Show for Tiny Tots!

Children interact with the performers, Phil Berman and Brenda Huggins

What IS "Puppet Playtime?"

Two 5-week sessions: Weds @ 10:30am
Jan 16 - Feb 13; Feb 27 - Mar 27
VIEW CALENDAR/RESERVE

Puppet Playtime is a fun, interactive performance experience designed for very young children - ages 0 to 3.  In each hour-long sessions, two friendly performers guide children (and the grown-ups) through free play, sing-a-longs, stories, and imagination-based games.  Puppet characters, like our very own Bella Monster, appear throughout the performance to introduce the theme of the day - and to just join in on the fun.

We are excited to have Puppet Playtime performer, Phil Berman talk about the show, and give a sneak-peek into the first session, Jan 16th at 10:30am.

GUEST BLOGGER: PHIL BERMAN

Phil Berman

Hi everybody! My name is Phil Berman; one third of the collaborative team behind PUPPET PLAYTIME, Puppet Showplace Theatre’s new programming for toddlers and tiny tots. My partners in crime Bella Monster and her puppeteer Brenda Huggins have been hard at work with me these past few months preparing this ten show series for very young audiences in Brookline and throughout the Boston metro area.

When PST Artistic Director Roxanna Myhrum first approached me last summer about creating this series, I was both excited by the challenge to write, rehearse and perform ten new shows in a relatively short period of time. As Brenda, Bella Monster and I continue to work on the series, the creating part is not only moving faster but also getting more fun!

Having tough deadlines is pushing me as a composer and playwright to generate a consistent flow of new material that I can develop on my feet in front of an audience every week. I’m having a blast writing a new kids song for each session to perform with Brenda and Bella. It’s also incredibly inspiring to be creating new puppet plays with Mary Churchill’s beautiful crocheted glove puppets. Her puppets have brought joy to generations of young audiences and I’m honored to help bring these characters back to life in brand new adventures.

Bella and her Magical Story Box!

After about 15 minutes of free play, each session of PUPPET PLAYTIME begins with a Sing-Along with Brenda and me. We’re then joined by Bella Monster and her Magical Story Box, where we discover three objects that inspire us to tell stories and sing songs based on the theme of the day. Our first theme is “An Adventure in the Night Sky”: you may recognize some classic sing-along songs about twinkling stars, as well as a jazzy new song sung by a backpack; we’ll fly through the stars and dance on the moon and be back in time for a starlit puppet bedtime story all before noon!

Keep checking the Puppet Showplace blog for more posts about future PUPPET PLAYTIME shows and updates. I’ll see you at the theater!

-PB

More about the performers:

The masterminds who developed Puppet Playtime are Phil Berman and Brenda Huggins.  They're also the performers - with special appearances by Bella Monster!  

Phil, Bella, and Brenda!

Phil is a Boston-based actor, guitarist, and dramaturg who loves writing original music for kids.  In addition to performing at PST many-a-times, Phil is also a member of the puppet company Free Hands Productions, with whom he created "The First Person to Consider the Sun" and "Three Blessed Brothers." Phil has a BFA from Boston University.

Brenda is an educator and theatre artist who has taught puppetry classes to students of all ages throughout the greater Boston area - and she is our very own Communications Director.  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 area. 

Bella Monster was created by Jonathan Little of Little's Creatures and has been PST's "Monster-in-Residence since 2011.  She enjoys puppet shows, singing, and the color pink.

One More Day to "Lend A Hand"

Help us raise $15,000 by Jan 1st! We are sooooo close!

As we are in the last few hours of 2012, the excitement of the new year is upon us! It has been a fantastic year for Puppet Showplace Theatre, and now is your chance to ensure that our mission continues for many years to come.

MAKE A DONATION

Fundraising Campaign Stats!

The grand total for donations is: $12,225. There is only $2,775 more to raise!

We have met all our matching challenges – thank you to ALL who participated in achieving those goals! We still have $2775 to raise before January 1…can YOU put us over the edge? With just a few hours to go, every donation, big or small, makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE!

Thank you to all our donors and members who have contributed during this appeal!

Next Step Living "Lends A Hand"

Next Step Living is a residential energy efficiency and renewables company that believes good things happen when you save energy in your home. Did you know that you can sign up for a FREE home assessment?

Representatives of Next Step Living will be in the PST lobby on Dec 31st and Jan 1st to answer questions and take sign-ups.  They have made a generous contribution to our fundraising campaign as one of our community partners! Saving the planet, and the puppet theatre at the same time? Our kind of heros!

MORE INFO

Puppets at the Pru!

31 Nights of Light at the Prudencial Center

The Shops at Prudential Center will shine a light on Boston organizations this holiday season. Each night, the top of Prudential Tower is lit a different color in support of that night's partner. 31 Nights of Light was created to help community organizations gain key visibility during the holiday season. Participating groups will "flip the switch" each night, with a host of musical performances and speakers each night. LEARN MORE

On Friday, December 28th, the Prudential Tower will light up orange at 5pm in honor of Puppet Showplace Theatre!

Help us Celebrate
Join us from 12:00pm to 5pm for a puppet extravaganza!

• Puppet making activity: Make your own snowman puppet!
• Enjoy displays of puppets made by our founder, Mary Churchill and Artist-in-Residence Emeritus, Paul Vincent Davis.
• Bella Monster and friends will be there too with stories and songs!
• And don't forget to help us "Flip-the-switch" at 5pm!

Stop by anytime between 12pm and 5pm, we will be in the Huntington Arcade, next to the South Garden.

Directions to the Prudential Center: CLICK HERE

Dec Vacation Week Continues with TWO Shows by Barefoot Puppets

Barefoot Puppets Founder and Director, Heidi Rugg. Photo by Warren Johnson.

THIS WEEK AT PST...
Remember those awesome puppet shows from last year, "Galapagos George" or "The Little Bread Hen?" Fan favorite, Barefoot Puppets returns this week for our December Vacation Extravaganza with TWO NEW SHOWS!

Little Red & the Gingerbread Man
Mon Dec 24 | 10:30 AM 1 PM & 3 PM
Wed Dec 26 Thur Dec 27 & Fri Dec 28 | 10:30 AM & 1 PM

Dreamtime: Tales from Down Under
Sat Dec 29 & Sun Dec 30 | 1 PM & 3 PM
Mon Dec 31 & Tues Jan 1 | 10:30 AM & 1 PM

VIEW CALENDAR/ BUY TICKETS


UPCOMING SHOWS BY BAREFOOT PUPPETS AT PST:

"Little Red & the Gingerbread Man"

You know what's good to hear - two for one! And that's exactly what we've got for ya - two tales rolled into one. Join Little Red as she pursues a mischievous Gingerbread Cookie through the woods to Grandmother's house. Original music, snowy scenery, and everyone's favorite, the Big Bad Wolf, make this seasonal favorite.

"Dreamtime: Tales from Down Under"

Emus, crocodiles and frogs -- oh my! Experience the magic of "The Land Down Under" in this performance inspired by Aboriginal folktales. Learn more about some truly unusual animals as a mother platypus tries to get her young one to sleep by sharing three stories from the Australian Dreamtime. In these "How and Why" tales, you'll learn how the emu became a flightless bird and why the platypus looks so strange. In the final story, you'll meet a giant, bloated, ocean-swallowing frog, and perhaps get invited onstage to help bring the water back!

HISTORY OF BAREFOOT PUPPETS

"Dreamtime: Tales from Down Under"

Barefoot Puppet Theatre has been building and performing original works since 1997 when founder and director, Heidi Rugg, began building puppet shows from the basement of her home in Richmond, Virginia. The first show she originally designed to fit in the back of a Volkswagon Golf! From these humble beginnings, the company (and the the touring vehicle) has grown significantly and now tours nationally while continuing to create new works for young audiences and their families.

A Jill-of-all-trades, Heidi finds that puppeteering allows her to integrate her love of stories with her love of art. She began building puppets in elementary school to fulfill requirements for visual aids for book reports. Who knew that a puppet company would grow from homework?

Now Heidi writes, builds, and directs all shows. She also performs in most of the shows and leads workshops on puppet building and puppetry skills. Heidi has become well-known for her puppet voices, her innovative puppet mechanisms, and original designs. She loves coming up with ideas for new shows and working with a variety of media (especially hand-made papers, raw silk, and slinkies).

Find out more about Barefoot Puppet Theatre on their website: CLICK HERE

Brookline Local Businesses "Lend A Hand"

It Takes a Village to Keep Our Theatre Open!

Many generous private donors have contributed to our "Lend A Hand" fundraising campaign this December.  Our goal is to raise $15,000 by January 1st, and we are close to reaching that goal!  In addition to the many individuals who support our non-profit theatre, there are local businesses right in Brookline Village also "Lending A Hand!"

Read more about our "Lend A Hand" campaign, including donation incentives and matching challenges on the PST Website: MORE INFO

Koko FitClub Brookline

39 Harvard Street, Brookline MA 02445, (617)-566-5656

At Koko, you can now support Puppet Showplace Theatre while Koko helps you stay healthy!

LEARN MORE/ SIGN-UP

For every patron of the Puppet Showplace Theatre who joins Koko FitClub by 12/31/2012, Koko FitClub will donate $50 to the Theatre to help meet its fundraising goal. Thanks to Koko, here is a great way to help us and help you get healthier at the same time. 

 Use promo code: BRPST-1112. 

Better than personal training. It’s Koko SMARTRAINING.

If you’ve been thinking about getting back in shape, about improving your health, and finding some much-needed YOU time in your busy schedule, we welcome you to experience Koko FitClub. Koko gives you all the benefits of personal training without the personal trainer. Our patented Koko Smartraining System plans your workouts, guides you through each exercise, and tracks your progress. All built into our award-winning equipment and all customized just for you. It’s the most effective and affordable 30-minute strength and cardio training system in fitness. And you can come in whenever you want. So the only schedule that matters is yours. For men and women, Koko is the world’s best 30 minute workout. Visit www.kokofitclub.com to see Koko in action. 

Henry Bear's Park, Brookline
19 Harvard Street, Brookline MA 02445, (617) 264-2422

Shop local this holiday season!  All three stores (Brookline, Cambridge and Arlington) offer a lively assortment of toys, books, and games for all ages. From the very first infant rattle, right on through family board games.  Henry Bear's Park strives to find toys that promote healthy and positive play.

Community Wraps:  Henry Bear's Park has invited PST to wrap gifts at their Brookline location on Saturday, Dec 22nd and Sunday, Dec 23rd.  Shoppers are asked to give a small cash donation to PST for this service.  The store will provide all of the wrapping materials, and even MATCH every dollar donated with a gift certificate for PST to use at their store.  Puppets LOVE playtime! This generous gift is perfect timing for our upcoming "Puppet Playtime" program beginning in January, where little patrons ages 0-3 and their grown-ups will join us Wednesdays at 10:30am for free play, sing-along, storytelling and puppet shows.

Thank you Henry Bear's Park from "Puppet Playtime" performers Phil Berman, Bella Monster, and Brenda Huggins! MORE ABOUT PUPPET PLAYTIME

Behind the Scenes at PST: Hansel and Gretel

An illustration by Arthur Rackham (1909)

A Fairytale Comes To Life

Welcome back, readers! We thought since it's December, which is basically the most wonderful and magical time of the year, we would show a fairytale this week, one you may remember reading as a child: "Hansel and Gretel."

And who better to put on a show like that than the father-and-son (well, more like sons) team over at National Marionette Theatre, who - for years - have been bringing some of our favorite fairytales to life?

Yes, children and adults alike will be dazzled by the performances of the National Marionette Theatre. You don't believe me? Probably because you've never seen one of their shows. Well, let's take a look at their work, then - past and present.

About The Show...

You all know the story of "Hansel and Gretel," right? Well, in case you don't - Hansel and Gretel are a young brother and sister threatened by a cannibalistic witch living deep in the forest in a house constructed of cake and confectionery. The two children give into their temptations and fall for the witch's trick, but eventually save their lives by outwitting her. Yes, the joke's on the witch when Hansel and Gretel push her into the oven - as she intended to do with them (yuck!).

Hansel and Gretel, lost in the dark forest 

Now, you probably read "Hansel and Gretel" while you were growing up, but you certainly haven't seen it like this - on stage! The National Marionatte Theatre, which is made up of David A. Syrotiak Sr. and his two sons, David J. and Peter, have been dazzling audiences for many, many years now.

Hansel and Gretel, startled by the "Old Woman" 

"Hansel and Gretel" is one of the many fairytales in their rotation and has captured the imagination of audiences for generations. In their adaptation, two master puppeteers bring one of the most famous of the Grimm Brothers' stories to life. The show features exquisitely crafted marionettes, scrolling scenery and the beautiful music of Engelbert Humperdinck - from his 1893 opera, Hänsel und Gretel.

And The Family Of Performers...

As I mentioned before, the National Marionette Theatre is made up of a family of performers - literally. David A. Syrotiak Sr. and his two sons, David J. and Peter, work together to put on some of the most spectacular shows ever.

The Guys

David Sr., a self-made puppeteer, has rightfully won the honorary title of "Master Puppeteer."  He has dedicated his entire life to the field of puppetry, which he came to love at a very young age.  During his teens, he got his first job working with Suzari Marionettes and, later on, worked alongside the Krofft Brothers and Bil Baird during the 1965 Worlds Fair in New York.  David Sr. eventually started doing his own line of work and founded the National Marionette Theatre in 1967.  He has worked and toured extensively in many parts of the world and his work has earned him many awards including the UNIMA award for excellence in the field of puppetry in 1976 for "Art of the Pupeteer" and again in 1997 for his adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast."  As Artistic Director of the National Marionette Theatre, some of David Sr.'s favorite aspects of puppetry are painting, sculpting, and, of course, performing.

David Jr., like his father, has been around puppets all of his life.  When he was just twelve-years-old, he was recruited as an emergency understudy for the National Marionette Theatre's production of "Art of the Pupeteer."  David Jr. formally joined the company in 1984and has toured both in and out of the States.  Along the way, he has taken time off to work with other companies including Vagabond Marionettes, The Bennington Puppets, The Center for Puppetry Arts, and Bil Baird's Marionettes.  Aside from performing and managing the company, David Jr. is also an accomplished wood carver, sculptor, and costumer.

"Sleeping Beauty" and "Pinocchio"

Peter, much like his brother and his father, has also been around puppets all of his life.  Since he was old enough to hold a piece of sandpaper, he has always lent a hand in the shop, building marionettes, sets, and props for the company.  He formally joined the company in 1989 with the production of "Christmas Dream" and has been touring in and out of the States, building puppets, and performing ever since.

Together, the Syrotiaks (a.k.a. National Marionette Theatre) have staged some of the most beautiful shows ever.  In addition to "Hansel and Gretel," they have also brought other fairytales to life, including: "Sleeping Beauty" and "Pinocchio" - both of which have been great successes.  

With the help of intricate designs - in their puppets, sets, and costumes - and (sometimes) music - like using Tchaikovsky's ballet for Sleeping Beauty - their shows are guaranteed to "wow" audiences of all ages.  Correction: they have "wow-ed" audiences of all ages.  

If you have yet to see one of their shows, then we recommend you head on over to PST this week and see "Hansel and Gretel."  You won't be disappointed.  We promise!  Tickets can be purchased online HERE.  

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

Guest Blogger: Author/Illustrator Peter Reynolds

Peter Reynolds

Fuel for a Creative Journey

by Peter H. Reynolds
www.peterhreynolds.com

Award-winning author/illustrator Peter H.Reynolds talks about why he's a supporter of Puppet Showplace Theatre. YOU can support the theater too by donating to our annual winter appeal.
Help keep our theatre open another 39 years! 
MAKE A DONATION

I am tapping away on my computer here in my office with a puppet hanging near me. Reminds me of my childhood and how lucky I was.

First stroke of luck was not being born alone. I arrived with my twin brother, Paul - a friend to talk to, adventure with, protect and defend, listen to, and explore the world with. We also were lucky to be born into a large-ish family of seven, so the house at 26 Samuel Road in Chelmsford, MA was buzzing with activity. Add to this scenario the fact that our parents were a British duo powered by resilience of having survived a world war, our mother a teenager in London and Dad stationed in Egypt. They ventured to Canada and then America in search of stability and peace. They brought with them however the whimsy and humor of Britain, and their love of books. Paul and I grew up in a house filled with inspiration for aspiring storytellers.

One of Peter's Pelham marionettes.  Did you know PST sells other Pelham puppets in the puppet store? Call 617-731-6400 for more info!

In my office, hung near my desk is one of the Pelham puppets bought on one of the birthday expeditions our mother would take us on. Year after year it was the same, a trip to Newbury Street in Boston, including lunch at the English Tea Room and the long-awaited visit to F.A.O. Schwartz across the street. There we were allowed to choose a gift, and that gift was always a Pelham puppet. Made in England, these marionettes were really a cut way above the cheap marionettes at the big toy store near our house. Our mother's pride of everything British underlined how special these were, as we gingerly pulled them out of their boxes on the train trundling its way back to the Lowell train station where Dad would be waiting to pick us all up.

Once home, Paul and I would inspect our collection. Over the years we added a beautiful puppet stage which gave us the official platform to share our marionettes with local kids. While we did a pretty impressive job for little kids, it was a trip to the Puppet Showplace in Brookline that blew the lid off things. Wow. We sat in the little theatre, jaws dropped, watching professional puppeteers transforming wood and strings into real worlds - not only with movement and voice, but lighting, sound effects, and music. It was magical! These extraordinary productions also allowed us to meet adults with talent and imagination. It planted that seed in us that when we grew up, we'd like to be just like them.

Marionettes at PST: Hansel & Gretel by National Marionette Theatre, Dec 20-23, BUY TICKETS

I like to think that we did indeed grew up to be creative kindred spirits. Not all kids get the experiences that Paul and I got and often grow up as their imagination, bravery and joy fade slowly over time. I am thankful I had a twin to share the creative journey with, a family that supported storytelling and whimsy, and experiences in the community, like Puppet Showplace, to nurture and fuel our imaginations and keep that fuel burning long into our adult years.

I am happy to say that my job as Chief Visionary Officer of FableVision Studios, co-owner of a book and toy shop, The Blue Bunny, and author/illustrator of picture books for all ages - all of these have roots in a creative childhood. I am one of the lucky ones. I do what I love and I love what I do - and that is a wish I have for all children - and adults too!

I'd love to encourage you to support one of my childhood inspirations, Puppet Showplace Theatre. I have personally made a contribution to support the great work of this historic and important gem. I hope you will too.

Vacation week begins with Hansel & Gretel

THIS WEEK AT PST...

Hansel & Gretel
by National Marionette Theatre
Thur & Fri Dec 20 & 21 | 10:30 AM
Sat & Sun Dec 22 & 23 | 1 PM & 3 PM

BUY TICKETS

Cake and confectionary are the enemy here as an evil witch uses them to trick two siblings into having dinner with her...as the main course!

About the Show: The story of "Hansel and Gretel" has captured the imagination of audiences for generations. In their adaptation of this classic tale, two master puppeteers of the National Marionette Theatre bring the most famous of the Grimm Brother’s stories to life.  Featuring exquisitely crafted marionettes, scrolling scenery, and the beautiful music of Engelbert Humperdinck, "Hansel and Gretel" is sure to delight adults and children alike!
Marionettes, recommended ages 5 & up

About the Performer: National Marionette Theatre is one of the oldest continually running marionette theaters in the United States. Founded in 1967 by artistic director David A. Syrotiak, this award-winning company has been entertaining audiences around the world with their extraordinary productions for over forty years. Noted for their amazing manipulation technique and imaginative fully staged productions, National Marionette Theater is committed to bringing you the very best in family entertainment. The company has received critical acclaim both here in the United States and abroad and was the first American Marionette Theater to receive the prestigious UNIMA award for excellence in puppetry.  

David and Peter Syrotiak have been building and performing with the company since their teenage years. As the sons of artistic director David Syrotiak the two brothers have been around puppetry all their lives. Professionally they have over fifty years of combined performance experience between them. The two are dedicated to keeping the tradition of professional puppetry alive in the United States.

Bella "Lends a Hand!"

HOWDY PUPPET FANS!

Bella Monster here, your favorite, furry and fabulous puppet friend! I love being at Puppet Showplace Theatre, there is always so much to see. Not just the puppet shows, but the workshops, the store, the special events, and all the wonderful people here. I sometimes like to lend a hand around the theater. Have you heard about the "Lend A Hand" campaign? Let me show you what goes on!

You can also read more about it on the Puppet Showplace Theatre website. CLICK HERE

TICKET MONSTER: To to right here, I am helping at the Box Office, processing ticket orders. We get a lot of school groups visiting the theater, families with young children, nanny's, and even grandparents who bring their grandchildren.

I LOVE to "Lend A Hand" at PST. Here are a few more ways that I like to help out around the theatre:

RETAIL MONSTER: I sometimes help organize items in our puppet store. The puppets and I get along well, we can relate to one another.

DISPLAY MONSTER: Here I am helping put up our winter decorations. We've got some great shows coming up this season, including some world premieres!  VIEW CALENDAR

VOLUNTEER MONSTER: Here I am helping to get the playbills ready for the show. This week is "Tales From Snowy Lands" by Sparky's Puppets, what a hilarious show! BUY TICKETS

WAYS FOR YOU TO "LEND A HAND"

Everyone works hard at Puppet Showplace Theatre to produce wonderful programs all year long.  Although I am sure that I am VERY helpful, there is only so much that one monster can do!  Puppet Showplace Theatre needs YOUR help in order to keep doing what we do.

The best way you can "LEND A HAND" is to make a donation to the theater during our Winter Appeal. Not only is your donation tax-deductible, and will help pay for the amazing programs here, but you will also be helping preserve a historic institution that's been inspiring audiences since 1974. How cool is that? 

MAKE A DONATION

Well, I've got to go now, Bradley needs me to help untangle the marionettes. Bye!

Love you lots!

-Bella xoxo