Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Zooey Deschanel

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Zooey Deschanel

Actress Zooey Deschanel is sweet in her roles, especially in movies like "(500) Days of Summer" and "Elf."

However, she may have gone too far this time. Some critics are calling her new series "New Girl" "twee" and "atrociously cute."

On the other hand, Matt Roush of TV Guide likes her "zany vulnerability," while Alan Sepinwall at Hitflix finds the sitcom the "best new comedy of the fall season."

Which side do you fall on? Is Zooey just cute enough, or just too twee?

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Only Six Days Left To Vote For the Gregory Awards!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Only Six Days Left To Vote For the Gregory Awards!

Every Fall, Theatre Puget Sound bestows the Gregory A. Falls Sustained Achievement Awards on a number of deserving actors, designers, theater companies, and productions.

Although the first set of nominations have occurred, there is still time to submit nominees for the Members' voice and People's choice categories.

Members' voice awards are decided by votes received from TPS members, who received their ballots in their e-mails earlier this month.

People's choice awards come from subscribers to the Seattle Performs e-newsletter, who also received THEIR ballots in their emails earlier this month.

People should vote for me for my work with Thistle Theatre this year as the mother and Grandmutti and Greta the rabbit in "Little Red Riding Hood," as Cleotilde and the cockroach leader in "Brother Coyote and Sister Fox," and as the ship's computer and Queen Xenovia in "Quest For Planet X: The Space Musical."

They should also select me for my performance as Mad Margaret in Northwest Savoyards' production of "Ruddigore."

Readers of this blog will remember my favorable reviews for that show.

The Journal Media Group said I had a "crazed abandon worthy of Lucia di Lammermoor," while the Mukilteo Beacon said "Gina Wilhelm steals the show as well as a heart or two as Margaret."

Ballots must be submitted by September 4th to receive consideration. Don't delay. Vote now!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Go On The Quest For Planet X!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Go On The Quest For Planet X!

WHAT: "Quest for Planet X: The Space Musical" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, May 29 at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $7 children and seniors, $9 general admission. Season tickets are $30 children and seniors, $40 general admission.

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or brownpapertickets.org or buy them at the door.

I am appearing in the final performances of "Quest for Planet X: The Space Musical" with Thistle Theatre tomorrow, May 29th only.

The performances are at Magnuson Park Theatre (where Seattle Musical Theatre performances).

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Brian Stabile, Lisa A. Haslbauer, and Ben Burris. We use Japanese Bunraku-style puppets, black light puppetry, and song to tell this original tale.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and Dan Nelson. Jean also directed this lively production.

The show tells of a daring interplanetary quest to get a secret ingredient that will save the Seattle of the future--and the Earth itself--from destruction. This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

I play an evil winged queen and sing a great song about how wonderful and powerful I am.

Early reviews said that the space battle rivals those you'll find in "Star Wars!"

The shows are at Magnuson Park Theatre on May 29 at 1 and 3 p.m. The theater is in Magnuson Park in building 47. The address is 7110 62nd Ave NE in Seattle.

Come see this fun puppet show before time runs out!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Handspring Puppet Company Wins Tony

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Handspring Puppet Company Wins Tony

Tony Award nominations were announced today (May 3). In addition to the usual nominations, a Special Tony award was announced for Handspring Puppet Company.

Handspring is the Cape Town, South Africa, puppet company that created the incredible horse puppets for the play "War Horse."

The puppets are made of plywood and cane, are operated by 3 puppeteers, move with ashtonishing realism, and are ridden by the actors during the course of the play

The horses are incredibly durable; some from the London run of the play lasted over 1000 performances.

"War Horse" opened on Broadway last month. One reviewer called the play "astonishing" (the play itself is also nominated for a Best Play Tony).

William Kentridge, who had worked with Handspring in the past, also praised the company's work, saying, "you can't stop yourself believing the reality of those horses.

"It's kind of magical."

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Happy Birthday, Carol Burnett!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Happy Birthday, Carol Burnett!

Carol Burnett celebrates her 78th birthday today, April 26. She's a huge influence on me, both on and off the stage.

Carol got her start as an assistant to ventriloquist Paul Winchell and his figure, Jerry Mahoney.

She made a name for herself singing "I Made a Fool of Myself over John Foster Dulles."

She starred as Princess Winifred in "Once Upon a Mattress" and had a successful stint on "The Garry Moore Show."

Her "Carol Burnett Show" was the last truly successful variety show to date, running from 1967 to 1978.

On the big screen, she played Miss Hannigan in 1982's "Annie" and starred in "Noises Off" in 1992.

A fabulous singer and gifted comedienne, I am pleased to wish one of my most favorite funny women many happy returns of the day!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Final Weekend for "Ruddigore"

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Final Weekend for "Ruddigore"

This is the final weekend for Northwest Savoyards' production of Gilbert & Sullivan's classic ghost story "Ruddigore."

The show runs Thursday through Saturday, March 17-19 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m.

We run at the beautiful Historic Everett Theatre at 2911 Colby Ave. in Everett, WA.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors, and military. They can be purchased at ruddigore.net or by calling 425-258-6766

The play is a take on the melodramas of the time (1887), and concerns love triangles, a madwoman, bad baronets, a witch's curse, and ghosts that enforce the curse.

This production is being done in a Steampunk/burlesque style, and features a chorus of professional bridesmaids in fishnet stockings. There are gears and a huge pipe organ.

And of course, there's Gilbert's cutting lyrics (some of his best), and Sullivan's music. It features, among other songs, "My Boy, You May Take it From Me."

It also includes the patter trio, "My Eyes Are Fully Open." This trio is so popular, it frequently works its way into other shows, notably Joseph Papp's production of "Pirates of Penzance."

I play Mad Margaret, a "love-lonely" maid pining after Sir Despard Murgatroyd. According to reviews, I steal the show and a few hearts.

The show has been receiving terrific reviews. Here's the Mukilteo Beacon.

Here's a really nice preview from the Everett Herald, along with a later review.

The Journal Media Group features a nice story on the play, and the Seattle Weekly had a fun preview as well. The Seattle Times had a nice listing with some great comments.

Come check it out for a great night of entertainment!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Thursday, March 10, 2011

"'Ruddigore' an obscure masterpiece" Stepping Out :: Mukilteo Beacon News

"'Ruddigore' an obscure masterpiece" Stepping Out :: Mukilteo Beacon News - Gina Wilhelm Actress


Photography by Jenni El Fattal

The first review for "Ruddigore" is in at the Mukilteo Beacon. I am in this show at the Historic Everett Theatre in Everett, WA, at 2911 Colby Avenue. We run through March 20, with shows on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $19-20. Tickets can be bought by visiting http://ruddigore.net/ or calling 425-258-6766.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Meet Brother Coyote and Sister Fox!


Gina Wilhelm Actress - Meet Brother Coyote and Sister Fox!

WHAT: "Brother Coyote and Sister Fox" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, January 29 and 30 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, February 12 and 13 at 2 and 4 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle WA 98117, in Ballard, February 18 at 7:30 p.m., February 19 and 20 at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $7 children and seniors, $9 general admission. Season tickets are $30 children and seniors, $40 general admission.

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or brownpapertickets.org or buy them at the door.

The January performances are at Magnuson Park Theatre (where Seattle Musical Theatre performances). February performance are at Bellevue Youth Theatre and then Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Brian Stabile and Lisa A. Haslbauer. We use Japanese Bunraku-style puppets and song to tell this humorous version of the beloved fairytale.

The script was written by Jean Enticknap and Stephanie Diaz Reppe. Sue Ennis wrote the songs, and Jean directed this lively production.

The script is based on a set of Mexican folktales and incorporates Spanish and English in the storytelling. This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The shows at Magnuson Park Theatre are on January 29 and 30 at 1 and 3 p.m. The theater is in Magnuson Park in building 47. The address is 7110 62nd Ave NE in Seattle.

The performances at Bellevue Youth Theatre are on February 12 and 13 at 2 and 4 p.m. The theater is in Bellevue at 16661 Northup Way.

The shows at Sunset Hill Community Club are on February 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on February 19 and 20 at 1 and 3 p.m. The community club is in Ballard at 3003 NW 66th Street.

Come see this fun puppet show while we're still in town!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Suite Life on Deck Twister Part 3

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Suite Life on Deck Twister Part 3

Actress Debby Ryan, star of The Disney Channel's "Suite Life on Deck," spoke to TV Guide about the upcoming 3-part episode, "Twister."

The episode pays homage to "The Wizard of Oz," but the title is a metaphor for the love life of her character, Bailey.

In the episode, Bailey returns to her home of Kettlecorn, Kansas. Her ex-boyfriend, Cody, follows her to win her back, only to find another ex-boyfriend, Moose, is also there.

In Part 3, viewers will discover which boy Bailey chooses. They'll also finally learn what Kettlecorn looks like.

Viewers will also get to learn what Mr. Tipton, the head of the ship the characters live on, looks like, as the character will finally appear on screen.

Gina Wilhelm Actress