Hanako and the Cherry Tree (The Pitfalls of Mr. Yama)

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Hanako and the Cherry Tree (The Pitfalls of Mr. Yama)

WHAT: "Hanako and the Cherry Tree (The Pitfalls of Mr. Yama)" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th St, Seattle, WA 98117,March 4 and 5 at 1 and 3 p.m.

BYT - Crossroads Theatre, 16051 NE 10th Street, Bellevue, WA 98008, March 11 and 12 at 2 and 4 p.m. (Please note new location!)

Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, March 18 and 9, 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10.

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2590940 (Sunset Hill), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2590942 (BYT - Crossroads Theatre), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2590949 (Magnuson Park),  or buy them at the door.

This week marks the opening of "Hanako and the Cherry Tree (The Pitfalls of Mr. Yama)." This beautiful puppet show includes four different styles of puppetry.

This puppet play tells the stories of a miser who discovers a magical cherry tree on his property. When a young girl comes on his property, they form an unlikely friendship, and misfortunes ensue when he swallows a cherry pit.

This Japanese tall tale includes an oni and tengu (mythical goblins) and a giant serpent! It also explores the theme of tradition versus modern values.

I play Hanako, the little girl. This is particularly fun, as the last time I did this show five years ago, I played a completely different role.

All voices are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Andre Nelson, Amy Escobar, and Zane Exactly. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style, rod puppets, shadow puppets, and black light puppets to tell this story in the Rakugo traditions.

The script was adapted by Jean Enticknap. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

This play has laughs, scares, and magic galore! Don't miss our fun, beautiful show!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Little Red Riding Hood

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Little Red Riding Hood

WHAT: "Little Red Riding Hood" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle WA 98117, in Ballard, May 16 and 17, at 1 and 3 p.m.

 

Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, at 2 and 4 p.m.

Thistle Theatre Studio (The Puppet Kingdom), 6310 NE 74th St. Ste 131, Seattle, Building 30, Southeast Entrance under the blue Seattle Parks awning, June 13 and 14, at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10.

TO BUY TICKETS: Visit thistletheatre.org,

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829336 (Sunset Hill),

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829340 (Bellevue Youth Theatre), or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829413 (Magnuson Park), or
call 206-524-3388 or buy them at the door

It's spring, time for Thistle Theatre to close our season with a popular story. This year we present "Little Red Riding Hood" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

Our take on this fairy tale is set in Bavaria, with all the puppets dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes. I play Red's mother and grandmother as well as Greta, a woodland rabbit.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Ben Burris and Amy Escobar. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style puppets to tell and sing this take on the traditional tale.

There are also some rod puppets in this show. This show features several German words and phrases.

The script and songs (aside from the folk song) were written by Jean Enticknap and Sue Ennis. Jean also directed this lively production.

This play includes intricate puppetry and the "Wolf's Aria," one of the most popular songs in the Thistle Theatre canon!

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The shows are at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard at 1 and 3 p.m. on May 16 and 17. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Performances at Bellevue Youth Theatre  are at 2 and 4 p.m. on May 30 and 31.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008

Magnuson Park shows are on June 13 and 14  at 1 and 3 p.m. Thistle Theatre's studio is in Magnuson Park in building 30. The address is 6310 NE 74th St. Ste 131 in Seattle.

Please note that the Magnuson Park shows are in our studio, NOT in the theater building! This is different than previous performance at Magnuson. This is a small, intimate space, and seating is VERY limited. 

Be sure not to miss this action-packed show full of laughs and fun!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Gingerbread Boy 2014

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Gingerbread Boy 2014

WHAT: "The Gingerbread Boy" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Bellevue Youth Theater, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6, 7 (2:00PM & 4:00PM) (Two weekends!)

 

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle, Dec. 13, 14 (1:00PM & 3:00PM)

Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, Dec. 20, 21 at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10 

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829266 (Bellevue),

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829284 (Sunset Hill), or

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829289 (Magnuson Park), or buy them at the door.

It's the holiday season, and that means it's time for Thistle Theatre's holiday show. This year we bring back "The Gingerbread Boy" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

Our story takes place in Candyland, where all the world's sweets are made.  I play Sweetie, the candy cooker.  She makes lollipops and gumdrops and cookie icing.

I also play Pepper Mint, the shipping coordinator of Candyland, who must chase down the naughty gingerbread boy when he steals the knob that controls all the sweet treats made in Candyland.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Alex Cantrell and Ben Burris. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style and rod puppets to tell and sing this take on the traditional tale.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and Sue Ennis. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Performances at Bellevue Youth Theatre  are at 2 and 4 p.m. on November 29, 30, and December 6, and 7.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008 

 

The shows are at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard at 1 and 3 p.m. on December 13 and 14. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Magnuson Park Theatre shows are on December 20 and 21 at 1 and 3 p.m. The theater is in Magnuson Park in building 47. The address is 7110 62nd Ave NE in Seattle.

Don't miss our fun popular holiday show!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Baba Yaga and the Bag of Gold

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Baba Yaga and the Bag of Gold

WHAT: "Baba Yaga and the Bag of Gold" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Bellevue Youth Theater, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, October 11, 12, 18, and 19 (two weekends!) at 2 and 4 p.m.

Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, October 25 and 26, 1 and 3 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th St, Seattle, WA 98117, November 1 and 2 at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/827929 (Bellevue Youth Theater), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829213 (Magnuson Park), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/18357/event/829219 (Sunset Hill), or buy them at the door.

This week marks the opening of "Baba Yaga and the Bag of Gold." This is our fall show, marking the beginning of our performing season. Shows will be presented throughout the Puget Sound.

This puppet play is a Russian wonder tale telling the story of Ivan, his older sister Vasilisa, and their quest to save their family's gold from the witch Baba Yaga.

This is the same Baba Yaga that some of you may know from "Pictures at an Exhibition," and yes, the hut on chicken (or fowl) legs DOES make an appearance in this play. It even dances.

I play Vasilisa, Ivan's smart older sister; Baba Yaga's cat; Mika, a mouse; and Baba Yaga in one of her more attractive forms.

All voices are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Ben Burris and Zane Exactly. We use   Japanese Bunraku-style and black light puppets to tell our story.

The script was written by Jean Enticknap with music by Michael Flint. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

This play has scares and laughs, and clever animals! Don't miss our fun, exciting show!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Pixie and the Grocer

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Pixie and the Grocer

WHAT: "The Pixie and the Grocer," performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN:  Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th St, Seattle, WA 98117, December 7 and 8 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Bellevue Youth Theater, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, December 21 and 22 at 2 and 4 p.m.

Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47,  December 28 and 29 at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $8 children and seniors, $10 general admission.

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/456934 (Sunset Hill), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/456940 (Bellevue), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/456929 (Magnuson Park), or buy them at the door.

Thistle Theatre's holiday show has arrived. We present "The Pixie and the Grocer" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

This is a retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen short story about a pixie who serves a chisler grocer and his wife. A new poet has moved into the grocer's garret, and from him, the pixie learns of the wonders of art and poetry.

Eventually the pixie must decide if he wants to live a comfortable life, or go the artist's way.

I play Mrs. Hansen, the grocer's wife; Mrs. Nielsen, a customer; and an enchanted lantern.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Ben Burris and Zane Exactly. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style, shadow,  and rod puppets to tell and sing this take on this lesser-known fairy tale.

This play features one of Thistle Theatre's most popular songs (sung in part by me), "It's All About the Money," and a delightful sequence where inanimate objects are brought to life.

The show also features shadow puppets illustrating the poetry within the show.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and Sue Ennis. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Shows at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard are at 1 and 3 p.m. on  December 7 and 8. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Performances at Bellevue Youth Theatre  are at 2 and 4 p.m. on December 21 and 22.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008.

The shows are at Magnuson Park Theatre shows are on December 28 and 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.

Don't miss our terrific show that spreads the message of the importance of art and ideas of substance rather than material things, so important during the holiday season!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Gingerbread Boy

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Gingerbread Boy

WHAT: "The Gingerbread Boy" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle, Nov. 30 (7:30PM) and
Dec. 1, 2 (1:00PM & 3:00PM)

Bellevue Youth Theater, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, Dec. 15, 16 (2:00PM & 4:00PM)

Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, Dec. 22, 23 at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $8 children and seniors, $10 general admission.

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/300669 (Sunset Hill), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/300673 (Bellevue), or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/300675 (Magnuson Park), or buy them at the door.

It's the holiday season, and that means it's time for Thistle Theatre's holiday show. This year we present "The Gingerbread Boy" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

Our story takes place in Candyland, where all the world's sweets are made.  I play Sweetie, the candy cooker.  She makes lollipops and gumdrops and cookie icing.

I also play Pepper Mint, the shipping coordinator of Candyland, who must chase down the naughty gingerbread boy when he steals the knob that controls all the sweet treats made in Candyland.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Brian Stabile and Ben Burris. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style and rod puppets to tell and sing this take on the traditional tale.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and Sue Ennis. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The shows are at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard at 7:30 on the evening of November 30, and at 1 and 3 p.m. on December 1 and 2. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Performances at Bellevue Youth Theatre  are at 2 and 4 p.m. on December 15 and 16.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008

Magnuson Park Theatre shows are on December 22 and 23 at 1 and 3 p.m. The theater is in Magnuson Park in building 47. The address is 7110 62nd Ave NE in Seattle.

Don't miss our fun popular holiday show!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

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.

I am appearing in "Brother Coyote and Sister" with Thistle Theatre for the next weekend and two weekends in February.

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!

Gina Wilhelm Actress