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

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

Thistle Theatre Open House

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Thistle Theatre Open House

WHAT: Thistle Theatre Open House.

WHERE/WHEN: Thistle Theatre Studio, 6310 NE 74th St (Hangar 30), Seattle, WA  98115, Saturday, October 25, 2-5 p.m. 

TICKET PRICE: Free!

TO BUY TICKETS: RSVP at info@thistletheatre.org with the subject line "Open House." Space in the studio is limited.

You (should) already know that Thistle Theatre is performing "Baba Yaga and the Bag of Gold" at Magnuson Park in Seattle, WA, this weekend.

In addition to the play, however, on Saturday, Thistle Theatre is having an open house so people can see our new studio space in Hangar 30.


Guests are invited to come over after the show (or before the 3 p.m. show) and see where we rehearse.

There will be refreshments and an opportunity to take pictures with the Wall of Puppets and the puppet mural.

Guests can also meet Mrs. Periwinkle and Possum, hosts of one of Thistle's delightful birthday puppet plays.

Children 12 and under will also be able to make a bat puppet.

The studio is 1 block northeast of Magnuson Park Theater, with the entrance under the blue Parks Department awning. 

If you are planning to join us, please RSVP by emailing info@thistletheatre.org with the subject line "Open House." We want you to join us, but space is limited.

See you on Saturday!

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 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

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

Little Red Riding Hood is in the Woods!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Little Red Riding Hood is in the Woods!

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

WHERE/WHEN: Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, October 16 and 17 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle WA 98117, in Ballard, October 22 at 7:30 p.m., October 23 and 24 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 buy them at the door.

I am appearing in "Little Red Riding Hood" with Thistle Theatre for the next two weekends in October, first at Magnuson Park Theatre (where Seattle Musical Theatre performances), and then at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard.

These are our only local performances before we head out on tour, and you don't want to miss them!

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 Sue Ennis. Sue wrote the songs, including the "Wolf Aria," one of the most popular songs written for Thistle Theatre. Jean directed this lively production.

The script is based loosely on the Grimm's fairy tale, and things do get eaten, but everything turns out okay in the end. This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The shows at Magnuson Park Theatre are on October 16 and 17 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 shows at Sunset Hill Community Club are on October 22 at 7:30 p.m. and on October 23 and 24 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