Gina Wilhelm Actress

George on the Street

Last weekend I had the opportunity to see the touring production of "Hamilton" at Seattle's Paramount Theater. Seattle was the first stop on the tour for this cast, and they were spectacular!

This play really is amazing, and if you haven't seen it yet, you must at least get the cast recording. The score isn't just rap, there's hip hop, jazz, regular Broadway show tunes, and British invasion.

However, before the show, King George III stopped in front of the theater to enthuse about the show that stars him.

(Special thanks to intrepid camera operator Katie Malik)

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Tales of Peter Rabbit (Revival!)

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Tales of Peter Rabbit (Revival!)

WHAT: "The Tales of Peter Rabbit" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47,  October 8 and 9, 1 and 3 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th St, Seattle, WA 98117, October 22 and 23 at 1 and 3 p.m.

BYT - Ivanhoe Theatre 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, May 17 and 18 at 2 and 4 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10.

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2590857 (Magnuson Park), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2590862 (Sunset Hill), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2590884 (BYT - Ivanhoe Theatre) or buy them at the door.

This week marks the opening of "The Tales of Peter Rabbit." This is the beautiful puppet show we just presented in tour in Atlanta, Georgia, now presented for our local audiences in Seattle!

This puppet play tells the stories of some of Beatrix Potter's most beloved characters. The main stories are those of Peter Rabbit and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny. It also includes Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Mrs. Tittlemouse.

When Peter Rabbit goes adventuring in Mr. MacGregor's garden and loses his new jacket, how will he get it back?

I play Mrs. Tittle-Mouse, Mrs. Rabbit, Flopsy Rabbit (Peter's sister), and a cat that only speaks cat-talk, for some reason.

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 and rod puppets to tell and sing this British tale.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and V. Kay Pedersen. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

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

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Puppet Panel at International Dota 2 Championship

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Puppet Panel at International Dota 2 Championship 

Dota 2 is a very cool multiplayer online battle arena game made by Valve. Every year, there is an International championship, and this year the championship is held at Seattle's KeyArena.

The championship is a huge deal. Gameplay is broadcast on twitch.tv, YouTube, Steam broadcasting, and WatchESPN. ESPN picked up the tournament due to its large audience (estimated at over 30 million) and large prize pool. 

This year the prize pool is in excess of $20 million -- that's more than the prize pool at the Super Bowl!

There are color announcers during the games, and other analysts commenting on the games in between rounds. 

This year Valve decided to have the analysts in one of the in-between game sessions played by puppets, and I got to be one of the puppeteers!

We had a rehearsal on Sunday, when we found out what we would be doing. We sat at the desk with the real analysts sitting behind us. We would then sync our puppets' movements to what their human counterparts were doing. 

We got to watch our movements on video monitors (as did the human analysts), and the human analysts wore headsets so they could hear each other. 

I got to handle the puppet version of Ted "Pyrion Flax" Forsyth, who has an extensive YouTube channel. He's also a fun, funny guy. 

The hardest part of the gig was not telling anyone what was happening between Sunday afternoon and the performance Tuesday morning. So. Hard. 

It was worth it, though. The reaction when the puppets appeared behind the desk was fantastic, and it apparently was very loud inside the arena itself when they showed up on the Jumbotron. 

It was so loud, in fact, that it was difficult to hear our human counterparts!

The reaction online was good, too. An article appeared in iDigitaltimes.com titled "'DOTA 2' International 2016 Has Puppets Analyze and Interview, What Is Happening?" while over at Twitter, someone tweeted "Puppet Dota is best Dota." 

I agree. 

The puppets will definitely be back on Saturday, August 13, for the final day of competition, and we may be back earlier. Keep watching for us!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Brother Coyote and Sister Fox!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Brother Coyote and Sister Fox!

WHAT: "Brother Coyote and Sister Fox" 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 21 and 22 at 1 and 3 p.m.

BYT Ivanhoe Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, May 28 and 29 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 18 and 19, at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10 

TO BUY TICKETS: Visit thistletheatre.org, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2212579 (Sunset Hill), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2172873 (Bellevue), or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2213291 (Magnuson Park), or call 206-524-3388 or buy them at the door.

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

Brother Coyote wants to eat Doña Conchita's plump chickens, but Sister Fox is always one step ahead of him.

This is the same show that delighted audiences in Atlanta, GA, at the Center for Puppetry Arts this January. I play the wily Sister Fox.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Andre Nelson and Zane Exactly. We use Japanese Bunraku-style puppets, rod 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 Sunset Hill Community Club are on May 21 and 22 at 1 and 3 p.m. The community club is in Ballard at 3003 NW 66th Street.

The performances at BYT Ivanhoe Theatre are on May 28 and 29 at 2 and 4 p.m. The theater is in Bellevue at 16661 Northup Way.

Magnuson Park shows are on June 18 and 19 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 most previous performances at Magnuson. This is a small, intimate space, and seating is VERY limited. Please buy tickets in advance or consider attending at one of our other venues.  

Come see this fun puppet show while you can!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Merry Chris Mouse

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Merry Chris Mouse

WHAT: "Merry Chris Mouse" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle WA 98117, in Ballard, December 12 and 13, at 1 and 3 p.m.
 

BYT Ivanhoe Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, at 2 and 4 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10.

TO BUY TICKETS: Visit thistletheatre.org,

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2168916 (Sunset Hill), or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2168925 (Bellevue Youth Theatre), or
call 206-524-3388 or buy them at the door

Thistle Theatre celebrates the holiday season with our original musical "Merry Chris Mouse" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

This original play tells the story of a poor brown mouse family finding a new home in the walls of a child's playroom. When they meet a white mouse in a cage, it's time for a rescue.

I play the mother mouse and Christine, one of two brown mouse twins.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Ben Burris and Amy Escobar. We use  tabletom Japanese Bunraku-style puppets to tell and sing this tale.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and Sue Ennis. The songs include the popular "Carving the Christmas Cheese."

It also features the song "It's Christmas Time," which would later be rewritten for the Lovemongers (a band made of Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart 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 1 and 3 p.m. on December 12 and 13. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Performances at BYT Ivanhoe Theatre are at 2 and 4 p.m. on December 19 and 20.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008

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

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Jack and the Beanstalk

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Jack and the Beanstalk

WHAT: "Jack and the Beanstalk" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: BYT Ivanhoe Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, at 2 and 4 p.m.

Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47 , October 17 and 18, at 1 and 3 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle WA 98117, in Ballard, October 24 and 25, at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10.

TO BUY TICKETS: Visit thistletheatre.org,

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2168135 (Bellevue Youth Theatre), or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2168460 (Magnuson Park), or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/2168694 (Sunset Hill),
call 206-524-3388 or buy them at the door

Thistle Theatre opens our 2015-2016 season with "Jack and the Beanstalk" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

The popular fairy tale is set in the English countryside with all the puppets dressed in traditional English costumes. Our version is based on Benjamin Tabart's 1807 The History of Jack and the Bean Stalk. 

When Jack sells the family cow for some magic beans, it leads to an adventure above the clouds with a Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum giant, a cyclops, a hen that lays golden eggs, and a magic harp.

In addition to the characters you remember, the story includes a green fairy, a butcher, and a merry fool.

I play Jack's mother, the green fairy, the giant's wife, the hen that lays golden eggs, and the magic harp.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Ben Burris and Andre Nelson. 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. The cow is a hand puppet.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and Sue Ennis with incidental music by Michael Flint. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Performances at BYT Ivanhoe Theatre are at 2 and 4 p.m. on October 10 and 11.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008

Magnuson Park Theatre shows are on October 17 and 18 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 are at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard at 1 and 3 p.m. on October 24 and 25. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

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

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

Backstage at "Little Shop of Horrors"

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Backstage at "Little Shop of Horrors"

I had the pleasure of attending "Little Shop of Horrors" at ACT (A Contemporary Theatre), a co-production with the 5th Avenue Theatre.

The show was done with the usual level quality one expects from ACT and 5th Ave, full of great singing and acting, clever lighting and sets, and expert direction.

However, the treat for me was taking a backstage tour with Audrey II puppeteer Eric Esteb.

Eric showed me (and my mom, also a puppeteer) all four puppets used in the show. The final puppet was under a drape, but we did get to look at its back.

The third puppet, which is the one used in "Feed Me" was in full view, and I even go to feel it.

Eric graciously told us his favorite part of the show (eating people), and how that works.

He told us about the technical aspects of operating the two larger plants. I had thought he got to leave the stage when the plant is more "dormant," but that was not the case, and in fact, he's on stage for all of act II.

The puppets used for this production are based on the original puppets designed by Sesame Street performer Martin P. Robinson (who is probably best known for performing Telly Monster), though are made from lighter weight materials than were available in 1982.

Eric also revealed that the largest Audrey II puppet was too large to fit in the rehearsal space, so rehearsals with that puppet occurred in another room

He also would rehearse one-on-one with that puppet with Ekello J. Harrid, Jr., who voices the killer plant. The effort showed, as their lip synch was very good.

After looking at the puppets, Eric and Jason (a stagehand whose last name I sadly didn't get) graciously showed us the area under the stage.

There are several set pieces moved in through trap doors on hydraulic lifts, and Jason's job is to raise and lower them using a console that looks, as Eric put it, like the inside of the Tardis.

These lifts also facilitate a few entrances and several exits, and it was very neat to see.

I am grateful to both of them for letting us see the inner backstage workings of this terrific show.

When you go to the show, check out Eric's curtain call. Quite possibly the best curtain call I've ever seen.

When he isn't acting, singing, or puppeteering, Eric is an aerialist whose work can be seen at TheInnamorati.com.

"Little Shop" runs at ACT in the Falls Theater (700 Union St., Seattle), and tickets are $29 to $74 and can be purchased at 206-292-7676 or acttheatre.org.

The show runs until June 15, so there's still time to catch it.

Eric, Gina, and Jason backstage at ACT

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Tales of Peter Rabbit (Revival!)

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Tales of Peter Rabbit (Revival!)

WHAT: "The Tales of Peter Rabbit" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47,  April 26 and 27, 1 and 3 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th St, Seattle, WA 98117, May 3 and 4 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Bellevue Youth Theater, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, May 17 and 18 at 2 and 4 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $8 children and seniors, $10 adults

TO BUY TICKETS: Call 206-524-3388 or visit thistletheatre.org or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/456968 (Magnuson Park), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/18357/event/456972 (Sunset Hill), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/456979 (Bellevue Youth Theater) or buy them at the door.

This week marks the opening of "The Tales of Peter Rabbit." This is the beautiful puppet show we presented in tour in Atlanta, Georgia, last September, now presented for our local audiences in Seattle!

This puppet play tells the stories of some of Beatrix Potter's most beloved characters. The main stories are those of Peter Rabbit and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny. It also includes Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Mrs. Tittlemouse.

When Peter Rabbit goes adventuring in Mr. MacGregor's garden and loses his new jacket, how will he get it back?

I play Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy Rabbit (Peter's sister), and a mouse without a name.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Ben Burris and Heidi Persson. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style and rod puppets to tell and sing this British tale.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and V. Kay Pedersen. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

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

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Tales of Peter Rabbit

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Tales of Peter Rabbit

WHAT: "The Tales of Peter Rabbit" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: The Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta, GA  30309, Wednesday through Sunday until September 22. Wed-Fri: 10am & 11:30am; Sat: 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Sun: 1pm & 3pm.

TICKET PRICE: $9.25 members, $16.50 general admission (Single show tickets include Create-A-Puppet workshop and museum admission).

TO BUY TICKETS: Write tickets@puppet.org, call 404.873.3391, fax 404.873.9907 (Ticket Office Hours Mon-Thurs: 9am-4:30pm, Fri-Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm) or visit ticketsales.puppet.org, or buy them at the door.

This week marks the opening of "The Tales of Peter Rabbit" at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia.

This puppet play tells the stories of some of Beatrix Potter's most beloved characters. The main stories are those of Peter Rabbit and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny. It also includes Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Mrs. Tittlemouse.

When Peter Rabbit goes adventuring in Mr. MacGregor's garden and loses his new jacket, how will he get it back?

I play Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy Rabbit (Peter's sister), and a mouse without a name.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Ben Burris and Heidi Persson. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style and rod puppets to tell and sing this British tale.

The script and songs were written by Jean Enticknap and V. Kay Pedersen. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 4 and up.

The shows are at the Center for Puppetry Arts at 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta, GA  30309.

Don't miss our fun popular holiday show!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

National Day of Puppetry

Gina Wilhelm Actress - National Day of Puppetry

Saturday, April 27, is the National Day of Puppetry for 2013.  The National Day of Puppetry falls on the fourth Saturday each April.

This is a good chance to watch a puppet show, read about famous American puppeteers, or make a puppet of your own. 

If you didn't get to a puppet show today, consider going to one on Sunday.

If you can't do that, I have put up a number of puppet videos at my Facebook fan page.

And please enjoy this video of Jim Henson, Don Sahlin, and Muppeteers making simple puppets. Make a puppet with them!

Happy National Day of Puppetry!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Tabletop Puppetry Workshop

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Tabletop Puppetry Workshop

Today the puppeteers of Thistle Theatre gave a workshop on tabletop puppetry at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA.

We have been in Atlanta for most of the month of January presenting our show "Brother Coyote and Sister Fox," and today gave this workshop.

The workshop was also presented simultaneously as a webinar, which was recorded.

It should be possible for people who were not able to see the webinar today to view it in the future. Stay tuned to this blog to find out more about that. 

During the workshop, Thistle's puppeteers demonstrated tabletop puppetry techniques and invited workshop participants to try their hands with Thistle's puppets. 

Tabletop puppetry is a modified form of Bunraku, a Japanese puppetry form, but performed on a table (Bunraku is performed in mid-air, rather than on a solid surface).

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Goldilocks and the Three Bears

It's summertime, and that means it's time for Thistle Theatre's summer tour.  This summer we present "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

All voices and songs are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Brian Stabile and Lisa A. Haslbauer. We use Japanese Bunraku-style puppets, rod puppets, and song to tell this a take on the traditional tale.

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

In our version of the show, the bears travel from their home in Yellowstone Park to Hollywood in their trailer. Meanwhile, Goldilocks is a California girl with a pet duck and a BIG imagination.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

I play Mama Bear. Reviews of the show when we performed in theaters said, "Skilled puppetry is the heart of this show and the most enjoyable aspect."

All library shows this summer are free. Our Emerald Downs show is free with admission to the track. Come see this fun puppet show before time runs out!

July

Greenwood Library
8016 Greenwood Ave. N.
July 9 4:00 pm

Broadview Library
12755 Greenwood Ave. N.
July 12 10:30 am

Beacon Hill Library
2821 Beacon Ave. S.
July 17 2:00 pm

Lake City Library
Lake City Community Center
12531 28th Avenue N.E.
July 20 10:30 am

Southwest Library
9010 35th Ave. S.W.
July 26 11:00 am

Green Lake Library
7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N.
July 30 2:00 pm

August

Queen Anne Library
400 W. Garfield St.
August 2 11:00 am

Douglass-Truth Library
2300 E. Yesler Way
August 4 1:00 pm

Columbia Library
4721 Rainier Ave. S.
August 7 6:00 pm

University Library
5009 Roosevelt Way N.E.
August 9 11:15am

Capitol Hill Library
425 Harvard Ave. E.
August 13 10:30 am

Family Day at Emerald Downs
2300 Emerald Downs Dr.
Auburn, WA 98001
August 19 noon (show between races)

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Catch the Gingerbread Boy!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Catch the Gingerbread Boy!

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

WHERE/WHEN: Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, December 18 and 19 at 2 and 4 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 had the pleasure of attending "The Gingerbread Boy," presented by Thistle Theatre. This fun holiday puppet show runs one more weekend at the Bellevue Youth Theatre and should not be missed.

The show is a charming rendition of the fairytale with Thistle's usual flair, featuring fun performances and great music.

All voices and songs are performed live by puppeteers Brian Stabile, Lisa A. Haslbauer, and newcomer Ben Burris. They use Japanese Bunraku-style puppets and song to tell this humorous tale.

Both the adults and children in the audience were entertained by the nonstop action, beautiful and clever puppets, and catchy tunes.

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

The script is based loosely on the traditional fairytale, and cookies get eaten and much mischief is made. This puppet show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The shows at Bellevue Youth Theatre are on December 18 and 19 at 2 and 4 p.m. The theater address is 16661 Northup Way in Bellevue.

Come see this fun puppet show while it's still in town!

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

From Molly the Orphan to Kate Monster

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Christy Carlson Romano, 24, just finished her run as Kate Monster on Broadway in "Avenue Q."

The actress got her start playing Molly in an Atlanta production of "Annie." She also played Belle on Broadway in "Disney's Beauty and the Beast."

She has also done extensive voice over work, imitating Angelina Jolie's voice for the "Kung Fu Panda" videogame and played the title character in "Kim Possible" for the last eight years.

Now considering a cabaret act in New York, she talks about the intricacies of doing a sex scene between puppets.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

More Adventures in Auditioning

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Today's audition was for the Freehold Theatre studio series show "The Benefits of Chaos." A friend suggested I try out for it.

The show itself will only be 20 minutes, but there will be an interactive tea party before and after, so there will be lots of improv. I'm interested in improv, and I've had some success with it in my Gilbert & Sullivan Society auditions, but I've never Officially Done Improv.

The auditions were yesterday and today. Apparently everyone went yesterday. So I had the director all to myself. Which is good and bad, I imagine. Only I got there a little late (got lost). Which was probably more noticeable since I was the only one coming.

She had me do a speech with a puppet (which will be in the show) and perform my monologue. Apparently the show proper is MOSTLY monologues. And one of the monologue/vignette bits is done with a puppet. Another involves singing.

My parents owned a puppet company when I was little (and before), so we talked about that. The scene with the puppet she gave me to read was two pages long, and she gave me time to work on it.

She had me perform only the first page of the scene. Which was fun, but I had really wanted to do the second page. The performer gets to kiss the puppet (after resisting), and I had worked out how to make him "walk" away.

The first page was more about acting. The second was more about puppetry (At least, that's how I saw it). The director, I'm sure, really wanted to see me act. But I wanted to get my puppet on.

She said she might let us know within the next couple of hours. So, fingers crossed. And once again, stay tuned. There's more to come!

Gina Wilhelm Actress