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

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

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

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

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