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

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

Momotaro (Peach Boy)

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Momotaro (Peach Boy)

WHAT: "Momotaro (Peach Boy)" performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN: Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, Saturday and Sunday, March 1 through 8, at 2 and 4 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle WA 98117, in Ballard,March 14 and 15 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47, March 21 and 22 at 1 and 3 p.m. 

TICKET PRICE: $10.

TO BUY TICKETS: Visit thistletheatre.org,

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829312 (Bellevue Youth Theatre),
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829322 (Sunset Hill), or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829319 (Magnuson Park), or
call 206-524-3388 or buy them at the door.

It's late winter/early spring, a time for Thistle Theatre to present our annual Asian show. This year we present "Momotaro (Peach Boy)" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

This is the most famous story in Japan. It tells the story of a young hero who, with the help of animal friends, goes to rescue the treasure that the oni (Japanese demons) have been stealing from the villagers. I play Obaasan (Momotaro's grandmother), a brave monkey, and one of the oni.

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 puppets to tell and sing this take on the traditional tale.

There are also several origami puppets in the show. In fact, one scene is done entirely with origami puppets.

In addition, the show features many Japanese words and phrases. It also features the famous "Momotaro" folk song in both English and Japanese.

The script and songs (aside from the folk song) 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 March 1, 7, and 8.  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 March 14 and 15. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Magnuson Park Theatre shows are on March 21 and 22 at 1 and 3 p.m. The theater is in Magnuson Park in building 47. The address is 7110 62nd Ave NE in Seattle.

Be sure not to miss this action-packed show full of laughs and battle scenes

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon

WHAT: "The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon," performed by Thistle Theatre, a puppet theater for families.

WHERE/WHEN:  Magnuson Park Theatre, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Bldg. 47,  March 1 and 2 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Bellevue Youth Theater, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, March 8 and 9 at 2 and 4 p.m.

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 NW 66th St, Seattle, WA 98117, March 15 and 16 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/456951 (Magnuson Park), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/456956 (Bellevue), http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/456954 (Sunset Hill), or buy them at the door.


Thistle Theatre's winter/spring show has arrived. We present "The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

This is a retelling of a Korean folktale about a young tiger who goes down the mountain in search of food. When he hears a mother silence her daughter's crying with a kotgum (dried persimmon).

The naive tiger believes that a kotgum must be a very fearsome creature.  He runs into a superstitious thief, and hilarity ensues. 

I play a magpie, which is the voice of the common people in Korean folklore.  I also play the mother and the little girl as well as a butterfly, a turtle, some dragonflies, and two members of the village band.

All voices are performed live by me and fellow puppeteers Alex Cantrell and Zane Exactly. We use  a variety of puppet styles including Japanese Bunraku-style, shadow,  and rod puppets to tell and sing this traditional story.

All the live singing (there is some folk-singing to set scenes that was prerecorded) is done by me, and there is a delightful sequence where the tiger's imagination comes to life.

The show also features shadow puppets showing characters talking inside a house.  I do that, too. 

The script was written by Jean Enticknap with Hyeon-soog Chang and Andrew Kim. Jean also directed this lively production.

This show is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The shows at Magnuson Park Theatre shows are on March 1 and 2 at 1 and 3 p.m. The theater is in Magnuson Park in building 47. The address is 7110 62nd Ave NE in Seattle.

Performances at Bellevue Youth Theatre  are at 2 and 4 p.m. on March 8 and 9.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008.
 
Shows at Sunset Hill Community Club in Ballard are at 1 and 3 p.m. on  March 15 and 16. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Don't miss our terrific show that tells a funny and lovely Korean folktale with puppets inspired by traditional art.

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