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

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 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

Gabrielle Union

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Gabrielle Union

Congratulations to Gabrielle Union, who just got engaged to basketball player Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

Wade posted to his Instagram and Twitter accounts, "She said YES!!!" It is the second marriage for both. 

Ms. Union is currently filming "Finally Famous." Another movie, "Think Like a Man Too" is in post-production, and she recently starred in the TV series "Being Mary Jane."  She has also been in "10 Things I Hate About You," "Bring it On," and "The Perfect Holiday."

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Anchorman 2

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Anchorman 2

"Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" opens today, and I'm excited to see it.  Will Ferrell has been EVERYwhere in character as pompous newsman Ron Burgundy, never failing to entertain.

Is the hype worth it?  Will it live up to the original?  Have you seen it already? What did you think?

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