Little Red Riding Hood

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Little Red Riding Hood

WHAT: "Little Red Riding Hood" 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 16 and 17, at 1 and 3 p.m.

 

Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008, Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 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 13 and 14, at 1 and 3 p.m.

TICKET PRICE: $10.

TO BUY TICKETS: Visit thistletheatre.org,

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829336 (Sunset Hill),

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829340 (Bellevue Youth Theatre), or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/183572/event/829413 (Magnuson Park), or
call 206-524-3388 or buy them at the door

It's spring, time for Thistle Theatre to close our season with a popular story. This year we present "Little Red Riding Hood" at various locations throughout the Seattle area.

Our take on this fairy tale is set in Bavaria, with all the puppets dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes. I play Red's mother and grandmother as well as Greta, a woodland rabbit.

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

There are also some rod puppets in this show. This show features several German words and phrases.

The script and songs (aside from the folk song) were written by Jean Enticknap and Sue Ennis. Jean also directed this lively production.

This play includes intricate puppetry and the "Wolf's Aria," one of the most popular songs in the Thistle Theatre canon!

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 May 16 and 17. The address is 3003 NW 66th Street.

Performances at Bellevue Youth Theatre  are at 2 and 4 p.m. on May 30 and 31.  That address is 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008

Magnuson Park shows are on June 13 and 14  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 previous performance at Magnuson. This is a small, intimate space, and seating is VERY limited. 

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

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 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

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