PuppetSLAM is this Saturday night at 8pm!

You know what makes PuppetSLAM so much fun? It's different from any other live theater you're likely to find. And the Slam we're cooking up for this Saturday night promises to be equally unique!

Diane Allison will be here, performing a segment of her show "Miriam," the story of a prophetess who finds herself on the wrong side of God (as told with humor, pathos, and one life-size puppet).

ALSO— Behind the Mask Theatre will be here with a excerpt of "The Masks of Odysseus", their original production of Greek mythology featuring fine acting, costumes, and hand-made masks!

Other performers include Little's Creatures and many others, including two brave audience volunteers!

You definitely don't want to miss this show!

TICKETS NOW ON SALE
CALL 617-731-6400 OR CLICK HERE

10/13 Incubator Cancelled

NOTICE - 10/13 Incubator Cancelled

Tonight’s Incubator has been cancelled. Please join us on Tuesday, October 27th for the next Incubator Session. About the Puppet Showplace Incubators:

Incubator (in ku ba´ ter) n : A place or situation that permits or encourages the formation and development, as of new ideas.

Every other Tuesday from 7 - 9 pm (go to schedule) PST hosts a "drop-in" session where emerging artists, veteran puppeteers, teachers, and puppet enthusiasts gather to discuss and develop creative ideas in a casual, informal environment.

Here artists of all media and genres, experienced or not, can experiment with new puppetry ideas, materials and styles. It's a place where knowledge is shared, constructive critique is the norm, and collaborations are born.

No matter where your interests lie, from traditional theatre to the avant garde, you're welcome at these sessions.

Similar workshops have developed and flourished in places like Atlanta and New York, adding breadth and richness to the puppetry of those cities, and now the same thing is happening here!

Join us in this exciting project!

A $5 donation is suggested to cover costs, but no one is turned away. For more information, call 617.731.6400, or email us at artistic@puppetshowplace.org with "incubator" in the subject. To see the full schedule visit www.puppetshowplace.org/incubator.html

FREE Family Movie Nite 8/22 – Babe!

Saturday, August 22 is our final FREE Family Movie Nite of the summer!

Bah Ram Ewe! It's Babe, the story of the little pig that could. Babe, a pig raised by sheepdogs, learns to herd sheep (with a little help from Farmer Hoggett), wins over the barnyard, and learns the value of friendship and determination.

This summer, Puppet Showplace Theatre has been pleased to present a series of puppet movie favorites on the big screen. All shows have been presented FREE! with a suggested donation of $4.

Doors open at 6pm. Movie starts at 6:30pm.

FREE Family Movie Nite 8/15 – James and the Giant Peach!

If you are unfamiliar with this film or the book by Roald Dahl, please watch the trailer above. The film is stop-motion animation, in the style of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Corpse Bride (this film's director, Henry Selnick, directed Coraline and Nightmare).

Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, James and the Giant Peach is the story of an orphan who, on a journey to New York City, befriends kind, human-like bugs who live inside a giant peach.

Featuring the voices of Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, and David Thewlis, among others. This film is rated PG.

FREE Family Movie Nite 8/8 - Follow That Bird!

Before The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, there was Follow That Bird, Big Bird's road-trip adventure movie.

Here's a quick synopsis: Big Bird wants to get to know other birds. But when he goes to live with a crazy bird family–the Dodos of Ocean View, Illinois–he decides he would be happier back with his friends on Sesame Street. He has to count on the help of old and new friends to help him to make it back home.

Like other Muppet movies, a handful of celebrities make cameo appearances peppered throughout the film. In the clip above, country singer Waylon Jennings sings with Big Bird. Other stars making appearances include Chevy Chase, John Candy, Dave Thomas, Joe Flaherty and Sandra Bernhard. (89 min, G)

FREE Family Movie Nite 8/1 – The Muppets Take Manhattan

In the third movie starring the Muppets, Kermit rounds up the gang to take Broadway by storm, despite a few obstacles in the way (like Kermit's own, momentary amnesia). Other highlights include the introduction of the Muppet Babies (see clip above) and Kermit and Miss Piggy's wedding, done as a big Muppet musical number featuring all of the Muppets and many of the Muppet characters from Sesame Street. (94 min, G)

Deborah Costine, Puppeteer! in the News

Deborah Costine, friend of the Puppet Showplace Theatre, has been in the news a lot this year. Back in October 2008, she and Len Gerwick celebrated the 5,000th performance of Gerwick Puppets with a special show at the Puppet Showplace Theatre.

As if that wasn't great enough, at the National Puppetry Festival earlier this month in Atlanta, Deborah and her production of "A Woodland Cinderella" were honored with an UNIMA Citation of Excellence!

UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionette) is an international puppetry organization that has honored exceptional puppeteers and their productions yearly since 1975. The Citation of Excellence is UNIMA's highest honor, and one of the highest honors in the field of puppetry.

Don't miss Deborah's next visit to the Puppet Showplace Theatre: September 16 & 17, when she'll be performing "The Twig Family." Tickets will be available soon via the PST Box Office and our website.

Congratulations Deborah!


Read more about Deborah Costine and UNIMA:

Southborough Puppeteer Pulling A Few Strings (MetroWest Daily News)

UNIMA-USA

FREE Family Movie Nite 7/25 - Coraline!

If you are unfamiliar with this film and are unsure if it will be appropriate for your children, please watch the trailer above. The film is stop-motion animation, in the style of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Corpse Bride (Henry Selnick directed Coraline and Nightmare, as well as James and the Giant Peach), and like those movies has scenes and themes that may be too dark for younger audiences.

Based on the Neil Gaiman story of the same name, Coraline is a young, frustrated girl who crawls through a secret passage in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life - only much better. But when her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home - and save her family.

The film is rated PG and features the voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman and Ian McShane. We do not recommend this film for ages below 7.

Review the Puppet Showplace Theatre on yelp.com!

You may have used yelp.com to find a restaurant, but did you know you can use it to find other great local destinations? Help us get the word out about our family-friendly entertainment by reviewing the Puppet Showplace Theatre and telling the world about your experience at one of our shows.

When you review us, you're not only helping others discover the magic and wonder of attending a Puppet Showplace Theatre performance–you're helping to promote the art of puppetry as entertainment and an educational tool, and the Showplace as a worthwhile family destination.

Review Puppet Showplace Theatre on yelp.com

FREE Family Movie Nite 7/18 - Labyrinth!

If you are unfamiliar with this film and are unsure if it will be appropriate for your children, please watch the clip above. Many of the film's puppets are fantastical creatures like the goblins, gargoyles and others beyond description in this clip (not to mention big-haired David Bowie in tights). And though the puppets are, for the most part, goofy–and the good guys win in the end–not all of them are goofy and there are a lot of dark scenes.

Labyrinth is the story of Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), her baby brother, and the Goblin King (Bowie). Sarah has to rescue her baby brother from the mean Goblin King before time runs out, but first has to navigate the Goblin King's confusing and confounding labyrinth! This film is one of Jim Henson's most fantastical movie creations.

The film is rated PG. We do not recommend this film for ages below 7.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there. Found this cute gift idea to share, if you haven't gotten a gift yet.

Father's Day Craft: Golf Cover Buddies By Marie LeBaron

Is it "Golf or Go Home" at your house? Then these fun and friendly sock puppets are the perfect cover for Dad's golf clubs this Father's Day.

for the complete instructions visit: http://www.alphamom.com/holiday/2009/06/golf_cover_buddies.php

Don't forget "Puss in Boots" by Spring Valley Puppets performs today at 1pm & 3pm. Tickets for Dad's are FREE today!

Cinderella, A Woodland Fairy Princess Coming to PST June 6 & 7

Deborah Costine, Puppeteer, is back at the Puppet Showplace Theatre the weekend of June 6 & 7 with her Cinderella story, Cinderella, A Woodland Fairy Princess.

In Deborah's unique adaptation of the familiar fairy tale, The King of All Woodland Fairies wants his son to marry a fairy princess, but they are very hard to find. So the King hosts a great ball and commands that every single fairy maiden in the land must attend. The King hopes that the missing Fern Fairy Princess will come, because he knows the secret to identifying a true fairy princess.

This hand puppet show features a wonderful woodland puppet stage, a memorable cast of characters (including the King and the mean stepsister Stonilola) and the engaging hand puppetry of Deborah Costine.

Join us for this enchanting take on the perennial favorite! Call 617-731-6400 or click the link below to purchase tickets.

BUY TICKETS

Where Are The Wild Things? At the PST Puppet Store!

That's right! The PST Puppet Store now has Where The Wild Things Are hand puppets, just like you know them from the award-winning book by Maurice Sendak.

Make sure you check them out the next time you're at the theatre – for a show or just to browse!

The PST Puppet Store is located in the lobby of the Puppet Showplace Theatre, and is open 10 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Call us at 617-731-6400 with any questions.

The Dragon King is Coming June 13 & 14!

Tanglewood Marionettes is back at the Puppet Showplace Theatre the weekend of June 13 & 14 with their newest production: The Dragon King.

Join us for an underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore that tells the tale of the fearless Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to meet the Dragon King, ruler of all things water. Grandmother seeks answers from the King as to why he has forsaken the land above during a terrible drought.

The show features colorful sea creatures (including a lively hermit crab, a timid octopus and illuminating jellyfish), inventive scenery, beautiful marionettes and puppets (including a Dragon King that will knock your socks off!) and an exciting, engrossing adventure.

These shows are sure to sell out fast! Call 617-731-6400 or click the link below to purchase tickets.

BUY TICKETS

New PST Animation: Take the T to PST!

Back in January of this year, Professor Jason Wiener at the New England Institute of Art approached PST about the theatre's participation as a client for his advanced animation class. The class assignment was to create a 30-second animation highlighting whatever the client wanted. For PST, that meant showcasing how easy it is to get here using the Green Line 'D' train (since we're right across the street from the Brookline Village station!).

Now, not even six months later, the class has produced a wonderful animation. We're still in the process of adding it to the Puppet Showplace Theatre website, but until we find a suitable spot, please enjoy it here!

And remember–we're right across the street from the Brookline Village T station on the Green Line 'D' train. So next time you attend a performance, consider taking the T: You won't have to worry about traffic or finding a place to park!

The Boston Phoenix Loves PST!

As part of their annual Best Of... issue and website editorial, The Boston Phoenix has named the Puppet Showplace Theatre as its Best Way to Get Creeped Out by Puppets. What an honor! 

Make sure you check out the rest of their Best Of... picks and enjoy the rest of the best of Boston!

NEW 3/21 & 3/22 @ PST: Crabgrass Puppet Theatre's The Last Dragon on Earth!

The Puppet Showplace Theatre welcomes Crabgrass Puppet Theatre for two days (Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22) of performances of their show The Last Dragon on Earth.

Here's more about the show: For as long as anyone can remember, princes have fought dragons and rescued princesses. It's just the way things have always been done. But what happens when the princess doesn't need rescuing and the dragon is the very last one on Earth?

This modern fairy tale is a wonderful introduction to the concept of endangered species and is brought to life with Crabgrass Puppet Theatre's blend of beautiful puppets, fabulous scenery–full of caves and castles–and hysterically funny action.

Tickets are still available! Call the PST Box Office at (617) 731-6400 or purchase online.


The Last Dragon on Earth is recommended for ages 4 and up.


Please note this is a change in the schedule for the weekend from Jack and the Beanstalk by Spring Valley Puppets. If you've already purchased or reserved tickets for a Jack & the Beanstalk performance this weekend, a member of our Box Office staff will be in touch with you. Our apologies for any inconvenience, and we thank you for your understanding.

The Puppet Showplace Theatre looks forward to welcoming Spring Valley Puppets back to the stage on 5/2 and 5/3 for The Lazy Fox and Other Tales.

PuppetSLAM March 14th 8pm

Our next PuppetSLAM is Saturday March 14th at 8:00 pm. This SLAM is a combination of live puppetry performances and video productions. Featured artists for the evening include The Royal Frog Ballet and PBC Productions.

The Royal Frog Ballet presents "THE YEAR OF WANTING", A Very Small Shadow Show About The Depths Of Hell. This productions is a hand-cranked, candle-illuminated shadow show, based on the Greek myth of Persephone, and including elements from other winter myths and folktales. The Royal Frog Ballet is a collaboration of artists and alumni from Hampshire College, including co-directors Sarah Blackwell, Matt Lorenz and performer Sophie Wood.

PBC Productions shares their video production "Zombie Apocalypse". PBC Productions is a internet based video production company. Their work includes humorous shorts, fun video game reviews, and compelling documentaries. Most notable of these documentaries is "Puppet Rampage" which captured the 2007 Puppeteers of America National Festival at Concordia University. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvpeOszd3Yo

Happy Presidents' Day

What better way to celebrate President's Day than with finger puppets?  

We found this great kids' activity at kaboose.com.  

What you'll need:

-Blue and black construction paper
-Cellophane tape
-Lincoln-head penny
-Washington-head quarter
-Scissors

How to make it:

1. Cut two three-inch squares, one from each of the construction sheet colors.
2. Roll each square into a tube that will slip over your finger.  Secure the roll with tape.
3. To make the Lincoln puppet, tape the penny to the black paper tube at roughly an inch below the top.
4. Cut a thin rectangle from the black paper for the hat brim.  Tape the brim along the top of the head.
5. To make the Washington puppet, tape the quarter to the top of the blue paper tube.
6. Cut a one and a half inch square from the blue paper for the hat.
7. fold the square in half, corner to corner, making a triangle.
8. Cut a slit out of the center fold of the square to make an opening.  Once again fold the square in half, this time folding the opposite corner to corner, making a triangle.
9. Slip the hat over the top of the tube finger puppet.
10. Tape both halves of the triangle together.

Tip:

Dress them up by adding details to the puppets using collage materials.  You might want to add a gold sequin medallion to Washington's hat, for example, and some white doily paper to the chin for a lace collar.  For Lincoln, try adding a shirt collar made from white paper, and some buttons.

Critters & Creatures video

For footage of Larry Hunt's performance of Critters & Creatures, please enjoy this sample of shows presented at Puppet Showplace Theatre.  Critters is the last show on the video.

Larry Hunt of Masque Theatre at PST 2/16 & 2/17

The Puppet Showplace welcomes Larry Hunt of Masque Theatre as part of our Winter School Vacation Week lineup, with performances of Hunt's Critters & Creatures on Monday, February 16th and Tuesday, February 17th. Shows are at 1pm and 3pm both days.

For more information about the show, visit our Family Show calendar on the Puppet Showplace website.

Tickets are still available, though performances often sell out in advance. Tickets can be purchased in person at our box office, over the phone by calling (617) 731-6400, or through our online ticket service.

To learn more about Larry Hunt and his background as a maskmaker and performer, click to watch the video below.

Bread and Puppet Theater Return to Boston

Beginning January 26th and running through February 1st the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) presents the Bread and Puppet Theater’s Sourdough Philosophy Spectacle & Circus. Performances, Art Exhibit, and Cheap Art Sale all held in the Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St., South End, Boston. For advance tickets, log onto www.theatermania.com or call 866-811-4111.

Back by popular demand, the award-winning Bread and Puppet Theater, featuring Artistic Director Peter Schumann and his troupe of 8 Vermont puppeteers, returns for a third year to the Cyclorama bringing their signature powerful imagery, masked characters, and giant papier-mâché puppets. The Bread and Puppet touring company, for this residency at the Cyclorama, includes Schumann, along with Danny McNamara, Maura Gahan, Greg Corbino, Diana Sette, Maryann Colella, Federica Collina, Cavan Meese, and Susie Perkins.

The Bread and Puppet Theater is an internationally recognized company that champions a visually rich, street-theater brand of performance art that is filled with music, dance and slapstick. Their shows are political and spectacular, with huge puppets made of papier-maché and cardboard, a brass band for accompaniment, and anti-elitist singing and dance. Most are morality plays — about how people act toward each other — whose prototype is "Everyman." There are puppets of all kinds and sizes, masks, sculptural costumes, paintings, buildings and landscapes that seemingly breathe with Schumann's distinctive visual style of dance, expressionism, dark humor and low-culture simplicity.