Behind the Scenes at PST: The Witch Who Wasn't

The Witch Who Wasn't...Scary?

Guess who's flyin' over to PST for Halloween weekend?  A witch!  But don't worry.  She's just an itty-bitty witch...unlike some (*ahem* Wicked Witch of the West).  Yes, that's right.  If you're not interested in a gory Halloween and you just want to have some fun, then we suggest you come on down to PST and see The Witch Who Wasn't.

A History Of Witches...

We all know - witches are no strangers to Massachusetts.  Anyone remember the Salem Witch Trials?  It's not exactly something you could ever forget - one of the most notorious cases of mass hysteria in human history.  You know, because so many innocent people were executed at the hands of paranoid ministers, governors, and whatnot.

A courtroom, during the Salem Witch Trials

The question is: why?  Why did so many people feel the need to rid of these so-called "witches?"  It could be because, since who knows how long, witches have been viewed as evil creatures - evil creatures who perform black magic.

Wicked Witch of the West (above), Witches of Macbeth (bottom)

Of course, not all witches are evil - at least, they don't have to be.

Hermione Granger (above), Samantha Stephens (bottom)

What we learn from The Witch Who Wasn't is this: there is a difference between an evil witch and a witch who just wants to scare in the spirit of Halloween.

About The Show...

The Witch Who Wasn't is a delightful tale about a little witch who can't do anything - emphasis on anything - scary.  And because of this, she dreads attending her first Halloween Witches Convention.  Fortunately, she's not alone on this journey.  Her short story is followed by visits from a happy juggling pumpkin, a roller-skating demon, and a compliment of scarecrows, witches, ghosts, and silly monsters.

...And The Man Behind The Witch

Wayne Martin and The Witch Who Wasn't

Believe it or not - Wayne Martin founded his company, The Wayne Martin Puppets, when he was just eight years old!  Pretty impressive, huh?  I think so!  Imagine what he's accomplished since then.

Over the course of forty-plus years, Wayne's developed a hefty credits list, which includes guest appearances with Symphony Orchestras and work as principal manipulator for industry greats such as the Heiken Puppets, Sid and Marty Krofft Productions, and Jim Henson's Muppets (just to name a few).

And it doesn't end there.  Wayne has also appeared in many award-winning television programs and commercials.  These include critically acclaimed educational and training films and his very own television series and specials that have earned him two Emmy nominations.  Yes, I said it - Emmy nominations.

Of course, Wayne's first love remains live performance.  He has toured Canada, Europe, and Autralia - as well as presenting his one-man variety revue hundreds of times each year across the United States.

Some of Wayne's Puppets

The Witch Who Wasn't is a childhood favorite of his, written by Jane Yolen, that his mother had read to him when it was first published in the early sixties.  He decided to produce his version of the story for a "Breakfast With The Witch" promotion with McAlpin's Department Stores in 1978.  He worked with a writer at the time, one who would take his ideas and story suggestions and write the scripts for him.  They would then go into a studio and record all of the voices and music, which he would play back during live performances.

When The Puppet Showplace approached him to present a show during the month of October, Wayne immediately thought of The Witch Who Wasn't. It runs just over 12 minutes and will be followed "Halloween Spooks," his thirty-plus minute Halloween trick-marionette variety revue. 

Yes, come on down to PST and celebrate with us as we begin our Halloween Extravaganza with The Witch Who Wasn't.  If you haven't done so already, tickets can be purchases HERE.Till next time!  Yours truly, Esra Erol - marketing intern at PST.