The show’s title, New Squid on the Block, is an obvious riff off the boy band New Kids on the Block, but thanks to the creative wit of writers for Barefoot Puppet Theater, the pun goes even deeper. The setting is Antarctica, so the reference can also be to a block of ice. In this original production, the characters are inspired by nature, and the show explores friendship through the use of stuffed animal and rod puppets.
The scene starts with two buddies trying to decide where to go for vacation. One has on a sweater and earmuffs, ready to face the cold, while the other wears a colorful lei and practices her moves for Hawaii. They pull out a map, and while one points to the nether regions of the South Pole and her friend looks longingly at the Hawaiian Islands, both mime their eagerness to visit their preferred destination. When the old standby game rock, paper, scissors doesn’t work, the power of compromise and friendship prevails, and the two set off on their trip with exuberance and excitement.
Tucked behind crates with a simple curtain and a backlit spotlight, the performers pantomime being submerged in a colorful yellow submarine, watching the oceanic wildlife float in front of their eyes. Before long, the crates are rearranged to resemble massive icebergs, and a penguin family appears, sliding down the icy hill to playfully splash in the icy waters, alongside a dark pink tentacled squid tucked nearby.
The performers moved the stuffed animals with ease, sometimes circling between each other’s arms to use the space. They were particularly talented in vocalizing the sound of the penguins, which was a highlight. I still don’t know how they did it, but each had its own sound. All fidgeting among children in the audience stopped when the young baby penguin started interacting with a new squid friend, enjoying a simple game of rolling an ice ball across the ice into the water, then watching it gently resurface. The drama occurred when baby penguin got swept away on a block of ice and into the clutches of a shark. The ensuing pursuit of the squid to help his buddy was as captivating as a car chase. The performers brought all the scenes to life without words, just intentional movement and original music by Ned Hakins. Watching baby penguin finally take a long slide into the imaginary splashing water was a thrilling conclusion.
What makes New Squid on the Block special is its absolute simplicity and its use of movement instead of words. It was a refreshing pivot from everyday chatter to watch the characters go through their adventures and feel the touching moments portrayed through movement. Also unique was the seamless flow between the two performers as actors for the opening and closing scenes, then watching them move the puppets around in play — a fun-filled accomplishment by the touring company Barefoot Puppet Theater.
Production and Operations Manager Maggie Rocha indicated that The Puppet Co. is hosting several puppet companies in its space this summer. Last month, the Great Lakes National Puppet Theater performed the classic fairy tale The Frog Prince, and Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre will present The Selfish Giant’s Garden later this month. These touring companies offer a special opportunity for audiences to see a variety of puppet theaters. As such, The Puppet Co. provides a nurturing environment for the next generation of puppeteers. Judging from the rich, creative shows this summer, puppets and puppeteering continue to hold a special place in all our imaginations.
Running Time: Approximately 45 minutes.
New Squid on the Block plays through August 10, 2025 (Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 am, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 am and 1 pm, Saturdays at 3 pm), presented by Barefoot Puppet Theater performing at the Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD. Purchase tickets ($16 per person) by calling the Box Office (301-634-5380) or order them online. (Under age 2 no ticket required, but call Box Office to reserve a free ticket.)
Recommended for ages 4+. Helpful driving and parking instructions are here.
Barefoot Puppet Theater Presents
New Squid on the Block
Performed by Heidi Rugg and Genna Beth Davidson
Written and Devised by Heidi Rugg with assistance from Nicole Moran
Puppets and Scenery by Heidi Rugg, Nicole Moran, and Genna Beth Davidson
Scenic Construction by Sam Rugg
Music by Ned Haskins