DC Theater Arts

Tag: Mother Goose

  • ‘The Nutcracker’ at The Puppet Company by Julia L. Exline

    FIVE STARS 82x15
    The Puppet Co. presents Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a holiday classic beautifully re-imagined through puppetry. The multi-talented Christopher Piper, who holds the titles of performer, puppetmaster, and mask and puppet designer, also directs this visual stunner. The original staging, music arrangement, and design concepts  are credited to Allan Stevens.

    Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.
    Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.

    The colorful set is decorated with lavish red and green velvet drapes with golden tassels, as well as grand archways, a towering grandfather clock, and boughs of holly. The most stand-out element is the painted backdrop of a Christmas tree, which rises upwards and outwards, eventually overtaking the stage! What really sets this production of The Nutcracker apart from its competition is the unique costumes and use of puppetry. Performers Christopher Piper, Joshua Aaron Rosenblum, Annette M. Wasno, Matt Reckeweg, and Rose Talbot wear grandiose puppet masks that transform them into life-sized dolls. While the cumbersome puppet masks make for some slow blocking (how they manage to walk, let alone sword-fight in those things, I have no idea), the overall effect is striking and worth the patience needed to watch them. The rest of their costumes are bold and detailed, from frilly pajamas and lacy Victorian dresses, to fine suits, billowy velvet capes, and top hats.

    Since the story is told through music and movement, a summary of the plot is helpfully included in the program. As there is no dialogue in this production, it is important to familiarize your children with the story before the show begins (otherwise it proves quite confusing, shown during my performance when a bewildered girl kept shouting, “What happened?!” every other minute).

    While two siblings (Clara-Marie and Fritz) play together on Christmas Eve (okay, more like bicker and taunt each other on Christmas Eve), a man appears and entertains them with a puppet show, including a nutcracker and a somewhat aggressive mouse that almost breaks the nutcracker—who is rescued by Clara-Marie. After bedtime, Clara Marie is confronted by the angry mouse and magically shrinks down to the size of a toy (the set itself cleverly transforms along with her). What follows is a battle, heroic feats, and an adventure in Sugar Plum Land; the home of fairy-tale characters including Humpty-Dumpty and Mother Goose. There are other magical creatures as well, such as dancing flowers, a shimmery dragon that playfully snaps its jaws at the audience, and a floating genie that is eerily captivating. Special effects like fog and snowfall enhance the performance. Marionettes and hand puppets are also used in the production, to give a well-rounded view of what a talented puppeteer can do.

    The Puppet Co. knows children, and as a reviewer who specializes in child-oriented theatres, I must say that this is one of my favorite venues. With life-sized puppets, splendid effects, and a beautiful score, The Nutcracker is enjoyable for theatergoers of all ages and always delivers Christmas cheer!

    Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.
    Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.

    Running Time: 50 minutes, without an intermission.

    The Nutcracker plays through December 29, 2013 at The Puppet Co.– 7300 MacArthur Boulevard in Glen Echo Park, in Glen Echo, MD. For tickets, call (301) 634-5380 or purchase them online.

  • ‘Toyland’ at The Puppet Co. by Julia L. Exline

    FOUR AND A HALF STARS
    The Puppet Co. presents Toyland, a tale about an adventure that brings together Mother Goose and some favorite characters from her famous tales. This production is performed by Christopher Piper and Tony Strowd, with music from the Victor Herbert Operetta, Babes in Toyland, arranged by Eric Brooks.

    Little BoPeep has found her sheep in "Toyland," the Puppet Co.'s take on Victor Herbert's operetta, "Babes in Toyland," made accessible to children. Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.
    Little BoPeep has found her sheep in “Toyland,” the Puppet Co.’s take on Victor Herbert’s operetta, “Babes in Toyland.” Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.

    The set, designed by Allan Stevens (who also designed the costumes), shows the cottage-like interior of a toymaker’s workshop, with toys and tools alike displayed on shelves and tabletops. A forest backdrop is cleverly concealed, and brought to attention for appropriate scenes. Performer Christopher Piper looks not unlike Santa Claus as the Toymaker, with a wide beard, dated britches, glasses, and apron. As with all Puppet Co. productions, however, the real majesty is shown in the puppets themselves – specifically marionettes for this production. Credit for the puppets, as well as adaptation, also fall to Piper. The puppets have a handsome artistry about them and are masterfully manipulated by the puppeteers.

    The show begins with the Toymaker introducing himself to the audience, becoming fast friends with them through his friendly nature. He leaves for a moment to work on some new toys that he plans on showing the children later in a special display, and when he does, Mr. Barnaby (a marionette whose crooked nose is rivaled only by his even more crooked hat) shows up with his sidekick cat, and they sing about their nasty plan: to capture the Toymaker and steal all of his toys! They flee when they hear the footsteps of the Toymaker’s apprentice, Tom Piper, and Tom and the Toymaker sing a song about the benefits of hard work: “easy is not always best/ hard work masters every test.” Everything is running on schedule for the toy show, and all seems well…until Little Bo Peep arrives in a tizzy, because she has lost her sheep!

    Tom Piper ferries a load of toys for shipment to good boys and girls in "Toyland," the Puppet Co.'s take on Victor Herbert's operetta, "Babes in Toyland, Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.
    Tom Piper ferries a load of toys for shipment to good boys and girls in “Toyland,” the Puppet Co.’s take on Victor Herbert’s operetta, “Babes in Toyland, Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co.

    Mother Goose arrives and sings a cheerful song about Toyland as a show opener, and then the Toymaker is called onstage…but he is nowhere to be found! Tom Piper now has two very important things to find: the Toymaker and Bo Peep’s sheep, both believed to be somewhere in the ominously named, The Forest of No Return! So begins an adventure for Tom and Bo Peep into The Forest of No Return, and Bo Peep sings about the scariness of the shapes and shadows within it. Bravery is tried, trusts are tested, and new friendships are made. Will they be able to save the Toymaker from Mr. Barnaby, and find Bo Peep’s sheep?

    This show is a short one, and perfect for younger children who can grow easily restless, or for parents with a tight schedule. Make an afternoon trip to the family-friendly The Puppet Co. more memorable by attending a performance of Toyland!

    Running Time: 40 minutes without an intermission.

    Toyland runs through February 10, 2013 at The Puppet Co.—7300 MacArthur Boulevard, in Glen Echo, MD. For tickets, call (301) 634-5380, or order them online.