Each production is approximately 45 minutes in length, and includes a brief demonstration of the art of puppetry prior to the performance and a Question and Answer Session following. Through humorous interplay, the audience will learn about various forms of puppets, from the simple glove puppet to the sophisticated marionette. The programs are presented with the marionettists in full view, so that the audience can witness first-hand the mechanics of puppet manipulation. Replete with clever stage illusions and lighting effects, each show is an action-packed drama that is sure to delight audiences of all ages while introducing them to the magical world of puppet theater.
Tanglewood Marionettes
at PLAYHOUSE PALOOZA on
Wednesdays, July 16 & 23 and August 6, 13 & 20 – 9:30am – 10:30am
July 16 – Hansel & Gretel
Based on the classic fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, this production features melodies from the Humperdinck opera. The colorful set is in the shape of a giant story book; as the pages turn, each new and exciting scene is revealed. All the staging, scenery, and marionettes are handcrafted by Tanglewood Marionettes, and together represent over a year of construction time. The story itself is set in the mid-nineteenth century. As the tale unfolds, Hansel and Gretel must call upon their inner reserves and learn new methods to overcome the challenges they encounter while lost in the wood.
July 23 – Cinderella
Set in the 18th century this production of Cinderella is a Tanglewood Marionettes showpiece. The story unfolds as the pages of a giant book open to reveal each beautifully painted setting — the village square, the rustic kitchen, the magnificent ballroom, plus many more. All your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious Step-Sisters and the charming Prince, and each marionette is manipulated with precision and grace by talented puppeteers. This telling is based on the original beloved tale, but does offer a few new surprises: Cinderella’s method of conveyance to the ball is NOT a traditional coach-and-four, and, when all hope seems lost, a clever little bluebird saves the day. A classic fairy tale told with wit and style.
August 6 – Perseus and Medusa
“In the land of Ancient Greece, on the island of Seriphos, a woman named Danae lived with her son Perseus. He had never known his father, and his mother never spoke of the man, but alone she raised her son well among the simple fisher people by the shores of the Aegean Sea…” So begins Perseus and Medusa, a story as old as time that tells of a young hero and a dangerous quest. In this exciting retelling of this classic Greek myth, Perseus will visit many magical places, from the sun-kissed Garden of the Hesperides, to the dark and ominous Underworld, and encounter all manner of mythical beings – some who hinder, and some who help – in his quest to defeat the Gorgon Medusa.
August 13 – Sleeping Beauty
A classic tale which appeals to children of all ages, Sleeping Beauty begins in King Felix’s great hall with the celebration of Princess Aurora’s birth. The party goes awry when the wicked witch arrives and curses Princess Aurora. Will the curse come true? Will someone with a “true heart” appear? In this retelling, a painted story book opens to reveal each scene. Beautifully hand-crafted marionettes are brought to life by a master puppeteer as the dramatic events unfold.
August 20 – An Arabian Adventure
Featuring over a dozen beautifully hand-crafted marionettes and exquisite “story-book” style scenery, An Arabian Adventure tells the tale of a prince who is thrown into a dungeon because of his love for a beautiful princess. Facing danger at every turn, the courageous prince must battle his way out of the underground prison to save his princess from a tragic fate. The soundtrack features professional acting set to the background of classical music from favorite composers, as well as traditional folk music.
About Tanglewood Marionettes
Founded in 1993 by Anne Ware and Peter Schaefer, Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette theater based in New England. Our repertoire consists primarily of classic tales performed by skilled puppeteers who have spent many years perfecting their art. We specialize in school assembly programs and have toured throughout the United States.
In 1997, 2001 and again in 2009, Tanglewood Marionettes was a featured performer at the Puppeteers of America National Festival held in Toledo, Tampa, and Atlanta, respectively. In 2008, our production, The Dragon King, was featured at the Puppeteers of America Southeast Regional Festival.
Tanglewood Marionettes performs frequently at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA, one of the nation’s foremost puppetry centers. We are also the recipients of two Citations for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, awarded each year by UNIMA-USA (The American Center of L’Union International de la Marionnette).
The Puppeteers
Peter Schaefer was born into a family of puppeteers, and has been performing with hand puppets, rod puppets, and marionettes since he was knee-high. After refining his skills with a local puppet company for several years, Peter purchased a marionette show from a retiring Boston puppeteer and launched his own company. After touring nationally for two years under the aegis of National School Assemblies, Peter decided to join forces with a fellow puppeteer and form a new company – Tanglewood Marionettes. Over his professional career, Peter has brought his unique marionette artistry to hundreds of thousands of children and families throughout the United States.
Jennifer Hofmeister discovered her love of puppetry while pursuing a degree in theater and Classical Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She began with a focus on Acting but quickly discovered an interest in technical theater, including lighting, costume, and especially scenic design. It was Jenn’s Scenic Design Professor, Miguel Romero, who cast her in her first puppet show, and who put her in contact with Tanglewood Marionettes. In addition to the marionette, Jenn has experience in hand, rod, and shadow puppetry as well as bunraku, a traditional Japanese puppetry style. She has been touring with Tanglewood Marionettes since 2004 and plans to spend a lifetime in puppetry.
Stephen Hancock has been a professional puppeteer since 1984. His first foray into puppetry was at Lycoming College through the theater program. Enchanted, Stephen created his own Punch & Judy show which premiered at the Maryland theme park Lord Baltimore’s World. From 1985 through 1991, Stephen toured with e Bennington Puppets, a marionette troupe based in Bennington, VT. At Bennington, Stephen was responsible for performing, scenic design, road managing, show maintenance and new show development. Since 1993, Stephen has worked with Tanglewood Marionettes in developing five new shows: An Arabian Adventure, Cinderella, Perseus and Medusa, Hansel and Gretel, and The Dragon King. Stephen has, throughout his career, performed at festivals, fairs, schools and libraries across the country, and delighted all who have seen his work.