The Greatest Show on Strings! This is how our Ringmaster describes Circus! at The Puppet Co. after he has entered the stage’s single ring. What follows is thirty-five minutes of engaging big top antics, performed by a cast made of wood and stuffing, manipulated by two puppeteers.
Len Piper’s Pinocchio at the Puppet Co (review)
Puppetry as a family affair takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the Pipers in this historical rendition of Pinocchio, the boy puppet who yearns to be a real boy. This version remounts the story as well as the actual puppets created fifty years ago by Leonard Piper, Christopher Piper’s Dad, who […]
The Velveteen Rabbit, a lasting tribute to puppeteer Terry Snyder
Before we begin, a question for the grownups: How many of you still have a treasured stuffed animal from our childhoods, still hidden away in a plastic bin in the closet or in a cardboard box under the bed?
Puppet Co’s charming version of Cinderella (review)
Having seen the movie, the Royal Ballet, and even the opera, it just makes sense to finish off my Cinderella fixation with the puppet version. In my case, no matter how many renditions I see, the story never feels old, especially in the hands of the creative team at The Puppet Co in Glen Echo […]
A wondrous Aladdin and his wonderful lamp at Puppet Co
The Puppet Co. uses all kinds of wizardry, creative projection design, and of course, terrific puppetry to bring the ageless tale of Aladdin to life. Just when you thought you knew all there was to know about the story, leave it to Christopher Piper and company to sneak nuggets of insight and awareness into the […]
Rapunzel at The Puppet Co
The Puppet Co’s rendition of Rapunzel snaps with the vigor of fresh vegetables, which is what rapunzel actually is, a vine in the radish family. Master Puppeteer Christopher Piper passes along such delish nuggets in telling the familiar story with an innocent charm. He portrays all of the characters, sophisticated rod puppets with such distinct […]
Hansel and Gretel
Christopher Piper’s rousing welcome to the Puppet Co’s production of Hansel and Gretel opens floodgates of responses from little ones trained to sit still and be quiet. With permission to giggle and laugh out loud at the antics, everyone sits back to enjoy what awaits.
Sleeping Beauty
The story of Sleeping Beauty gets a whimsical fun-filled touch at Puppet Co. With its trademark sometimes snarky banter filled with modern references and sensibility, the company tells the timeless, age-old tale highlighting the unfortunate effects of uncontrolled anger.
Adventure Theatre MTC re-opens and extends Goodnight Moon
With the government shutdown ended yesterday, Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Maryland has re-opened, and the two companies in residence there have announced the resumption of their schedules. Puppet Co continues with its Tiny Tots program. Peter and the Wolf opens today. Details are here. Adventure Theatre MTC, which has announced a loss of […]
Adventure Theatre MTC and Puppet Co shuttered during shutdown
Just announced – Adventure Theatre MTC’s production of Good Night Moon has become a casualty of the federal government shutdown. While the company itself receives no federal funding, today’s announcement explained, it is located on National Park Grounds in Glen Echo Park which is closed. “Our hearts go out to other organizations and families affected […]
Dinosaur Babies
As the father of two daughters, ages 7 and 16, I have seen an endless amount of live children’s programing over the last decade and a half, and the tally includes approximately 50 puppet shows. So, as I headed to the Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo Park to see its latest offering, Dinosaur Babies by […]
Cinderella at Puppet Co
Just when you think you’ve seen Cinderella more than enough times, Puppet Co. offers yet another version enchanting enough to warrant a re-visit. Loved throughout the world, this timeless tale gets a fresh re-telling via a wonderful script by Christopher Piper that provides a back-story about the character known as Ella, beloved daughter awaiting her […]