In this production, a classical piano recital masquerading as puppet show, young audiences experience masterworks by monumental composers for the instrument, not to mention an enthralling tune for toy piano (yes, toy piano!) by living composer Stephen Montague. Three pieces for piano are collected in this hour-long spectacle for children and children-at-heart, all performed in […]
Read more →
The Vinegar Works, a puppet show inspired by the art of Edward Gorey This original staging is a toy theater production of Edward Gorey’s “three volumes of moral instruction,” The Gashlycrumb Tinies, The Insect God, and The West Wing, by Chicago’s own Blair Thomas & Company. Inspired by the same Victorian spirit from which Gorey drew, these miniature paper theater productions faithfully render the macabre […]
Read more →
Two Chicago theater icons—Blair Thomas and singer-songwriter Michael Smith collaborate on this staging of an Oscar Wilde classic. Running time 45 minutes. Original puppets and music tell the story of a grumpy old giant who forbids the children in his village from playing in his beautiful garden. After the children are locked out, the trees and flowers refuse to grow and the garden plunges into an eternal winter. Then one morning, the children sneak back into the garden, bringing with them the joyous rebirth of spring.
Read more →
Blair and the puppeteers of his company lead a variety of workshops at the adult and at the youth and family level. Here are some examples: (limit 25 participants) The Puppet Tells The Story (2 hour workshop) This workshop introduces a way to turn a story into a puppet show. Participants write a short […]
Read more →