This Friday will be our last puppet performance of the year. I thought I’d take a look back at the last two Dickens events and share some thoughts. 

 I love performing outdoors, especially with a view like this from backstage.  Here’s Sean going over some last minute lines with the Wachovia tower in the background.  The rain held off for most of the first night, but we did get a little wet before it was over.

The crowds were always big and everyone seemed to have a good time. It was great to see the joy on all of those little faces.  It’s also great to see the big “tough guys” start laughing at puppets singing Christmas songs.  (By the way, the big tough guy in the leather jacket in front is my Dad–glad you’re feeling better, Dad!)

Thistledown made it onto Channel 7 news for about the last three seconds of their Dickens coverage!

The best part of the night is always when we get to go out and interact one on one with the kids.  Sometimes it was more like one on twenty!  Here’s Buck asking if he can have a bite of cotton candy.  He didn’t get any.

And here is Sean using Mr. Toad turned “Mr. Froggywig” to get what I consider to be the best laugh of both nights.  What a cutie!

And here is Scrooge and a couple of “spirits” entertaining the crowd with a Christmas number.  Many thanks again to Pasha Romanowski on a beautiful logo! 

One more night of fun and craziness and then a much needed break and some time with family and friends.  We also have some fun projects that we are working on for 2008, so stay tuned!

Tags: General Stuff, Thistledown Stuff by Philip
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This Friday is our first performance of  A Christmas Carol this year! This season I’ve been busy with so many other things, but tonight we were able to get the cast in costume and work out some of the new parts in the script. I like to change small things up a bit from year to year, not only to keep it fresh for the audience, but to keep it fresh for us as performers! Sean spent a good part of the time working on Marley’s chains as the cast looks on.

All of the puppets are starting to look dapper in their Christmas attire. This is without a doubt my favorite time of year, both in general, and as a performer.   I also love this story, and I really get a kick out of seeing various characters from different projects come together in this show.  (Notice how Sean put a tongue hanging out of Scrooge’s mouth—Hilarious.)

You can see that the new Scrooge is nearly finished.  Only a few minor details and he will be ready for opening night!  Nothing like coming down to the wire.  I think he’s looking good, though.  I was able to use the old Scrooge’s costumes for him. 

So we’ll be working and putting the finishing touches on various things for the next few days.  I’ll try to put up some photos of opening night sometime next week.

Tags: General Stuff by Philip
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