Set against the colorful backdrop of a giant storybook, Tanglewood Marionette's Hansel & Gretel is based on the classic fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, and features melodies from the Humperdinck opera.

As the pages of the storybook turn, each new and exciting scene is revealed. All the staging, scenery, and lavishly costumed 30" marionettes are handcrafted by Tanglewood Marionettes. Together they 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 woods.

Filled with surprises, Tanglewood's Hansel and Gretel is a treat for all ages.

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Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 PM (doors 1:30 PM) & Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 PM (doors 1:30 PM), 45 minutes, no intermission

There will be a Puppetry demonstration prior to the show, and an informal question and answer session following the performance.

$15 in advance ($10 for children under 18) and $22 for preferred seating; $3 surcharge at the door (pay-what-you-can available)

Don't miss the Puppet Manipulation Workshop with Tanglewood Marionettes at 12:00 pm on Sunday, December 10

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Founded in 1993 by Peter and Anne Schaefer, Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette company whose unique productions have been seen by hundreds of thousands of children and families across the country. With seven shows currently in their repertoire, the company performs year-round at venues ranging from school assemblies to renowned cultural institutions.

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, Peter purchased a marionette show from a retiring Boston puppeteer and launched his own company. After touring nationally for two years with National School Assemblies, Peter decided to join forces with a fellow puppeteer and
Tanglewood Marionettes was born. 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 Anne and
Peter Schaefer of the Tanglewood Marionettes. In addition to the marionette, Jenn has experience in hand, rod, and shadow puppetry as well as bunraku, a traditional form of Japanese puppetry. She has been touring with Tanglewood Marionettes since her graduation in 2004 and plans to spend a lifetime in puppetry.

If you had asked Anne Schaefer when she was young what she wanted to be when she grew up, “puppeteer” would never have entered her mind! Now, however, she will tell you she can’t imagine being anything else. After studying art and philosophy in college, Anne took a summer job with The Bennington Puppets of Bennington, VT. The summer job turned into five years of intensive puppetry during which Anne immersed herself in the many facets of puppet theater. In 1993, Anne joined with Peter Schaefer in forming Tanglewood Marionettes.

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN POLICY

No one will be turned away for lack of funds; contact MSA at 207-879-4629 or info@mayostreetarts.org to take advantage of pay-what-you-can admission.

COVID-19 POLICY

Mayo Street Arts no longer requires audience members attending public events to wear masks. Audience members who feel sick—whether due to COVID or any other illness—should stay home out of respect for others.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Mayo Street Arts has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that MSA is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via the Ticket Tailor platform.

Funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.