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Serving up Hansel and Gretel

Author: Wonderment Puppets | Published: 08/21/2009 | 12 Views | Short URL: http://www.inthepanhandle.com/local/n/3080

“One large pizza supreme to go, with extra Hansel” the witch yells out to Gretel, who is a slave worker in the witch’s pizzeria. “I can’t!” cries Gretel, “It’s too heavy - I need help!”

The classic tale of Hansel and Gretel takes a twist in Wonderment Puppet Theater’s latest production. Instead of an evil stepmother, puppeteer Joe Santoro replaces her with a mean, greedy, lazy uncle and of course the witches candy/ gingerbread house is upgraded to a pizzeria.

“Things are looking bad for Hansel and Gretel,” the narrating squirrel explains, “but Hansel had faith, and believed that tomorrow would bring a better day”

This funny puppet show has all the elements of an old time melodrama: the poor helpless victim (Hansel); the villain; a mean, greedy, lazy uncle and, of course, our hero, Gretel, who pushes the witch into the hot pizza oven. Freed from the witch’s horrible restaurant and her disgusting menu, Hansel and Gretel run home to find that their father has retuned with a new job as a ‘Coupon Clipper’…
…and they all live happily ever after. But what happened to their mean, greedy, lazy uncle and the witch? Come see “Hansel and Gretel” and learn… the rest of the story!

Wonderment Puppet Theater first opened its doors on March 29. 2007. Since then thousands of guests, including dozens of groups of school children, have been enjoying live puppet theater in a festive environment. “There is no other children’s theater like this in the area,” says Joe, smiling. “It’s a place where children (of any age) as well as their parents can learn while being entertained, have fun with hands-on puppet exhibits, enjoy a backstage tour, and eat animal crackers after every show.” As you enter through the front door of the theater (greeted by Jane, Joe’s wife), instantly you are transported into the wonderful world of puppetry!

Wonderment Puppet Theater also has a brightly colored birthday room for party celebrations. This unique, personalized, hosted birthday party is a show in it self. With a special scripted birthday puppet show, special effect lighting, party dance music and of course clean up. The birthday child has their own royal thrown, crown and a majestic robe for the special occasion. “Birthdays should be something to celebrate” Santoro said grinning, “It’s a way of saying we are happy you were born”. We even have a ‘Young at Heart” birthday package for seniors. For more information on birthday packages, visit our web site. Following Hansel and Gretel, Wonderment Puppet Theater’s next production will be their holiday show, “The Nutty Nutcracker” Nov.7th - Jan 3rd.

Tickets for “Hansel and Gretel” are $4.50 for age 2 and up and under 2 free. Group rates for schools are discounted to $4.25 each for 20 or more guests. There is no charge to tour the theater and the hands-on exhibits. We are located at 412 West King Street, Martinsburg, WV, 1.5 miles off of exit 13 on I-81. Show times are every Saturday and Sunday with 2 shows at 12 noon and 2pm.

For more information call 304-258-4074 or 304-260-9382 or visit our web site at http://www.wondermentpuppets.com.