PUTNEY-Sandglass Theater presents its 18th annual Winter Sunshine Series this February. Four premier New England–based puppet companies from Vermont and Massachusetts will offer puppetry for young audiences.
Dedicated to serving children and families through the art of puppetry, Sandglass will showcase a different live puppetry performance every Saturday throughout the month. They invite everyone to "be a part of the revelry, the joy, and the wonder of storytelling through the timeless and creative voice of puppetry."
Winter Sunshine's featured artists of 2025 perform at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Saturday in February and include the following shows:
• Feb. 1 - The Snowflake Man, Puppet Kabob, Georgia, Vermont (Sarah Frechette). The story of The Snowflake Man is inspired by Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley, the self-educated farmer and scientist who attracted world attention when he became the first person to photograph a single snow crystal. The Snowflake Man swings audiences into the historic 1920s through creative storytelling, intricately designed Czech-style marionettes, and a striking pop-up book of watercolor scenery. This award-winning show combines art, science, and a little-known piece of American history.
• Feb. 8 - Lisa the Wise, Puppet Motion, Waltham, Massachusetts (Sarah Nolen). When Lisa, a brave young girl with a heart of gold, meets Baba Yaga, the most famous witch in the woods, an epic battle of wits ensues. Dancing houses, enchanted dolls, and hilarious "ghost servants" bring this classic Russian fairy tale to life with a contemporary twist. Imaginative shadow puppetry lights the way in this hilariously spooky story about the experiences that make us wise.
• Feb. 15 - The Amazing Story Machine, co-produced by Doppelskope & Sandglass Theater, Vermont. The Grimm family is on the verge of unveiling their amazing new Story Machine which runs on steam and dreams and promises to revolutionize how stories are told and how people connect. When their fabulous contraption malfunctions, they have to invent a new way of storytelling on the spot, using puppets and help from the audience. The Grimms explore some of their favorite fairy tales, including "The Hare and the Hedgehog," "Hansel and Gretel," and "The Brave Little Tailor."
• Feb. 22 - Punschi, Sandglass Theater, Putney. Originally created by Sandglass' co-founder, Ines Zeller Bass, and now performed by her daughter, Jana Zeller, Punschi offers a double feature hand puppet show with a special guest appearance of classic Sandglass characters, Kasper and The Cow. The iconic German children's hero, Kasper, and his best friend, the endearing giant Augustin, go on a rollicking chase to reclaim Kasper's suitcase, stolen by The Cow!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sandglasstheater.org. Tickets for all Winter Sunshine shows are $12 general admission, $10 for students and seniors, or $8 for Medicaid/EBT cardholders. Sandglass Theater is an accessible, 60-seat theater located on Kimball Hill in the heart of downtown Putney.
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