With
Blue & Gold Dinners Become
A Dinner Theatre Event
This family of puppeteers has been presenting an introduction to live theatre through the art of puppetry for well over 46 years. They perform in elementary schools (public and private), children's theatre, libraries, preschools and various scout troops and packs. With a repertoire of 14 major productions, 16 short stories and a population of over 450 handcrafted puppets, they have over 10,000 performances to their credit.
Founders Mel & LaVerne are well acquainted with the Scouting Program. Mel's interest in puppetry began as a Cub Scout, his Dad was a Cub Master, and Mom was a Den Mother. A monthly project was to create and present a puppet show for Pack Night. They did and never stopped.
"Cubbing" carried over to the next generation; LaVerne was a Den Mother and Mel a Den Dad for sons Neal and Jeff.
Many of their productions available were inspired by the ideals of Scouting and have been presented as entertainment for Blue and Gold dinners.
With their studio, workshop and office in their home, they have hosted local Cub and Brownie Scouts and their leaders, presenting an hour long hands-on demonstration on the subject of puppetry to assist in earning a Showman Badge.
A collection of Native American Folklore and Legends written by Native Americans exploring tribal and family life before outside influences worked their way across this land.
We conclude by bringing to life on stage an American classic piece of literature and art called "Injun Summer", written by John T. McCutcheon. The original work hangs in the Chicago Historical Society Museum and has appeared in the Chicago Tribune each fall since 1907.
The first two stories ("Indian Boy Without A Name" and "Ugly Thing") are centered around children, their problems and their solutions. The “Rain Dance” concludes with a real sprinkle of water over the audience, much to their amazement and delight.
Using double staging, our storyteller introduces each story in a top scene. As he begins each story, his scene is slowly faded and the attention is brought down to the main stage where the puppet actors continue with live action.
Using double staging, the top of our puppet theatre becomes a General Store. George, Charlie and Sam each contribute to the story tellin’ session each trying to out tell the other. The top scene fades and the story is acted out on the main stage below.
Daniel Boone - Pioneersman, Frontiersman, Explorer
Dan'l is eight years old (nearly nine) and wants to be a hunter. While left alone to tend the cows he meets "Little Arrow", a young Indian boy about the same age. They become fast friends.
Little Arrow shows Dan'l how to use a bow and arrow...with very humorous results!
Paul Bunyan - An original American myth
So many stories about Paul Bunyan and Babe, his pet ox, and they are all true! (who’s to say they’re not?) Paul’s early life is overlooked. We take Paul from a baby in a basket, through childhood until he grows into a giant! And that only took six months!
At stories end Giant Paul towers over our stage with some good advice about reading more of his stories with books available at your local library.
Johnny Apple Seed - A true friend of early settlers
Johnny befriends a pioneer family threatened by Bully Bob to “go back to where they came from!” Johnny answers the challenge of a contest to settle the matter... but not in a violent way. He bets Bully Bob he can carry his horse... and he wins!
merican History abounds with Great Americans and it’s the job of Danny Doodle to find out who is the greatest. That brings Uncle Sam to the rescue as he guides him through the pages of history.
A
Thomas Jefferson, thinking of an opening line to write the Declaration of Independence
Ben Franklin, the leader of the Patriots, preparing to fly a kite
George Washington, presenting the
Preamble to the Constitution
Danny's travels take him to Gettysburg arriving just in time to witness President Abraham Lincoln deliver a moving rendition of The Gettysburg Address.