Marionette Variety Artisits

Comment by David C. Herzog on April 30, 2009 at 11:27am

I thought it might be fun to have a group for those of us who perform marionette variety shows, or for those who would like to know a little more about this important form of traditioanal puppetry that has roots going back hundreds of years. The marionette variety show is one of the most versitile forms of puppet performance that can be used in so many venues and has such a broad audience appeal. Even the most traditional trick marionettes that many puppeteers have seen over and over never fail to give the audience a new thrill or a laugh. For example I hear after almost every show that audience members are amazed by a break away puppet or were so amused by the Opera Singer's heaving bosom and stretching neck, Old stuff to many puppeteers but the traditional forma never fails to wow the audience. So puppet hubbbers come disscuss share

Comment by Vixie on April 30, 2009 at 11:32am

I don't really do much with marionettes, but am very much interested in them and learning more. Some of the most amazing puppet work I have ever seen was with marionettes, and I hope someday to incorporate more of them in my shows.

Comment by David C. Herzog on April 30, 2009 at 1:37pm

Marionettes seem to be easier to sell at least in the my experience. People frequently ask is this a mrionettes show or "just hand puppets"

Some of the traditional trick marionettes I use in my show are juggler, skater , opera singer with heaving bosom and stretching neck, acrobat or hand walker, trapeze, stretching puppet, transformation puppet, balloon blower, tight rope walker.... and the list goes on. A solo marionette as a walk around character can also be very entertaining.
To name just a few names in the world of marionette variety there is [or was in some cases] Oh by the way not all these folks do just marionette variety shows Frank Paris, Bob Baker Tony Urbano,Phillip Huber, Albrecht Roser, Bob Brown, Fred Cownan, Bil Baird, Jim Menke Walton and O'rouke, Bruce, and Nola Bucknell, Virginia Austin Curtis, Dorothy Rankin, The Melchior Family dynasty of Puppeteers starting with the late great Erica Melchior, her daughter Peggy Melchior Pierson and Grand Daughter, Heidi Pierson Shackleford, soon to be followed by the next generation of Heidi's daughters no doubt, Rick Morse Guy Thompson, Barckly Shaw, Kevin Frisch, the list goes on and on.

Comment by Vixie on April 30, 2009 at 3:08pm

Have you seen the picture and short video of the marionette me and a couple of friends built? Both are on my profile page.

Comment by David C. Herzog on April 30, 2009 at 3:27pm

Thanks for reminding me Jim that we break the language barrier with marionette variety. Its another factor in an area like Chicago that make variety shows easier to sell.

Comment by David C. Herzog on April 30, 2009 at 3:33pm

Wow Sasha is really nice I bet the kids just mob you when you show her off.

Comment by Vixie on April 30, 2009 at 3:37pm

I've actually only had her in public once so far, but that will change. They did really like her at my one show, so need to get her out more. Glad you like her, if we ever met in person I'll bring her along.

Comment by David C. Herzog on April 30, 2009 at 3:50pm

More for the list of variety folks Jerry Hartnett, Bob Kramer, Mack's Marionettes, Bob Abdou ,Rene and His Artists, Lee Bryan, Fred Putz, David Syrotiak, Kevin Meneges, Ollie DePriest, Joe Cashore.......

Comment by David C. Herzog on April 30, 2009 at 3:56pm

I just added a picture of my Pirate Trapeze artist Tortuga Tulio I ususally have a very dainty girl on the trapeze but for the Pirate show I wanted to do a carved marionette with the costume just painted on. His tattoos read "Mother", "What never "and "No Never"

Comment by David C. Herzog on May 8, 2009 at 5:52pm

Good point Jim ! I have been using that idea as a selling tool for many years.

Comment

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• …
• 6
• Next ›
• Page