Today New Bern Puppets gave four performances of “A Witch’s Gift” at the North Carolina History Center. It was a story of how two orphan children decided to make Christmas brighter for a lonely old woman who lived in the woods. The old woman turned out to be a witch. Touched by the orphans kindness, the witch decides to give the orphans a Merry Christmas.
We will be giving this show Nov. 30th, Dec. 1st, 7th and 8th. Hoping the visitors will enjoy this early presentation of Christmas magic at the NC History Center.
Puppeteers today were Keith Phillips, Cyndi Papia, and Dennis Listermann-Vierling.
Our stages were set up in Mattocks Hall near the entrance to the North Carolina History Center. Children were encouraged to sit on mats for better viewing.
In Act I Sophie and Ludwig decide to use their money from selling chopped wood to buy presents for Zelda, a lonely old woman who lives in the Haunted Forest.
In Act II Ludwig and Sophie put out presents and decorations at Zelda’s home. Then they sneak off, delighted to have bought some Christmas cheer to the old woman.
Zelda, hearing noise, discovers her holiday gifts. She consults her crystal ball and learns that two orphans were responsible. Touched by the kindness and generosity of her visitors, the witch decides to make the orphans Christmas a merry celebration.
In Act III Zelda the Witch finds the orphans home plain and meager. The witch sings a magical spell as a curtain descends over the scene.
Presto! The curtain rises as the witch finishes her song and a glittering Christmas tree with presents and food appears. Pleased, the witch flies off.
Sophie and Ludwig emerge to discover a lit Christmas tree with gifts and holiday sweets. Ludwig thinks Father Christmas came, but Sophie wonders if it was Zelda.
In Act IV Father Christmas appears and thanks Zelda for her kindness. He wonders if the witch will start giving gifts to all children. Zelda chuckles and insists she will stick to Halloween but wanted to make Christmas special for Sophie and Ludwig. The pair sing a song and conclude by wishing the audience a Happy Christmas.
These adults wanted to see the show, so we presented a special performance. They were charming folks and were happy to watch our marionette show.
Children enjoyed seeing how to handle puppets. Dennis discussed the differences between a Pelham style marionette and a Czech marionette.
Children and adults loved looking at the tiny props and scenery. After the shows, both children and adults were welcomed to take a look behind the scenes.
Parents and children loved having photos taken in our little elf.
Who’s this little elf?
Dennis with Mike (Tryon Palace Security) and Gail (ticketing). These folks were delightful and helped promote our shows.
Our first round of holiday shows happily coincided with Sip and Shop, Tryon Palace Museum Store’s annual pre-Christmas sale, in the North Carolina History Center. Eager customers crowded all day to buy Christmas decorations and gifts. Keith, Cyndi, and Dennis couldn’t resist picking up some wonderful bargains!
