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Puppet Showplace Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Event Planning & Services Party & Event Planning Performing Arts, Party & Event Planning [Edit]
32 Station StBrookline, MA 02445
Neighborhood: Brookline Village
(617) 731-6400
- Nearest Transit:
-
Washington St @ Station St (65)
Brookline Village Station - Inbound (Green Line)
Brookline Village Station - Outbound (Green Line)
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 10 am - 4 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for Puppet Showplace Theatre
13 reviews in English
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Review from Clifford B.
Nashua, NH
9/20/2011
AMAZING!!! I'm giving the Puppet Showplace Theatre 5 stars for their September Puppet Slam at 8PM... but, let me explain why.
I attended the Puppet Slam at the invitation of a friend who had not attended before. The Puppet Slam is advertised as adult entertainment. The facility looks perfect for kids under the age of 10... so, I'm guessing the parents must attend the Puppet Slam to support the facility?
Anyway... we arrived 10 minutes late and the show had not started. We squeezed through the sold out crowd to the last row in back. Temperature is very hot in this joint... i was baking.
The emcee for the show had ZERO stage presence and charisma... he ran out of things to say one minute in. It was AMAZING! I was cringing for him. The crowd was giving him mercy applause... clearly they know the guy.
The show is advertised to run for 2 hours... we left after two acts... which is like 10 minutes into the show. Why 5 stars if we left early? Both acts were sooooo atrocious, they were AMAZING. I loved it. If you enjoy a good cringe, you will dig this show. WARNING: Do not attend this show high or on psychedelic drugs... you will freak out.
The two acts... the first involved a lobster controlled by 4 puppeteers... the second was a one-man act, where the older gent sings and hums and his puppet dies... just like his act. The crowd clapped and cheered wildly for both acts... THEY LOVED IT. Cringing, and fighting to contain our laughter, we made a quick exit.
This show was so terrible, I wish I stayed for the entire two hours rather than leaving after 10 minutes. I think tickets were $15 each, which is a fair price for an AMAZING experience. -
Review from Emerson D.
Boston, MA
8/14/2011
I attended the July 23rd Puppet Slam and was very disappointed.
First off, there was no A/C in the place and it was uncomfortable as hell.
The staff was apologetic but also reminded the audience to make donations so that a A/C could be purchased about 2-3 times between each act.
About the acts: The Puppet Slam is billed as an adult show. I didn't experience anything of the kind and it was definitely appropriate for kids-if not more so. Most of the acts was not particular clever or provocative. Between the temperature and the mostly lame performances, I could not wait to leave.
Also 15 dollars is a bit pricey for what they offered.
So by all means, take your kids during the day but don't be fooled by the Puppet Slam for "adults". -
Review from Hubert H.
Cambridge, MA
7/4/2010
Cute little venue for showing puppet theater. Most of their shows are geared towards children, but in particular once a season they host the 'PuppetSLAM' which is geared more towards adults, and draws upon comedy, drama, slapstick, and external technologies such as the incorporation of video.
Definitely a must-see! -
Review from Ray R.
West Roxbury, MA
12/24/2011
I'm disappointed because I really wanted to love this charming little theater in our neighborhood. We took our 3 year old for a Christmas Eve show and I knew it was probably going to be packed. However, never having been there before, I wasn't prepared for how uncomfortable it would be and that the kids have to wait so long for the show to start. The show started late (was supposed to start at 10:30) but they start seating at 10:15. We got there just after 10 thinking we would grab our pre-ordered tickets, wait in an orderly line, and head in for a seat. We got there and the tiny waiting area was packed. We got our tickets and joined the growing mob of anxious kids and their parents ready to race for a seat on a bench. Why can't people just head in as they get their tickets? You have to literally push your way in and some of the adults are ridiculous about it. Once inside, the theater is tiny and very very cramped. It's very stuffy. By 10:30 my toddler was getting antsy. Finally, at about 10:40, I thought the show was starting but it was the staff of the puppet theater making general announcements ranging from a membership push to a lecture about no photography, etc. - JUST START THE SHOW before my kid loses it and this will all be a waste of time! When "Santa Mouse" finally began, it wasn't at all what I thought it would be from the website description. I thought it was going to be the story of Santa Mouse but it lasted about 3 minutes and then the remaining 40 minutes were a combination of yuletide songs and dancing puppets (many with the puppeteer on stage). Not horrible but not great either. I will say that the Exec Director and a Board Member were on hand handing out free treats for the kiddos after the show and were very nice and welcoming. The staff however, were fairly unfriendly at times.
Comment from Roxanna M. of Puppet Showplace Theatre 1/21/2012
Thank you for your comments: audience feedback is very… More » -
Review from Amanda M.
Tiverton, RI
3/30/2008 8 photos
The Puppet Showplace Theatre is one of those hidden gems you just need to check out. They hold full-on puppet shows with elaborate puppets crafted by world-renown artists and with stories told by famous storytellers.
You've probably driven by a hundred times looking at the bright lettering and the cool paintings on the windows but really, stop by for a show one night. They have adult shows too (not that kind of adult show) which is what I'm recommending. I'm sure the kids shows are amazing, great for brithday parties etc. but I've never actually seen a kid show.
If you're looking for a funny interesting night, check out a PuppetSLAM which is what I saw...
This is from their website:
"It's an evening of short varied theatrical mini-plays for adults that use (or sometimes abuse) puppets for all or part of the drama. Each piece is performed by a different artist or artists, and the content can be wide-ranging; some are elegant or poignant, others are satiric, irreverent, or humorous, and still others can be passionate, political, or spiritual in nature. The performers range from the seasoned professional to the nascent puppeteer, and often include poets, musicians, dancers, mimes, actors, and other sundry affiliated artists."
These guys are also non-profit, so help 'em out and go see a show. They're funny and you'll have a good story to tell about how you went to a puppet show :) -
Review from Julie S.
Auburndale, MA
3/26/2010
Puppet Showplace Theater is just as fun for adults as it is for children. A few Saturday nights year they hold a "PuppetSLAM". These are a series of short mini-plays involving puppets that can be dramatic, comedic, or usually, a combination of both. My favorite troupe is called The Littles. They're a muppet-esque group of puppets that are always hysterical.
There's bench-style seating that's obviously meant for children, so it can be kind of uncomfortable to sit there for two hours even with an intermission. The shows are always so enjoyable, though, that it's worth a little discomfort. -
Review from Betty P.
Peabody, MA
4/2/2009
If you have a young niece/nephew to entertain or cousins in town, this is the place to bring them. The Mass Value Pass currently allows you 2 for 1 admission so it only costs $10 for me and my "Little Sister" to enjoy a recent puppet show. We watched a production of Eeyore's birthday and I won't be ashamed to admit it, but I actually enjoyed it!
There were mostly children 2-4 in the audience but my Little is 8 years old and said that this was one of her favorite experiences we have had together thus far. The show is short enough for kids' attention spans with interactive elements (sing-alongs, etc.) and sprinkled with adult humor to keep chaperones entertained. The gift shop immediately outside the theater offers affordable souvenirs starting from 25 cents so you definitely won't have to break the bank for a fun family outing!
We went on a Sunday so street parking outside was easy and FREE!
Finally, I had a question about how to redeem the Mass Value pass so I emailed the Box Office Manager, Adam, and he responded really quickly . . . at 10pm on a weeknight. I was very impressed with the quick and friendly customer service. We will definitely be back for another performance. -
Review from Paul W.
Brookline, MA
7/1/2009
Gosh, who knew a puppet show could sooooo much fun! This is a super-duper place for adults and kids. We have a one-year old and we reckoned he wouldn't really understand what was going on, but one thing is for sure - he was mesmerized.
We popped in for "Peter Rabbit and Other Tales" on Sunday, and there was music and fun and fun-ny. Peter Rabbit sure is a FUNNY BUNNY! We can't wait to check out more shows at this wonderful venue. -
Review from Vanessa M.
Cambridge, MA
3/7/2010
Super place for kids to see a great puppet show and learn the ropes of being part of an audience. The little ones really love it and it's much better than TV.
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Review from DESIMOSSY G.
Lexington, MA
10/31/2008
I went as a school chaperone for the puppet show titled 'Witches Brew", a Halloween show. The show was for about 45mins.
A star less for that boxed in feeling. The benches are at gradual elevations so the kids in the back row can see the show. They sit 100 little kids. But sitting on wooden benches is hard and kids need space to stretch after a long bus ride.
A star less for location, be very careful with children it is right on a busy street, across from the trains. Our school kids were quite drawn to the trains and we had to reign them in.
Not sure about parking, because we went on school buses. -
Review from Rachel G.
Quincy, MA
2/17/2010
I love to bring my kids (ages 4 and 6) here! The people who run this theatre and the puppeteers really get into their craft. The way the seating is done is very smart...adults sit on the ends so the kids don't get blocked by a tall person sitting in front of them! Ticket prices are very reasonable, it's a fun family outing! We are very lucky to have a place like this so local!
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Review from Susan P.
Arlington, MA
2/5/2010
My children (ages 2 and 4) loved the puppet show. We saw Jack and the Beanstalk. We got there late and had to sit in the way back, but they could still see fine. We will definitely go back!
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Review from Jody G.
Middlesex, MA
8/9/2009
We just had our 5-year old's b-day party here and it was a big hit. Very different from all of the gym/bouncy castle/art parties we are always attending... The show was fantastic and mesmerizing for the kids ages 2-7 and we had plenty of time and space for our after-party of pizza and cake in the cool puppet-filled lobby. The staff was very helpful and it was awesome that they did all of the set up and clean up! The only thing I would have liked better would be if they had tables and chairs set up for the kids to eat on instead of just the benches and floor. I don't think the kids cared much either way, but logistically might have been better. Other than that, we had a great experience and can't wait to go back for another show! Also, a few of the other parents even commented that they would like to have their children's b-day parties there, as well. Maybe we started a new trend???
