The Bitter Couple marionette puppet show

The marionette puppet show The Bitter Couple is currently in pre-production. With funding from the Hanford Rotary Club and SoCalGas, it will soon have its premiere. A table-read is planned, where actors sit around a table and read through the script to get a feel for the show. Additionally, production values are discussed. So, the plans are set for this special, old-fashioned puppet show with amazingly well-crafted marionettes.

Why do I say old-fashioned? According to a.i., “Old-fashioned marionette puppet shows offer a charming and timeless form of entertainment, often featuring classic stories and elaborate handcrafted puppets.” The marionettes we are using are elaborately handcrafted. Two are from the famous Czech Republic’s Petr Marionettes. The other three are from Ukraine.

Why bring back marionette puppets? Marionettes have a unique charm. A marionette show captivates an audience with its intricate designs and controlled movements. It attracts audiences of all ages.

We have grown accustomed to technology-driven entertainment with digital screens. What HMTC aims to do is bring back a live show with marionettes to offer a different and time-tested experience. 

Of course, pre-production takes time. Acquiring several marionettes took time from a war-torn Ukraine. The other two marionettes arrived quickly from the same company that provided the Don Quixote marionettes. Additionally, there is training that must take place.

As a company that teaches theatrical skills, we produce shows when the performers are ready, and in this case, we must train the puppeteers. This differs from traditional theater companies that have a fixed season. In some ways, we are like the famous wine slogan from the 70s and 80s: "we will sell no wine before its time." We wait for the right moment to have performers entertain our audience. Our goal is to help performers feel confident about their performance. When they are ready, we set a date.

Subscribe to our website to learn when our Marionette puppet show, The Bitter Couple, will be presented on our website www.HanfordMTC.com