puppet master and puppet

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

You know you’ve heard that line about dogs and owners looking alike. Well what about a man and his puppet?

Me thinks our friend Greg Gathers is carving a little closer to his own likeness these days. – Just sayin’.

To be fair the lighting could have been kinder to one of G Lady’s favorite puppet makers; a bit harsh to be sure. But had it been softer - this posting wouldn’t have been as much fun!

Well friends, you can get a closer look and be your own judge real soon. Greg and his Pontine Theatre co artistic director M. Marguerite Mathews, pictured here giving comfort to the elderly, will unveil their latest original piece “Dunnet Landing Stories,” based on the works of Sarah Orne Jewett; (starts April 24). For info click here.

Oh and if you have the constitution for it, you can get a gander of some naked puppets in an archive, Gossip Lady video. It's from a trip DC (intrepid videographer) and G Lady took to Pontine when the pair was working on its "Story of a Bad Boy."

This segment remains one of G Lady's favorite behind-the-scene peeks. It's a wonderful, wonderful look at the puppets in an earlier stage of creation, along with some other delightful, theatrical conventions Pontine employs in its work. All that AND you get to see these two impeccable performers in a messy moment. Gasp!

To see the segment click here and scroll down the page till you see a picture that matches the one just above, picturing Marguerite, me and the naked puppets.

Meanwhile here’s a sneak peek at another of Greg's props, destined for the newest play.

Love his work; simply love it.

Yours in awe of it all,

Gossip Lady.

Get OUT Tonight!!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

If you are viewing this posting in real time it's fairly likely you're not making the wisest choice at the moment. As much as G Lady loves you dropping by, and hopes you do so often, it's Saturday night my friend: GO OUT AND TAKE IT IN!

If you hit West End Studio Theatre it's likely you'll see the scullery maid seen here. Actually that would be Marguerite Mathews going about the glamorous work of the small theater director.

G Lady dropped in at WEST this afternoon and caught both she and her Pontine Theatre partner Greg Gathers giving the place a go-over before tonight's show "A Beautiful Game," a solo performance by guest artist Michael Parent.

Note that jubilant smile on Mathews' face. Yes she was glad to see G Lady. But she was also glad to win the coin toss. Gathers got the bathrooms.

I'd only just missed snapping him at work. Just as well. Greg wasn't quite as upbeat about his chore. BUT, he was about this weekend's show.

When I asked Greg, "why should anyone go to the theater on such a lovely night (a tropical 40-something)," - after checking if my hat was on too tight he said "Well Michael Palmer is a wonderful, world-class storyteller," (tells down-Maine beauties, French Canadian tall-tales and talks hockey), " he's funny and very engaging," says Greg. "And because he's here for only one weekend. You miss it - you miss it!"

Say no more, say no more!

Besides, after all the gussyin' the pair did for your visit, do you want to be the cause of a three-quarters full house. I'm sure not! The 4 p.m. is over, but there's an 8 p.m. tonight and a 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Oh almost forgot to explain the lovely little bobbleheads pictured here. Like them? (Can't you just feel the jealousy emanating from the Friendly Toast)?

Well you've missed this year's window of opportunity to garner one of these babies. They're the trophies for Pontine's annual Bowlathon.

And congrads Cary Wendell! - You go Cary! The painter and multi-talented theater artist was top adult scorer at 267. Anne Poubeau brought in the most cash and TJ Scott was top kid took top kid score.

Okay, must get this up. Another one to follow in mere minutes. So many glorious things to discuss. It's the weekend!

Yours in the arts

Gossip Lady