Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: An Evening with Vernon Watercress by Nate Puppets

About the Show: What if a fuzzy hand puppet could make you face your own humanity and reconcile with a tragic and horrific past? Mr. Vernon Watercress cordially invites you — yes, you — to an evening of some old-fashioned sass with class, with a splash of sung standards. It wouldn’t be fun if we just told you exactly who’s coming and what’s going to happen… But, rest assured, nothing — and we mean nothing! — will interrupt our performance, not even fascist religious types! Expect a night of jazz standards, Broadway numbers, and a few existential questions about who we are and where we’re going — all wrapped up in one unforgettable evening.&nbsp; “Award-winning loudmouth” and “bipolar roller” Nate Puppets uses foam, fur, and hot glue to assemble their deranged yet vividly compelling cast of characters, casting light on the human condition while cruising through experiences with mental health diagnoses, disability, and pure unadulterated creative mayhem. Recommended for ages 16+ Hand puppets Length: 45 minutes Language: English From Manchester, New Hampshire ﻿Showtimes &amp; Tickets<ul><li>$28 Advance / plus $2 service fee</li><li>$33 Day of Show / plus $2 service fee</li><li>$50 Supporter / plus $2 service fee</li><li>$10 Card to Culture (WIC, EBT, MassHealth, ConnectorCare) <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/community-discounts">Learn more →</a></li><li>Members receive discount tickets, priority seating, and more! <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/memberships">Become a Member →</a></li></ul>May 21 (Thu) 2026: 8:00 pm May 22 (Fri) 2026: 8:00 pm

Puppet Showplace Theater 

 Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: Jack and the Beanstalk by Dream Tale Puppets

About the Show When Jack sells the family cow for some magic beans, he launches his family on a GIANT adventure. This joyous, funny, and imaginative production transports the audience up the beanstalk with Jack using multiple styles of puppetry — from hand puppets to masks to marionettes! Lively narration, beautiful design, and physical comedy make this an audience favorite at Puppet Showplace year after year. Don’t miss this inspiring and memorable adaptation of a classic! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close — the artists speak English and Polish! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station, coloring sheets, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by 3 - 9 Mixed puppetry styles: hand puppets, figures, marionettes, and masks Length: 45 - 55 minutes Language: English From Cape Cod! Showtimes &amp; Tickets<ul><li>$18 all-ages general admission / $14.50 members / plus $2 service fee</li><li>$3 Card to Culture (WIC, EBT, MassHealth, ConnectorCare) <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/community-discounts">Learn more →</a></li><li>Members receive discount tickets, priority seating, and more! <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/memberships">Become a Member →</a></li></ul>June 6 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm June 7 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: Death & The Fool: A Tarot-Inspired Medieval Folly by Happenstance Theater

About the Show A Tarot-inspired mystery play full of slapstick comedy, music from the middle ages, puppetry, and whimsy to drive away fear and offer relief from impending doom — just as folly brought light to the Dark Ages. As the Fool faces Death and seeks guidance, you too can consult the Oracle, be comforted by the High Priestess, trust in the Doctor if you dare, and give your troubles to the Crone. This ensemble production is coming to us from Maryland — don’t miss the laugh-out-loud fun, fit for both adults and kids! "Transcendent and provocative…Happenstance provides immeasurable entertainment with its comedy, music, and artistry…A characteristically compelling, intelligent, and thought-provoking hour of unique, outstanding, must-see theater." – DC Theater Arts Enjoyed by all ages, 3 - 103! String, hybrid, and stomper marionettes Length: 50 minutes Language: English, very few words From Rockville, Maryland! June 22 (Mon) 2026: 7:00 pm June 23 (Tue) 2026: 7:00 pm

Back to All Events Vacation Week Palooza: Peter Rabbit by Pumpernickel Puppets

About the Show Meet adventurous and naughty Peter Rabbit, who against his mother's wishes ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden for a taste of his favorite vegetable treats. He nearly escapes being made into rabbit stew, with the help of his tag along little sister Flopsy! This modern adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale is presented with large hand puppets, live voices and sound effects, and plenty of audience participation. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3-7 Hand puppets Length: 50 minutes From Worcester, Massachusetts! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Showtimes &amp; Tickets<ul><li>$18 all-ages general admission / $14.50 members / plus $2 service fee</li><li>$3 Card to Culture (WIC, EBT, MassHealth, ConnectorCare) <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/community-discounts">Learn more →</a></li></ul>Jan 1 (Thu) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm Jan 2 (Fri) 2026: 10:30am | 1:00 pm Jan 3 (Sat) 2026: 10:30am | 1:00 pm (Pay-What-You-Can) Jan 4 (Sun) 2026: 10:30am | 1:00 pm

Puppet Showplace Theater

Vacation Week Palooza: Sleeping Beauty by Tanglewood Marionettes

About the Show This charming production transports audiences to a magical realm, staged in the pages of a giant painted storybook. When a wicked witch curses the baby princess Aurora, the entire kingdom falls into a deep sleep. Will a prince with a true heart arrive in time to break the spell? Find out in Tanglewood Marionettes' masterful adaptation of this beloved fairy tale classic! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 - 8 Marionettes Length: 45 minutes Language: English From Western Mass! Showtimes &amp; Tickets<ul><li>$18 all-ages general admission / $14.50 members / plus $2 service fee</li><li>$3 Card to Culture (WIC, EBT, MassHealth, ConnectorCare) <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/community-discounts">Learn more →</a></li></ul>Dec 27 (Sat) 2025: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm Dec 28 (Sun) 2025: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm&nbsp; Dec 29 (Mon) 2025: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm&nbsp; Dec 30 (Tues) 2025: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

Holiday Sing-Along! by Sarah Nolen & Phil Berman

About the Show Celebrate the season with a family-friendly sing-along featuring dancing snowmen, jingle bells, and lots of snowy fun! Two friendly performers guide the audience through songs, stories, and imagination games. This interactive puppet cabaret is specially designed for all ages, from our youngest audiences and their big siblings, to grown-ups who are young-at-heart! Join us for holiday favorites and songs of wintertime cheer from cultures around the world. After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 2 - 9 Mixed puppetry styles and live music Length: 45 minutes&nbsp; Language: English From Greater Boston! Showtimes &amp; Tickets<ul><li>$18 all-ages general admission / $14.50 members / plus $2 service fee</li><li>$3 Card to Culture (WIC, EBT, MassHealth, ConnectorCare) <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/community-discounts">Learn more →</a></li></ul>Dec 19 (Fri) 2025: 4:00 pm Dec 20 (Sat) 2025: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm Dec 21 (Sun) 2025: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm Dec 22 (Mon) 2025: 4:00 pm Dec 23 (Tues) 2025: 1:00 pm | 4:00 pm Dec 24 (Wed) 2025: 10:30 am

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: Hanukkats by Talking Hands Theatre

How do you play dreidel and why? Join Ziva the cat as she goes back to the time of the first Hanukkah to recover the missing letters on her dreidel! You’ll meet Judah Meowcabee, Oliver the olive oil maker, and a cast of other wonderful cat characters who help Ziva solve the mysterious connection between the dreidel letters, the Hanukkah story, and the way the game of dreidel is played. Audience members will have a chance to get up and dance, sing, and act out parts of the story in this musical, interactive journey through time. After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artist and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 2 - 9 Hand puppets Length: 40 minutes Language: English From Shutesbury, MA!

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: The Trolls and the Tree: An Environmental Fable by Margaret Moody Puppets

Trolls Skimpa and Blompa are excited to take care of the fairies’ beautiful garden. But, they can't imagine a week without their furniture and shopping! When they can’t fit their favorite things into the garden, Skimpa and Blompa have to decide what’s more important — their deluxe toaster or the fairies’ cherished tree? With the help of the audience the fairies find a way to gently teach the trolls the value of nature in this funny and poignant environmental fable. The performance is accompanied by live music played by Peter Lehman, who is inspired by everything from the Renaissance to Willie Nelson tunes! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 - 10 Hand puppets and live music Length: 35 minutes&nbsp; Language: English From Arlington, MA!

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: Hansel and Gretel by Tanglewood Marionettes

In this beautiful adaptation of the classic fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, the pages of a giant storybook turn to reveal each scene of Hansel and Gretel’s adventure! While lost in the woods, the pair encounter many challenges (including a witch!) and must call upon their inner reserves to make it through. The story is accompanied by melodies from the opera of the same name by Engelbert Humperdinck, adding another layer of richness to this delightful production. After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 - 9 Marionettes Length: 45 minutes Language: English From Western Mass!

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: Little Red Riding Hood! by Lucky Duck Puppets

Come along with Lucky Duck and his friends from the Fairy Tale Forest in this interactive, silly rendition of the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood! Little Red is off to visit her Grandmother, and she has a Big Bad Wolf to deal with! Will she be able to have milk and cookies with her grandmother? Come to the show and find out! You’ll also get a chance to learn how to be a puppeteer so you can tell your own stories and have your own adventures! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artist and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 2 - 9 Hand, hand and rod, and rod puppets Length: 30 minutes Language: English From New York City!

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: Jokes with Josue + The Tales of Turtle Boy by Emmanuel Elpenord

Join Haitian-American actor, puppeteer, and voice-over artist Emmanel Elpenord for an interactive performance featuring folklore, jokes, and adventure — and, you might even learn a few words of Creole! In the first story, Uncle Josue pays us a visit from Haiti, bringing tricky riddles and silly stories to share — inspired by Haitian folklore. The second act of this double feature is The Tales of Turtle Boy, a choose-your-own-adventure where the bashful, yet rambunctious, Turtle Boy marionette leads us through an action movie of the audience’s making — think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meets John Wick (kid-friendly edition)! Emmanuel Elpenord is an alumnus of Puppet Showplace’s <a href="https://www.puppetshowplace.org/creative-residency-for-black-puppeteers">Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers</a>, where he built his Turtle Boy marionette and workshopped ideas for this performance. Now, he returns to Puppet Showplace with a premiere of this all-ages show! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artist and see the puppets up close — the artist speaks English and Creole! Plus, take part in a craft inspired by the show and enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 5 - 10 Marionettes Length: 40 minutes Language: English &amp; Creole From New York City! This project was supported by the Coney Island History Project, Jim Henson Foundation, Haiti Cultural Exchange, and Puppet Showplace Theater.

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: The Loose Caboose by Harry LaCoste

A train engineer finds his caboose has disconnected and is stranded without an engine! To pass the time while waiting for the engine's return, the engineer peeks through the suitcases left behind to discover delightful puppet characters and enchanting musical stories.&nbsp; Join puppeteer, ukulele rockstar, and all around funny guy Harry LaCoste for this interactive family-friendly show that is sure to make you giggle! Meet the Puppets Stay after the show to meet the artist and to see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm on all dates and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm on Tuesday. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3 – 7 Hand puppets and live music Length: 40 minutes Language: English From Waltham!

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: The Not-So-Spooky Ghost by WonderSpark Puppets

A timid ghost, his skeleton father, and a mysterious scarecrow have lots of laughs in this all-ages Halloween puppet show. The little ghost can't scare a soul to please his Big Bad Dad, but help is on the way as the audience and some friends scare up some fun fright! New York City-based WonderSpark Puppets are known for their dynamic hand puppetry, which shines as the puppets bring physical comedy to life! Get in the mood for the show by coming in your spookiest, Halloween-best! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; More! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station and coloring sheets! These activities are available after every performance: 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm on Saturday and 11:30 am - 12:30 pm on Sunday. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3 - 6 Hand puppets Length: 35 minutes Language: English From New York City!

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents:  A Diwali Double Feature! by WonderSpark Puppets and The Culture Tree

It’s the festival of lights! Let’s light lamps, eat sweets, clean house, and celebrate this cherished Hindu holiday. This Diwali Double Feature features two stories that celebrate the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance —&nbsp;with comedy and hand puppetry, of course! Story #1: Ramleela What is the meaning of true devotion, love, kindness and valor? Brave prince Ram and his allies must rescue his kidnapped wife Sita from the King Ravan in this ancient Indian story from the Ramayana, coming to learn the true meaning of why we celebrate Diwali. Story #2: Amrita’s Tree Little Amrita loves to nap under her favorite tree, swinging from its branches and watching the animals. When the king orders all the trees to be chopped down to build himself a bigger palace, how can one little person possibly stop them? Inspired by the true story of the original tree huggers, the Bishnoi Hindus, who used peaceful resistance to defend their village's trees in 1700s India. This show was designed to be enjoyed equally by those who know the stories and traditions of Diwali, as well as to welcome those who have no prior knowledge of Diwali. It was created through a special collaboration with <a href="http://www.theculturetree.com/">The Culture Tree</a>, whose mission is to promote South Asian culture through educational and enrichment programs, and <a href="https://www.wondersparkpuppets.com/">WonderSpark Puppets</a>, an acclaimed puppet theater that performs joyful tales all over their New York City home, and as far away as Thailand and Taiwan! After the Show: Meet the Puppets &amp; Diwali Festivities! Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy special snacks, a Diwali-themed coloring sheet, and a paper lantern craft! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am -12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3-7 Hand puppets Length: 40 minutes Language: English From New York City!

Puppet Showplace Theater Fall Puppet Slam

Ever seen shower curtain shadow puppetry? Or sex ed from a mole? No? Well, you should — these are just a few examples of past Puppet Slam acts! A couple times a year Puppet Showplace Theater stays open late to showcase the region's finest short-form puppetry acts... for adults! Each piece is performed by a different artist, and the content ranges from the hilarious to the profound. Performers include veteran professionals and first-time puppeteers, and acts often feature musicians, dancers, circus performers, and other artists. So, what are you waiting for? Join us for an evening of short-form puppetry for adults, featuring a range of puppetry styles, beer and wine, and a guaranteed good time. Stay tuned for updates on the performers! Recommended for adults and teens 16+ Mixed puppetry styles Language: English From: All over!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

puppetshowplace

Experiences