Directed/Written by Debbie McMahon
Co-Produced by Debbie McMahon & [via] Corpora

2008 marked the 200th birthday of the beloved French puppet, Guignol, and the Grand Guignolers are throwing their namesake a surprise party joined (or usurped) by Guignol's devilish cousin, the British Punch. Our ‘children’s show’ features folk tales so true to their horrifically bloody origins that they are unsuitable for children. Little Red Riding Hood: A Horror Play and Hansel and Gretel: A Horror Play are original adaptations drawn from various early sources, some far predating the Grimm's. Lighter fare included The Ugly Duckling: A Melodrama Ballet and our ever popular, Petits Guignolers, feisty French finger puppets in Rapunzel: An Erotic Thriller. The show features blood, puppets, mask, and dance. Preshow festivities were set in a 1920s birthday party environment with treats, absinthe and drinks.

SET DESIGN/PUPPETS/EFFECTS Chris Bell * LIGHT DESIGN Matt Richter
COSTUME DESIGN Suzanne Scott * MELODRAMA COACH Amanda Haney
CHOREOGRAPHY Jeanne Simpson * STAGE MANAGER Josh Pritchard
 TANGO CHOREGRAPHY Teresa Ann Volgineau

avec: *Bridgette Trahan * Carlos Penaranda* Hannah Chodos * Amanda Haney
Dani O'Terry * Gary Karp * Debbie McMahon * Josephine Keefe * Tina Van Berckelaer * Lisa Cirincione * Vanessa Forster * Patrick Humphrey * Amanda Street * Ember Knight * Benjamin Durham * Diana DeLuna

et les petits guignolers

PHOTOS

LA Times review

Backstage West review

LA Weekly review - GO!

CHILDREN: THE OTHER WHITE MEAT