No Strings’ ‘The Snowmaiden’

"The Snow Maiden" is guaranteed to delight all ages in its presentation by No Strings Marionette Company, created by Randolph's talented duo of Dan Baginski and Barbara Paulson.

At Chandler Music Hall Nov. 25

The Chandler Center for the Arts invites families and children of all ages to usher in the holiday season and enter the wonders of traditional puppet theatre with the No Strings Marionette Company’s performance of "The Snowmaiden" at Chandler Music Hall Saturday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.

Their adaptation of this classic Russian folk tale will feature 15 handcrafted puppets, set amidst lush three-dimensional fabric backdrops, with music by Russian composers.

While Father Frost spreads Winter’s cold throughout the Land of the Midnight Sun, he comes across a most amazing sight—a perfect little maiden sculpted entirely out of ice and snow! A breath of life from Mother Spring awakens the frozen figurine, and the girl’s kind, fun-filled nature delights everyone she meets. Dreams come true for a childless couple who embrace the Snowmaiden as their own daughter with a love as deep and wide as Old Mother Russia herself.

Since moving to Randolph, Barbara Paulson and Dan Baginski have enchanted local audiences with their presentation of both classic and original stories. They are happy to share their gifts with the community, and are grateful to have access to the performance space at Chandler Music Hall.

The company has toured New England for over 10 years, performing at hundreds of schools, libraries, festivals and community events. Their creativity reaches into every aspect of the production: script writing, making puppets and costumes, recording soundtracks, and constructing sets and props.

Although many puppet shows curtain off the puppeteers from the audience, Baginski and Paulson perform in full view of their audience.

"We find that children are interested in seeing how the puppets work and how we do things," says Baginski.

After the performance, children and their parents are invited up onto the stage to inspect the marionettes and the other tools of the puppeteers’ trade. This is perhaps the most magical aspect of their performances. Long after the curtain closes, children are still in earnest "conversation" with some of the wooden stars of the show, while others delight in exploring a trunk full of costumes and props.

Paulson and Baginski try to leave their audiences with something to think about.

"It’s entertainment with a little twist," says Baginski.

As always, the performance will feature a rousing sing-along to begin the hour, and will close with a chance to meet the puppeteers and their extraordinary puppets on the Chandler stage.

Tickets may be ordered by calling Kathy at 728-6464, or can be purchased at the box office Saturday morning. This performance has sponsorship support from Patrick’s Place. Chandler Music Hall is wheelchair accessible.

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