Le Theatre de Marionette

Discover the old-world art of storytelling with handcrafted puppets.  This unique theater is located inside the Hilton Anatole and features a 100-seat auditorium, concession stand, puppetry store, candy counter and workshop.  

THE FINE PRINT 

Guests should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled show time to allow ample time to park (Lot #3) and arrive in the theater lobby (located in the Hilton Anatole Tower Section).  Restrooms are located onsite as well as a full and extensive concession stand.  Yes, drinks and concessions are allowed inside the theater.  The show begins with a demonstration of how the marionettes are carved and assembled and most importantly, how they are made to work by the puppeteer artists.  This demonstration is considered one of the highlights of the visit as children witness something that comes to life onstage, just like Pinocchio.  Following the demonstration, the lights lower and the curtain rises.  The shows are designed to capture and hold the attention of little ones but equally entertain the adults.  Elaborate staging, lighting, visual and special effects are used to tell the stories.   The marionettes themselves are handcrafted and carved wooden actors that literally come to life onstage.  Most people have never seen a marionette show, and certainly not one as elaborate and well-staged as these.  The puppeteers stand on a high wood platform above the stage so they are out of sight during the show which allows the audience to suspend disbelief and focus on the action onstage.  When the show concludes and the curtain falls, audiences usually break out in spontaneous applause. The puppeteers then come out and greet the audience and invite them backstage for a behind-the-scenes tour.  Photography is encouraged and the staff is very accommodating in answering the children’s questions on how the theatrical magic was performed.  After the show, children and families are invited back to the lobby and puppetry store where puppets and other souvenirs are available for purchase.   Although the show is only 50 minutes, the entire experience is about 1.2 hours.