'Ugly Duckling', 'Peter Rabbit' hop onto stage

The classic children’s tales of a mischievous rabbit and a scorned duckling that grew into a beautiful swan will be presented in separate performances the next two weekends at Knutzen Family Theater in Federal Way.

“The Ugly Duckling” is first on the stage this Sunday. Shows of the Storybook Theater production are scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m.

“The Tales of Peter Rabbit,” produced by the puppet troupe Thistle Theatre, is biled for Oct. 29 at noon and 2 p.m.

Tickets for both productions will be available in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com, in addition to being sold at the door. Other information is available at 835-2020.

Storybook Theater, under the musical direction of Sue Bardsley, takes classic children’s stories and transforms them into one-hour musicals for children of all ages.

In “The Ugly Duckling,” life isn’t what it’s cracked up to be for the poor, unlucky duckling. With no home and no friends and with winter fast approaching, the little bird’s goose is cooked. Or is it?

Thistle Theatre will use its specialty –– an ancient Japanese form of puppetry called Bunraku (actors dressed in black stand behind each puppet to operate them) –– for its shows combining “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” with “The Tale of Benjamin the Bunny.” Lovable hedgehog Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle journeys to the home of Mrs. Rabbit to deliver freshly washed clothes for her bunnies, including Peter, who then wears his clean jacket on a dangerous adventure.

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