The Three Billy Goats Gruff Brings Marionette Magic to Glen Echo Park

 A cranky troll, three hungry goats, and a bridge that needs crossing — The Puppet Co. is serving up a fresh take on a beloved Norwegian folk tale with "The Three Billy Goats Gruff," now playing at Glen Echo Park through August 9, 2026.

The story follows three little goats named Gwen, Gladys, and Gordon as they set out in search of greener grass, only to find their path blocked by an ill-tempered troll who guards the bridge they must cross. Will the goats find the food they need? How will they get past the troll? And what does this troll really want, anyway? Audiences of all ages will delight in discovering the answers in this clever retelling, which trades the folk tale's traditionally rough-and-tumble ending for something far more heartwarming. Rather than settling their differences through head-butting, the goats and the troll find common ground and agree to work together — a gentle reminder for young theatergoers that even the thorniest problems can be solved peacefully through cooperation.

This production features a brand-new script by Ingrid Bork and Andrew Quilpa, given a timely conservationist twist that feels perfectly at home in a puppet show performed in a park. Under the direction of Danny Pushkin, four classic Piper marionettes bring the tale to life, dancing across a whimsical landscape of desert cliffs and canyons created by scenic designers Lee Gersenhaber and Cate Ginsberg. Puppeteers Cate Ginsberg and Mollie Greenberg James voice the characters while working the marionettes in full view of the audience — a treat for children curious about how the magic happens, and a reminder for adults that they're witnessing an increasingly rare art form performed by true masters of the craft.

Audience interaction is baked right into the fun. Kids (and plenty of grown-ups) clap along to help the goats "klop, klop, klop" their way across the bridge, cheering the timid trio toward bravery. The script is also sprinkled with witty touches that play to the adults in the room, making this a genuine all-ages outing rather than a kids-only affair.

Running approximately forty minutes with no intermission, "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" is recommended for ages 4 and up — an ideal length and pace for the youngest theatergoers in your family.