Tom Tichenor was a Nashville native who
became known for his puppet work at the downtown library and on TV. In the
late 50's he went to New York and did the puppets for the Broadway hit
musical CARNIVAL and directed a children's TV station, producing early
kiddie shows like BIRTHDAY HOUSE with Paul Tripp. He also did a Puppet
production of THE BREMENTOWN MUSICIANS there.
Tom Tichenor Theatre - Marionette
Stage
In the late 60's he returned to Nashville and did an adaptation of THE
GOLDEN GOOSE at Children's theatre. He then stayed in town and was at the
Library. The weekly puppet and marionette shows became a fixture in
Nashville. Some shows combining the puppets with live performers were also
done, notably a children's musical called "Sir Patches And The Dragon"
that later was adapted for a popular children's book. The Story Hours in
the Story room were a big thing too. A live story teller as the Rainbow Fairy
or the Lollipop Princess told stories
while the most popular puppet characters (Felica Fieldmouse, Marco Polo
Bear, etc.) acted them out. Tichenor also did a number
of popular children's television specials, "The Toymaker And The Mice" and
"Christmas At Creepy Castle" were on PBS.
The Witch and Rapunzel
