SEA WORTHY
Wilds of Sea is an undersea adventure that will leave little ones wide-eyed and utterly captivated. But make no mistake—this all-ages puppet spectacle is as enchanting for the grown-ups as it is for the kids.
Directed by Shannon Reagan, who also built the stunning life-sized puppets, Wilds of Sea follows a mischievous seal pup separated from its mother. What unfolds is a daring journey through kelp forests, shimmering ocean currents, and treacherous open waters. Along the way, our plucky pup dodges hungry predators (as does the audience at Actors Company Other Space Theatre), battles a colossal squid, and discovers what it means to be brave. There’s danger, suspense, and a few thrills that ripple right into the audience space, but rest easy—this tender tale concludes with a joyful reunion.
What sets this production apart is the sheer artistry of the puppetry. The creatures aren’t just beautiful to look at—they move with uncanny fluidity and emotional nuance. The puppeteers (Lisa Laureta, Diana Hurtado, Jay Whitmore, Andy Wolf, Faris Khan, Susan Wright, Kendall Khan-McCormack, and Fiona Dunham) don’t hide behind black curtains or attempt to disappear. Instead, they become part of the visual language of the show, seamlessly blending their bodies and movements with the animals they bring to life. This open, visible style gives the young audience permission to engage both with the story and the artifice—to marvel not only at the ocean world but at the skill that animates it.
The puppets themselves are exquisite. They’re not cartoonish, but rather strikingly realistic, evoking the texture and presence of real marine life. Whether it’s the undulating tentacles of the giant squid or the sleek, playful movements of the seal pup, each puppet has been meticulously crafted to capture both natural beauty and theatrical expressiveness. When a predator stalks through the audience or a sea turtle glides by with the help of multiple puppeteers working in perfect harmony, it feels like a kind of magic—a dance of coordination, craftsmanship, and storytelling that keeps the room breathless.
One of the most charming aspects of Wilds of Sea happens after the show. Reagan and the puppeteers invite the audience into the playing space for a hands-on exploration. Kids and curious adults alike are encouraged to meet the creatures up close, touch the puppets, and ask the performers how they work, what they’re made of, and how they manage to give such life to foam, fabric, and ingenuity. It’s a brilliant way to deepen the experience, breaking down the wall between stage and audience while sparking curiosity about the mechanics of theatre.
Wilds of Sea isn’t just a cute diversion—it’s a beautifully constructed piece of theatre that combines technical excellence with heartfelt storytelling. It’s a show that stirs the imagination, educates without preaching, and invites even the youngest audience members to marvel at both the wonders of the ocean and the magic of live performance.
Dive in. You won’t want to miss it.
Wilds of Sea
Wyndwolf Puppets
Actors Company Other Space Theatre, 916 N. Formosa Ave
part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival
30 minutes
remaining performances:
Tuesday June 17 2025, 7pm
Saturday June 21 2025, 11am
Saturday June 28 2025, 7pm
for tickets, visit Wilds of Sea
