Vol. 11, No. 1, Spring 2008

Greetings Pulcinisti,

This spring we have been gratified by the number of new fans who have discovered La Pulcina on the airwaves. Jack Hitt’s now-classic “This American Life” feature about our fine feathered heroine is a highlight of many a public radio station’s pledge drive, and we know why: tender hearts are stirred. As a result, ever more Pulcinisti clamor to see La Pulcina grace the stage. We are buoyed by their devotion and are eager to oblige, once the time is right. And that time approaches with steady progress.

Making Waves

We are pleased to report that the development of “Small Fish” is coming along swimmingly. In this new puppet operetta starring La Pulcina Piccola and featuring the Clothespin Repertory Theatre, our heroine travels in the air and under the sea to continue her lifelong quest for love. With its most recent work-in-progress reading at New York Theatre Workshop in early June (credits at left), we are pleased to say that the day approaches when La Pulcina will take to the boards once again. Join our email list for news of future presentations -- and look for La Pulcina’s all new Facebook Page. Our loyal Pulcinisti will be among the first to know the latest developments.

Also on the Boards

In March, Susan J. Vitucci’s unabashed romance, recently re-titled “A Kiss on the Hand,” was included in March Madness, the Ensemble Studio Theatre Playwrights Unit’s ten-minute play festival in New York City. La Pulcina was not directly involved, but Margi Sharp and Graham Skipper were, and we thank them.

The Secret Diaries of La Pulcina Piccola

Pulcinista scribes and scholars have dutifully restored many diary episodes to our online chronicle, the extraordinary Secret Diaries of La Pulcina Piccola. Further installments are coming soon. In the meantime, we are reminded of one of our favorites: 

1. 

   DD,
   

2. There is so much to see in the Big City. It is everything I imagined it would be when I was back home by the old oak tree. Wandering the winding lanes in the oldest part of town, I saw a poster in a shop window that read, “The Legendary Pecky! The Celebrated Dancing Chicken!” I had to go in...
   

Read on

Pulcina and the Ivy: Ceaseless Scholarship

In March, La Pulcina graced the halls of academia at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, where Susan J. Vitucci taught her workshop, “Junk Drawer Drama” to Craig Latrell’s playwriting class. Lucky Hamiltonians created their own epic stories as they discovered the joy and inspiration that is La Pulcina.

On the Campaign Trail

As the seemingly endless primary season finally comes to an end, and political candidates gear up their campaigns for the general election, we are reminded of La Pulcina’s political career. Her pluck and determination are a constant inspiration to us all. With that in mind, we wish all the candidates well and urge our readers: Vote! Vote! Vote in November! 

Just in Time for BBQ Season!

With summer fast approaching, our thoughts turn to BBQ and other backyard rituals. Available in three sizzling designs, this tasty apron is sure to inspire the grill chef. The perfect gift from the weekend guest, and it’s available at Pulcina: The Store, your exclusive source for the Music, the Magnet, the Mousepad and other priceless Pulcina memorabilia. Ah, commerce!

Support Pulcina Scholarship

Generous friends have supported our work thus far, and we invite you to join the effort. Your gifts will enable us to compensate puppeteers and other artists, and to pay for documentation, studio and related expenses. Contributions of every size are helpful and, when made on my behalf to The Field, a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization where I am a sponsored artist, gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. To learn more, click on the Field logo.

Yours in admiration of La Pulcina Piccola,

The Management