Alex Vernon and Sarah Olmsted Thomas. Photo by Glenn Ricci Photography.
Alex and Olmsted is an internationally-acclaimed puppet theatre and film-making company based in Maryland. Composed of artists Alex Vernon and Sarah Olmsted Thomas (husband and wife), the duo is known for creating original works that blend innovative puppetry, physical comedy, and mechanical wonder. The company has produced several award-winning shows that have toured globally. In addition to performances, they lead workshops on puppet construction and storytelling where participants learn to create expression through simple, rod puppetry. They are core members of Happenstance Theatre, an ensemble that creates original devised productions, in residence at Baltimore Theatre Project. Alex and Olmsted have been awarded grants from the Jim Henson Foundation and the Maryland State Arts Council. This production of “Really Quite A Lot of Mechanisms” is a world premiere, and a spectacular show in which to enjoy an interesting plot, wonderful music, and the artistic excellence of two masterful craftspeople and puppeteers.
…a spectacular show in which to enjoy an interesting plot, wonderful music, and the artistic excellence of two masterful craftspeople and puppeteers.
The show introduces us to the physical movement of three basic machines: the lever, the pulley, and the wheel-and-axle. These simple machines are the basis of many mechanical inventions of which we are familiar, e.g., the seesaw, the water pump, the fan, and the carousel.
As the play progresses, these mechanical wonders and others are used to advance the story. The set pieces, the props, costume design, the puppets, and the machines are the products of the artists’ imaginations and craftsmanship. The production is enhanced by John McAfee’s lighting design with Nicholas Boone operating the board.
Although Alex and Olmsted construct and operate many different types of puppets, this show features three. Shadow puppets are two-dimensional flat figures held between a light source and a translucent screen (in this case a giant white sheet). This creates silhouettes for the audience. Rod puppets are manipulated by a slender rod (wand) attached to the puppet figure to provide precise movement. Small, wooden artist’s mannequins of human figures feature moveable joints (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hip, knees, and ankles) connected by metal. All three puppet types are used to advance the twists and turns of the story: a disastrous workday for two factory workers. The play contains no spoken dialogue, just occasional expressive sounds from the puppeteer-actors who encourage audience participation.
Alex and Olmsted research their productions carefully. This production was inspired by two great silent films: Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” and Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis.” Other influences were the films of Georges Melies (magician and toymaker), the novels of Jules Verne (the “Father of Science Fiction”), and the complicated devices of Lucius “Rube” Goldberg (cartoonist, sculptor, and engineer).
To augment the constant movement and action of the play, we are treated to an amazing soundtrack of music, including Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” and “Firebird Suite,” the toreador theme from Bizet’s “Carmen,” Ravel’s “Bolero,” and the music of alternative/indie singer-composer-violinist, Kishi Bashi.
Many audience members may be perplexed by the “message” or “interpretation” of Alex and Olmsted’s productions. Most likely a doctoral dissertation would be necessary to adequately explore all the possibilities. The importance of their work is the artistry and creativity involved. So sit back, relax, and enjoy what you see without worrying about what it all means. Adults and children will have an exciting, interesting evening of outstanding theatre and watch two artists, in the manner of Rube Goldberg, doing something simple in a complicated way.
Running Time: One hour and 10 minutes with no intermission.
Advisory: Most enjoyed by ages 7+.
“Really Quite A Lot Of Mechanisms” runs through March 29, 2026 (Thursdays through Sundays) presented by Alex and Olmsted at Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street, Baltimore MD 21201. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call the Box Office at 410-539-3041 or go online. You may also purchase tickets at the door 45 minutes before each performance.
