Thistle Theatre, the only performing arts troupe in the Northwest that specializes in tabletop Bunraku, an ancient Japanese puppetry style, will present “Little Red Riding Hood” on Sunday at the Blue Heron.

The show is part of Vashon Allied Arts’ Family Series, a collection of productions especially created for small children and their parents.

The puppet company has adapted the familiar fairy tale to include several zany new characters, including an impish squirrel who warns Red about the dangerous wolf, a bird that delivers singing telegrams and a woodland rabbit who wanders in and out of the action pushing a carriage full of baby bunnies.

The story, set in Bavaria, departs from the original fairy tale long enough to include an interactive song in which audience members are invited to sing along and even operate puppets.

Nationally-recognized songwriter, Sue Ennis, who is best known for her work with the Seattle rock band Heart, penned the show’s hilarious “Wolf Aria.”

Coming up next in the family series, on November 21, is Caspar Babypants, a raucous kid’s band led by Chris Ballew, who founded the rock group The Presidents of the United States of America.

Little Red Riding Hood will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, at the Blue Heron. Tickets are $5 for Vashon Allied Arts members and children, and $8 for everyone. Tickets are on sale at Blue Heron, Heron’s Nest, www. brownpapertickets.com or at the door. For more information, visit www.vashonalliedarts.org.

Contact Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Arts Editor Elizabeth Shepherd at arts@vashonbeachcomber.com or 206-463-9195.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.