I have been thinking about purchasing an Axtell Turtle Puppet to use in my family shows.
I did a search but there is not too much info here at the Café re: this particular puppet.

I really like the idea of being able to place a few small props in the shell compartment.....

I would appreciate hearing from any performers who use this particular puppet.Feel free to PM if you wish.Thanks.

Best.
Rich

Hi Rich. I love this guy. Jay Johnson (Award winning Broadway show) was given one by Harry Anderson as a gift recently. Pretty cool!

Ax

Thanks Steve.I PM'd you with a question.

Rich

I have the turtle and I love being able to have him go "inside" and come up with some gag or another. There is LOTS of room in the shell, too. The only challenges (both very minor in my opinion) are:

1) The feet compartments are not sealed off, so small items can get lost in the foam filling, and the foam filling can get pulled out as you try to grab something with the turtle's mouth.

2) It can be difficult to grab things with the turtle's mouth. Some things may need special "handles" added to make it easier for the turtle to grab, or magnets along with a magnet in the turtle's nose.

Like I said, neither problem is very big and the turtle gets a GREAT response from the audience before he ever says a single word.

Hi Julian:I purchased the Turtle and he is Great.I agree with all your points.

On mine the two upper legs are sealed and the lower ones are open.However,those spaces may be useful for storing/holding other props at an easy to locate spot.I'll PM you if I come up with something.

I haven't added him to my show yet,but he will be making his debut very soon.

Another AWESOME puppet from Axtell!

Best.
Rich

Very good points guys. I will have the production crew seal off the lower legs of the Turtles from now on, so small props do not get lost in the stuffing below. Thanks for the feedback. Mr. Tucker the turles is one of those favorite characters that gets a great reaction! He's full of opportunities for great ideas once he's in your hands.

We have another wacky character coming out soon which is a "Fried Chicken" puppet. Totally cooked...poor guy. It can be used as a "Roast Turkey" Puppet at Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Ax

Steve, you really are a genius! I'm looking forward to seeing the fried chicken. It reminds me of a Saturday Night Live skit I saw a few years ago...

The Fried Chicken sounds great! I have Henrietta the Hen and could see myself using the Fried Chicken with her as a gag!
Can't wait to see it!

Just got an e-mail from Betsy that my son's turtle is on the way (He's using the $ from his 3rd place finish in the Axtell contest). Can't wait to see him. We've got the character bio developed, and about 4 minutes of material written for him, complete with a magic trick to end the set. Christmas is coming earlier this year...

Ken

Hi Ken:What a great choice your son made to spend his winnings on.This puppet is excellent.He's going to love it!

Rich

The Turtle is the puppet that I use most often in my shows. It is a really easy sell for adult shows too during which the first ten secons are so important.

Pulling out (as I do ) this 'shell' with arms, legs but no head always gets a laugh at the corporates. When his head comes out it looks so funny half the battle is over. It's always great to have a puppet that looks funny and can get a reaction before any of thelines. Ax are terrific at designing stuff for this very purpose.

I have to admit to not having had him reach down and bring things out of his shell (except for a crushed can of beer once) that much. The very idea that the head goes in and out seems to be funny enough on it's own. I occasionaly have him go down there to check on stuff. This seems to resonate as wel aspulling anything out.

It's a very nicely built, robust puppet. Very professional, special and serious. It's the real deal.

I might get another one

D

Congratulations to your son Ken

Happy Holidays indeed

I'm goin way off base here and I hope Steve 'The Axe' doesn't put a hit on me...BUT


The Turtle has always been my favorite and it has an attribute which I think could be exploited to a great length IF somebody can figure out how to program some very small christmas lights. When I look at the AX Turtle I see that expansive underside, perfect for an 'Eat at Joes' advertisemnt...BUT just think if you could figure a way to have a Fireworks show (using the lights) go off for a finale. I know...dumb as a stump...just seems a shame to waste that glorius space! (You think I might be an old time adman? Uh yep.)

I know where you're heading and the answer is no....I aint putting 'Higley's Midnight in the Dark Museum' on my turtle shell!

;)

Billy James wrote:"I know where you're heading and the answer is no....I aint putting 'Higley's Midnight in the Dark Museum' on my turtle shell!"

;)
[/quote]

:lol:

No not a real ad!!! haha. (Unless you're doing a Grand Opening.

geesh.

I finally ordered a Turtle from Steve

Ad space for rent

You're going to love him Wanlu...let's us know how he fits in the show.

Ken

Hi Ken,

I'm expecting him not earlier than 2-3 weeks Im quite certain that I will like the turtle.

Thanks and yes Ill let everybody know how he fits in the act

Wanlu

For those interested I have an axtell turtle for sale in the for sale area. He has only been used a couple of times and is in brand new condition. I rarely use puppets - except for RK Possum! in my shows. Go take a look if you are interested - it does get great reactions I just won't be using him anytime in the near future!

Have a great day!
Chad