Culture
ABC Players Promise Family Fun with “Pinocchio,” No Strings Attached
< < Back toOn this edition of Conversations from Studio B, members of the ABC Players discuss this weekend’s production of Disney’s My Son, Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale, opening Oct. 15 at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville.
In the show, Geppetto, a toy maker, longs for a child and imagines what it would be like to partner with a son in his toy shop business. His wish is partially granted when Pinocchio, one of his marionettes, is given the ability to move and speak even without a marionettist controlling him.
But life with Pinocchio is not at all like Geppetto’s dream, and the two have to share some difficult times before Geppetto comes to realize what parenting requires and before Pinocchio learns courage, honesty and unselfishness and becomes a real boy.
The script by David I. Stern includes the songs “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings” from the classic Disney movie, as well as a host of new music by Stephen Schwartz, who is responsible for the songs in Godspell, Pippin, Wicked, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt and Enchanted.
My Son, Pinocchio is directed by Matthew Johnson, who starred as Donkey in last season’s ABC Players production of Shrek the Musical. Choreography is by Jennifer Fritchley (Fiona in Shrek), assisted by Marissa Dienstag.
The role of Geppetto is played by Joe Asente, Pinocchio is played by Allyriane Huq and Marissa Dienstag is the Blue Fairy. Other key members of the cast include four “fairies in training” (Grace Chambers, Annie Haseley, Elena Johnson and Riley Maffin); Stromboli, played by Jeremy Hayes; Lee Carter as Professor Buonragazzo; and Tanner Sebastian as the Ringleader of the bad kids on Pleasure Island.
Other key members of the cast include four “fairies in training” (Grace Chambers, Annie Haseley, Elena Johnson, and Riley Maffin); Stromboli, played by Jeremy Hayes; Lee Carter as Professor Buonragazzo; and Tanner Sebastian as the Ringleader of the bad kids on Pleasure Island.
The principals are supported by a large ensemble cast playing multiple roles, including Sylvia Abbott, Richard Bagley, John Baker, Joe Balding, Orion Carter, Ethan Cooper, Brandi Kisor, Adeel Koshal, Sydney Lewis, Tatum L’Heureux, William Morosko, Mackenzie Perry, Lily Porter, Rita Preston, Jordan Profitt, Kaela Ricket, Alexa Ross, Sandy Russell and Becca Swanson.
My Son, Pinocchio is sponsored by Hocking Valley Bank. There will be five performances: Oct. 15, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m., with matinees on Oct. 17 and 18 at 2 p.m.
Tickets for reserved seats are available from the Stuart’s Opera House ticket office by calling 740-753-1924 or visiting stuartsoperahouse.org. Adult advance tickets are $10 and student tickets are $7. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $12, $7 for students.
