Pinocchio now Onstage!

Repertory Philippines presents their theatrical production for young audiences this year with the story of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet that comes to life with the help of the Blue Fairy and who dreams of becoming a real boy someday.

Last week, we had the chance to experienced Pinocchio all over again. My kids especially bebe IC enjoyed the show. Kids will learn how to sing and say 'Buon Giorno!', like my kiddos. The casts are really amazing especially the boy who played Pinocchio. Bravo!!

 

Originally written as a serial in 1881, Le avventure di Pinocchio (The Adventures of Pinocchio), its popularity was given a boost when Walt Disney made it into a popular 1940 animated film. The story has been filmed many other times, including a 2002 live-action version starring 50-year-old Oscar-winner Roberto Benigni as Pinocchio. 

The contemporary celebration of Pinocchio has been newly adapted for today’s young audiences in this award-winning musical based on the Book by Carlo Collodi, Adaptation and Lyrics by Jim Eiler; and Music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy. 

Set in Italy, this version tells the beloved tale of Pinocchio, a boy-sized puppet built by the caring puppet maker, Geppetto. Knowing of his longing for a son, the Blue Fairy brings Pinocchio to life as a reward for Geppetto's remarkably generous spirit. Pinocchio is told by the Blue Fairy that if he always obeys his father, she will turn him into a real boy. But the best laid plans can sometimes go awry and Pinocchio's boyish longings lead him away from his father and on an adventure unlike any other. From the Land of The Toys to the belly of a whale, Pinocchio learns that no love is greater than that of a parent for a child.

According to Joy Virata, Children's Theater Artistic Director, six different children will be playing the lead role. “I have had the pleasure of using the incredible talent of acting and singing coach Baby Barredo to whom I entrusted the task of training six young actors who lay the part of Pinocchio. Why six? Because sometimes we have multiple shows on weekdays and weekends and the role of Pinocchio is taxing both physically and mentally and has to be shared,” she said.

Theater veterans who are part of the cast also share the challenge and passion they put in when it comes to doing theater for young audiences as opposed to doing adult plays. According to the casts it's a gift to know that you can touch young lives and they're creating new audiences for theater and they love theater, they love the challenge of doing it. Repertory Philippines actress Liesl Batucan (who plays the blue fairy) said she considers acting for children a big responsibility. “I think the joy of children's theater as an actor is that you have a huge responsibility also as an actor because these are young minds that you are helping to shape so these are going to be the adults of the future so they are really the hope of the future. If we can in our own little way for those two hours impart some important values in a way that they are enjoying it and in a way hat they don't even know it. That's the best way to learn, you don't even know it, it's subconscious, they've innately absorbed all of the lessons,” she explained during the Pinocchio press preview.

Watch Repertory Philippines children's musical Pinocchio as it runs from August 16 to December 14 at the Onstage theater at Greenbelt 1, Makati City. For tickets, contact the Repertory Philippines office at 843-3570, (02) 555-0082, (02) 451-1474, (02) 584-8458 and (02) 451-1796; or log on to: www.repertoryphilippines.com. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at (02) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph