The Puppet Co. presents Pinocchio, the classic story of a wooden puppet’s adventurous quest to become a real, live boy! Directed by Allan Stevens, this production is adapted from Carlo Collodi’s Book by Vera C. Hughes, and is recommended to be enjoyed by children ages five and up.
The action takes place in front of a screen, which changes locations of the setting throughout the show. Designed by Allan Stevens, the illustrated backgrounds look as if they are plucked from a whimsical storybook, and range from the interior of a cozy cottage to inside the jaws of a whale! My favorite setting was one that was drawn to resemble the “Popcorn” shack, a sweet nod to a notable fixture of Glen Echo Park. Stevens also designs the delicately crafted rod puppets, as well as the magnificent Fire Eater costume. This is one busy man! Lighting design by Dan Brooks compliments the changing tones of the plot, and the performers (Christopher Piper, Mayfield Piper, and (again!) Allan Stevens) work together harmoniously.
The production begins as a poor, elderly carpenter named Geppetto surveys a large block of wood, wondering what to make out of it. When he finally decides to make a puppet, the blocks of wood comes to life, and, not too keen on being carved and cut, is chased around the cottage by Geppetto in a fun scene, until he is finally caught and carved into a handsome puppet. However, Pinocchio is not a very polite puppet. He is selfish, and dismisses warnings from a wise cricket, who warns, “Those who will not listen and will not learn will become perfect donkeys.” This is an interesting and rare depiction of Pinocchio, who is usually portrayed as sweetly naive instead of disrespectful and naughty.
Geppetto decides to send Pinocchio to school, where, on the way, he becomes entangled with many different characters. A sneezy Fire Eater (which is really Piper in an elaborate, impressive puppet costume) takes pity on Pinocchio and gives him some money, which is then stolen from a conniving cat and fox. Frustrated and distressed, Pinocchio is visited by the Blue Fairy, who lets it be known that his true wish can be attained through bravery, selflessness, and honesty. Pinocchio does not get off to a great start, as his nose visibly grows inches with every lie he tells. What follows this proclamation is a wild adventure, involving donkeys, magic, brave feats…and more lies. Can Pinocchio prove himself worthy of his wish?
The Puppet Co. is known for favoring traditional, well-loved stories for their productions, and I have yet to see a youngster disappointed. While the audience is usually familiar with these tales, they are also shown a rawer version of them, instead of the sugar-coated versions audiences are accustomed to. This is a wonderful idea, and guarantees that while the children are interested and engaged, they are also shown that there is more than one way to tell a beloved story. I see imagination encouraged and uplifted every time I visit The Puppet Co., and I highly recommend Pinocchio for an afternoon of family fun!
Running Time: 45 minutes, without an intermission.
Pinocchio plays through June 8, 2014 at The Puppet Co. -7300 MacArthur Boulevard, in Glen Echo Park, in Glen Echo, MD. For tickets, call (301) 634-5380, or purchase them online.
