We all know the story: A kindly old woodcarver named Geppetto carves a little-boy puppet out of a slab of wood—who then comes to life. The puppet longs to become a “real boy ” and sets out on a journey to make that dream come true.
Pinocchio dreams of going to school and helping out his father, but he’s distracted by the lure of frivolous entertainment and get-rich-quick schemes. Like many children, he lies to wiggle out of awkward situations, but finds that his nose begins growing as a result. A talking cricket becomes his conscience, warning him about the dangers of irresponsibility. Through a series of mishaps, Pinocchio ultimately learns the value of honesty and altruism.
In Greg Banks’ reimagined version, now being produced by the Conservatory at CVRep as a “theatre for young audiences” production, workers who arrive to paint the walls of an empty theater are surprised to find an audience eagerly awaiting a production of Pinocchio. The workers decide to play along, using their own equipment (paintbrushes, mops, etc.) to act out the tale. The resulting production has all the color, whimsy, energy and humor any kid (or adult who hasn’t lost that child-like sense of wonder) could want.
Jimmy Cuomo’s set is terrific, as always, with scaffolding, a small raised platform for some of the action, and brightly hued dollhouse-like doors and windows. It sets the perfect tone.
The ensemble cast is excellent. Performing in children’s theater requires some specific skills, including strong vocal projection, physical agility, the ability to completely suspend reality, and—most importantly—loads of energy. These actors have it all.
Joseph Kolody is perfect as Pinocchio. Tall and lanky, with rosy cheeks and an extremely animated face, he nails Pinocchio’s mix of wonder, impulsiveness and immaturity. He really makes us believe he’s a puppet made of wood who has a heart of gold underneath it all.
Valley favorite Chuck Yates is spot-on as the good-natured Geppetto. Affectionate and protective, he treats Pinocchio as the son he never had, wishing only the best for him. He’s everybody’s kindly old uncle or grandpa, full of wonderful stories of the past. Yates also has a hilarious, bumbling turn as The Cat, who, along with The Fox (Douglas Scott Sorenson), tries to steal Pinocchio’s gold coins.
Sorenson is just fabulous as the deliciously evil Fox, and like most of the cast, he ably plays multiple roles, including Punch, the Coachman and Old Man. Being able to morph into a totally different character by just putting on a wig or funny hat is another important facet of good children’s theater. Every actor in this production is more than up to the task.
Haley Kooyman also shines in multiple roles, but is particularly memorable as both Fairy and Cricket. With flowing hair made of yarn, a makeshift tutu and a paint-brush wand, she’s the epitome of every child’s vision of a Fairy. Her Cricket is fun and imaginative, with great sound effects.
Rounding out the cast is Joshua Rach as Lampwick, The Showman and Policeman. He’s quite compelling as bad-boy Lampwick, exhibiting top-notch acting skills. The audience is also treated to Rach’s stellar singing voice, in one of the few solo musical numbers in the show.
At the helm here is director Howard Shangraw, who does a superb job of keeping the actors and the story moving. He brings out the best in his cast, and wisely gets the audience itself participating in the show on occasion.
Marian Jacobs deserves special mention for her fun and imaginative costumes.
All in all, it’s a delightful production. I do wonder if, given the short attention span of kids, the play might work better without an intermission. But it works, and is a wonderfully entertaining theatrical experience.
Pinocchio, as mentioned above, is a production of the Conservatory at CVRep. The “pay what you want” ticket policy for these annual shows offers families an opportunity to enjoy a fun, live theatrical experience without worrying about the cost; for many, it’s their first. As long as there is a seat available, no one is turned away.
Though it’s a children’s show, Pinocchio reminds all of us that in the end, telling the truth and caring for others are their own rewards.
Pinocchio, a production of the Conservatory at CVRep, will be performed at 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday; and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, through Saturday, Nov. 15, at the CVRep Playhouse, 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Cathedral City. Tickets are pay-what-you want, with a suggested price of $10 for adults and $5 for children, with sales benefiting the Conservatory at CVRep. The running time is about 105 minutes, with a 10-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, call 760-296-2966, or visit www.cvrep.org.