Wazzup Pilipinas!
In celebration of its 22 years of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages, Repertory Philippines Theater for Young Audiences proudly announces a richly imaginative offering with the staging of
“PINOCCHIO” - the story of a familiar wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy whose nose grew when he told a lie.
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 leads 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.
Ms. Joy Virata, artistic director of Repertory Philippines Therater for Young Audiences will direct PINOCCHIO. This marks her third time to direct this musical since it was produced in 1996 and 2004 respectively.