In the newly re-imagined Pinocchio, the House Theatre has done what it does best: bring out a childhood favorite and give it a fabulous makeover. Directed by Company Member Chris Mathews, Carlo Collodi’s classic tale is taken on a wild ride (adapted for the stage by Joseph Steakley and Ben Lobpries). The House’s Pinocchio is decidedly different from the one we grew up with: he’s bookish, has photographic memory, a penchant for grammar, and a razor-sharp wit that often comes in handy. But he’s made of wood, and he is not like everyone else in that little town, so his gloomy Papa Geppetto (Molly Brennan) becomes fiercely protective of him. Nevertheless, Pinocchio is a clever little wooden boy; he’ll find a way out of the house and into the world full of wonder. Armed with wit, book smarts and hunger for musicals, he sets out to explore the world outside of the house windows. But he soon finds that the real world is filled with mean school children and close-minded townspeople. In fact, this town happens to be an oppressive place, fearfully intolerant of anyone different and anything that they cannot understand. Thus, Pinocchio, much like his unusual Papa, is persecuted and forced out, or at least attempted to.
Animating and voicing Pinocchio-the-puppet is a very talented UK-born guest artist Sean Garratt. Garrett’s Pinocchio is emotional and lively, the two of them soon practically fuse into one and the same. They move seamlessly about the stage, occasionally helped by the cast members, mostly when more complex movements, such as running or dancing, are involved. As nearly always the case with House’s high energy productions, Pinocchio requires carefully executed stage choreography; the flow of movement here is effortless (choreographer Kasey Foster).
Other amusing characters in the play include mean-spirited schoolchildren Kitty (Carley Cornelius) and Dingo (Omer Abbas Salem), who let their teenage frustrations out on poor unsuspecting Pinocchio; dyslexic and goofy town deputy Doohickey, played by Kevin Stangler, and a very proper schoolteacher Miss Penny (wonderfully played by the Company Member Christine Mayland Perkins). There’s always live music on stage, whether just a simple banjo sound accent, or a full-on musical number, performed by Mike Mazzocca and Tina Munoz Pandya (music by Matthew Muniz).
Witty writing makes use of the language nuances, so the audience gets numerous lessons in grammar and vocabulary, but most importantly, Pinocchio teaches us all a lesson on kindness, tolerance, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Through May 19th at Chopin Theatre - https://www.thehousetheatre.com/.
Frolicking season is upon us once again and Joffrey Ballet welcomes summer with the return of Alexander Ekman’s “Midsummer Night’s…
As the audience takes its seats we are greeted by an atmosphere of foreboding, a trestle bridge girder to the…
Director Chuck Smith returns to Goodman with another major August Wilson revival–“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”. This is the second…
Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce that individual tickets for the world premiere of the first ever touring production…
Full cast and crew have been announced for BrightSide Theatre's upcoming production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the rock opera that…
Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and reimagined opera, closes its 50th Anniversary season presenting the final performances of…
Tim Rhoze, Artistic Director of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, has announced the company's 2024 season of four productions. The season will open with…
David Williamson, regarded as one of the top magicians in the world today, makes his Rhapsody Theater debut with Ridiculous! Known for his tours…
Curious Theatre Branch is pleased to announce the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, May 25 - June 30 at six venues across Chicago. The…
It’s often said that in the workplace you should refrain from talking about politics and religion; too personal, too easy…
BALLET 5:8 is a female - and minority-led ballet company resident at Harris Theatre in Millenium Park. Under the leadership…
When life’s chaos is full of impossible choices, how are we possibly meant to move forward? Brooklyn Laundry is about…
I would absolutely bomb out of jury selection cos I have a very definite bias: I’ve been a fan(atic) of…
You got trouble, my friends, if you’re going to put on Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. If you’re going to…
This year's Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 65th-anniversary engagement at Chicago's historic Auditorium Theatre held particular importance as it marked…
For the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit…
Chicago’s National Landmark Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly announces its 2024-25 performance season presenting a vibrant mix of…
Chicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be…
If you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin:…
Jackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast…
Born and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, will celebrate the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend by…
The Player (Lorenze Rush Jr) has just run into Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with his troupe of players. As he explains…
Those were my first words when I left the performance of COCK to David Zak, producer and resident wizard of…
If you’re a magic enthusiast, Joshua Jay’s captivating new show, Look Closer, is currently enchanting audiences at the Rhapsody Theater. But even…
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Sometimes you want to be surrounded by people to experience the…
About Face Theatre announces casting for the Midwest Premiere production of Lavender Men by Roger Q. Mason, directed by Lucky Stiff, running May 9 -June 8,…
The Artistic Home Studio will present the 2024 edition of its CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one act…
Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 22nd season with the world premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical, an…
Author Percival Everett is having his moment, and Exile in Bookville gave us a chance to meet him up close…
Physical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the complete lineup for its 11th anniversary celebration, July 13 - 21. The Festival begins…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.