This Pinocchio isn’t for little kids.

Based very faithfully on Collodi’s allegorical book, this dark, haunting version of Pinocchio blends classic commedia dell’arte, musical theatre and Italian opera to tell the story of Pinocchio as he tries to rescue his father from jail.

A mysterious sorceress named Madrina, in order to teach Pinocchio some very stern lessons, allows Pinocchio to be turned into a donkey, hung until he is dead, and swallowed by a sea monster.  It’s not until Pinocchio learns to sacrifice himself in order to save his father that Madrina pronounces him ready to be a proper boy.

Soaring musical score, hilarious slapstick, timeless story.   But be forewarned:  the original book is very dark, and so is this magical musical.

Cast of 14.

Multiple commedia sets.

Full orchestra or piano.