February 2002

Original Choreography by:
Alexei Kremnev

Lighting Design: Christi Saddler
Settings: Duane C. Orlemann
     Stewart Wheaton
Costumes: Dean Walz
Wigs: Kelly Yurko
Stage Manager: Irene Narusevich
Photographer: Sandy Underwood

Once upon a time there was this log. A Magic Log. Antonio has found it and gives it to Geppetto to make into a puppet that can dance and turn somersaults. Geppetto names the puppet Pinocchio who gets into a lot of mischief. Because they are very poor, Geppetto sells his coat to buy a book so Pinocchio can go to school.

In the mean time, Pinocchio meets the Cricket and with the book in hand sets off for school but never makes it. The lure of the theatre causes him to sell his book for theatre tickets where he gets into trouble with Magafoka, the theatre owner, who catches him and wants to use him for firewood. But Pinocchio has a secret about a painted fireplace and Magafoka pays money to learn the secret. The Cat and the Fox overhear and tell Pinocchio about a magic field where money grows on trees — the Field of Fools. Pinocchio plants his coins, but they take the money and throw Pinocchio into the ocean.

In the ocean Pinocchio meets a Turtle who gives him a Golden Key. Pinocchio goes back with his Golden Key, sees a Tavern where all are having a feast. Pinocchio hides and scares Magafoka into telling him where to find the Magic Door. Pinocchio and his friends go back to his home and unlock the door where they find a child's dream of fantasy come true.