Repertory Philippines did it again by bringing to life the lovable wooden puppet Pinocchio! It was a night of fun, learning, and tears as each member of the cast delivers wonderful performances. The play started with the narrator Antonio who had kids participate in locating Italy in a huge map and also teaching them a few Italian phrases like “Bon Giorno!”
Behind the awesome cast is an awesome set design that spreads an Italian feel inside the theater, I can almost smell the delicious aroma of pizza and pasta. The costume was not lost either, they all are perfect for the play. I was hoping for a theme, just like last year’s Alice in Wonderland where they had an origami theme. Nevertheless, it was still child-friendly and lively.
Pinocchio is to be played by six adorable kids, and two of them were cute little girls Albert Silos, Noel Comia, Daniel Drilon, Guido Gatmaytan, Sofie Wong and Andee Achacoso. The kids were fun to watch during the interview, their passion for theater acting, and professionalism is already evident at a very young age. I wish I could see them all perform, I only was able to watch Noel Comia perform and he was very good. I’d like to see how the girls take on a little boy’s role, especially Andee Achacoso. She is such a charming little girl.
You won’t find Jiminy Cricket anywhere on the stage as the play is based on the original Originally written by Carlo Collodi as a serial in 1881, Le avventure di Pinocchio (The Adventures of Pinocchio), it has been one of the most famous stories in children’s literature and one of the most adapted. This more current adaptation is by Jim Eiler with music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy for the Prince Street Players, Ltd. Jiminy Cricket was added and popularized when Disney created an animated adaptation of the book.
Pinocchio had a lot of fun moments, and everyone’s favorite was the scenes with Signore Volpone and Signore Gatto, the fox and the cat. They had great choreography and timing. The story isn’t just all fun and laughter, it also has a lot of heart warming scenes and lessons to be learned. “Never trust people who promise to make you rich in a day. They are generally crazy swindlers.” Timeless lessons that applies to everyone, no matter what age. “Woe to the lazy man! Laziness is an evil disease which you must not let seize you in childhood, for when you grow up it cannot be cured.” The most important lesson of all – Stay in School!!!
Overall, Pinocchio is a must see, it only runs until December 14 this year. The last time Repertory did Pinocchio was in 1996 and 2004. It has all the elements that every kid and parents would love. A perfect bonding moment for the whole family. Fun, Family, and Life Lessons.
PINOCCHIO is set to open on August 16, 2014 at the Onstage Theater, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City. The show runs until December 14, 2014.
For details of show, please call tel. nos. 843-3570 and 451-1474 or email shows@repertoryphilippines.com or log on to www.repertoryphilippines.com
Connect to Repertory Philippines online through the following social media networks:
Facebook: Facebook.com/repertoryphilippines
Twitter: @repphils
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YouTube: YouTube.com/repphils
Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph
