Theatre Review
Eleanor Pearson 30 September 2016 From Wooden Puppet to Real Boy:
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More than 130 years later Marian Street Theatre for Young People’s (M.S.T.Y.P.) version of the classic moral tale has children laughing, jumping up, and fearlessly interjecting.
When poor, but kindly wood carver Geppetto wishes he had a son to keep him company, a block of wood magically transforms into a walking, talking marionette - without strings. In order to become “a real live boy” the puppet Pinocchio must first prove his honesty, and bravery. The magic of theatre is well and truly alive in this M.S.T.Y.P. production.
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Pinocchio
Simon Greer’s set is adorned with twinkling fairy lights, and has a screen which allows dramatic silhouette shadows to be cast. There are also fun entrances via a trapdoor, and live music throughout the performance.
Terry Ryan’s adaptation begins with Bello Grillo (Mikey Nastov), the talking cricket, as narrator, addressing the audience, and a whimsical, aging Geppetto (Cian Connolly) wishing for a son.
Terry Ryan’s adaptation begins with Bello Grillo (Mikey Nastov), the talking cricket, as narrator, addressing the audience, and a whimsical, aging Geppetto (Cian Connolly) wishing for a son.
Bello Grillo continues as narrator and Pinocchio’s conscience throughout the play, a crucial continuity factor as Pinocchio is led and misled on his adventures by a motley cast of characters.
The energy of this production is particularly felt through the character of Pinocchio (Finn Woodward).
The energy of this production is particularly felt through the character of Pinocchio (Finn Woodward).
With the entrance of seedy Ferdi the Fox and Carla the Cat (Emiline Barnett and Lucy Firth), some younger audience members shuffled uncomfortably in their seats. But these two villains proceeded to entertain with their banter extolling the virtues of the “school of hard knocks”, and devious means of earning one’s crust, complete with a hip-hop dance.
The children’s audience was later thrilled by the entrance of the Blue Fairy (Anna Chandler) whose dainty ballet moves were interposed by athletic stretching exercises, and the odd stage trip. |
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In Act Two the pace picked up a level. There were energetic big song and dance numbers, and my four year-old son was heard to cry out, “Here come all the kids!” when the ensemble cast ran down the aisles to centre stage for a song. Not long afterwards these wayward young characters (including the easily-led Pinocchio) were all shipped off to the notorious Pleasure Island.
After playing carelessly for five months Pinocchio and his naughty friend, Lampwick (Amy Alexander), face the consequences of their actions on Pleasure Island. The wicked coachman (played with menacing zeal by Grace Mutch) reveals his true intentions, and Pinocchio is sold to a circus.
The big-top scene is one of the most colourful and entertaining in the production. In this scene the nefarious ringmaster Fire Eater (Jessica Luck) lords over a collection of quirky misfit circus performers.
Special mention should also be made of Sarah Chelkowski’s bright and funky costumes. Bello Grillo's outfit was particularly innovative.
Pinocchio plays until October 8, 2016
Special mention should also be made of Sarah Chelkowski’s bright and funky costumes. Bello Grillo's outfit was particularly innovative.
Pinocchio plays until October 8, 2016
The Knox Business Studies Centre Auditorium,
Season: 26 September - 8 October Address: 7 Woodville Ave, Wahroonga NSW 2076 (between Borambil St and Woodville Ave) |
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