Musical rewrite of Pinocchio in Bigfork
The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater will hold five performances of “Pinocchio — No Strings Attached,” the musical version of the classic tale, at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts beginning Friday night.
Shows are set for Jan. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee finale Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and are available for just $7 if purchased on Thursday (Jan. 19) between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Regular price tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students and $8 for children under 10, and are available one hour before each show.
In this family-friendly show, everyone’s favorite knothead gets a makeover in a musical adaptation of the talking puppet who gets into all kinds of trouble before learning what it truly means to be human. When Carl, a young boy, wants to run away from home, he applies for a job with the mysterious Professor Pinecone and his traveling magical marionette puppet show. He quickly discovers, however, that the position comes with all kinds of “strings attached.” Carl becomes Pinocchio and improvises his way through the story, meeting some familiar characters — including a cricket with an attitude, the devious fox and cat, and the Blues Fairy. After a string of poor choices (which makes his nose grow and ultimately leads him to make a donkey of himself), he finally does something good for a change by saving Geppetto from the mouth of a giant shark. With a variety of modern musical styles including hip-hop, gypsy swing, bluegrass and rock and roll — and a surprise ending — this is a truly unique take on an old favorite.
The show stars Aiden Harker (Pinocchio), Hailee Elwell (Madame Azure), Brogan Lancaster (Professor), Tyler Venegas (Geppetto) and Dylynne Cosand (Cricket).
The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater reaches more than 5,000 children each year through performance participation, workshops, dance and audience opportunities. The group is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. More information is available at www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com or by calling 406-837-4886.