Children’s Theatre delights audiences with ‘Pinocchio’

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By Peter Kougias
Hometown Weekly Intern

Last week at the Walpole Footlighters Playhouse, Walpole Children’s Theatre (WCT) presented their production of “Pinocchio.” The classic tale follows the notorious puppet who desires to be a real boy. The production opened on Friday, July 21 to great acclaim from its audience.

Gepetto (played by Riley Mulroy) creates puppets. One day, he surprises himself by constructing a stringless puppet. He names the puppet Pinocchio (Anna McCusker). As Pinocchio ventures out into the world he is guided by a shape shifting fairy (Mia Straccia). From skipping school to performing for the Fire Eater (Tim Rose) and his sidekick clown (Ava Straccia), outsmarting thieves Mr. Fox ( Danielle Panciocco) and Mr. Cat (Emily Tomasetti), and surviving a circus, Pinocchio learns what it is like to be a human being.

Produced by Lisa Cry and Pete McElhinney, the play packs a punch from a fantasy perspective. Amy LaMachia’s extravagant costumes delve into the characters’ dynamics. The fabulous makeup (designed by Patricia Dixon), fantastic sets (designed by Paul MacPhee), light design (Brian Connolly), and sound (Elizabeth Smith and McElhinney) round out the spectacular performance.

WCT is an organization that brings the community together. Their goal is to entertain and educate the youth through artistic expression.

There is a sense of camaraderie from the cast and crew. Anna Hebner (attending Emmanuel College in the fall) addressed her sadness at “Pinocchio” representing her final role with WCT. “I am very grateful that I had the privilege to grow up in such an atmosphere,” she remarked. “I’d like to thank WCT for shaping who I am.”

Director Justin Connelly addressed how fun and exciting the performance is. He enjoys having the audience participate, and was very thankful to the cast and crew for his WCT directorial debut.

Mike McKeon, co-director, expressed delight and pride in the cast. “This cast has great energy and talent since day one,” he mentioned.

For her part, stage manager Jess McNamara appreciated WCT’s goal that encompasses community. “It is great to give back to an organization that gave so much to me,” she said.

“Pinocchio” will be performed at the Walpole Footlighters Playhouse on 2 Scout Road in East Walpole. The production runs Friday at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., finishing on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $8 for children/seniors.