Pinocchio

Gepetto making Pinocchio

The Arden Theatre, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street is presenting Greg Banks’ version of Pinocchio, based on the story by Carlo Collodi. It will be performed on its Arcadia Stage through June 23. If giggles are any meter of a run’s success, this show is destined to be a phenom.  My young granddaughter was absolutely delighted with the performance and it’s hard for me to say what thrilled me more- her reaction or the absolute ingenuity of this production.  Built upon a theatre’s construction site, the audience reacts to a foreman’s requests to go home with demands to see Pinocchio.  A very humorous 10 minute give and take with the audience ensues with construction workers demanding that they be allowed to do their job and the audience waving their programs as proof that they are, indeed, in the right place to see a show. Laughter abounds.  Children plea.  The foreman relents and cajoles his men to “tell the audience the story” and so the familiar tale begins.  All props are items that can be found at a construction site.  Thanks to the excellent efforts of scenic designer Tom Gleeson, costume designer Lauren Perigard, lighting designer Jim Leitner and sound designer Daniel Perelstein everything works.  The special effects astound the kids.There is a question and answer period at the end of each performance when children  have an opportunity to ask cast members questions about the production. They can meet and greet cast members after the show.  If you can find a child to take to this production, grab him and watch his joy.  If not, treat yourself to the last presentation of the 15^th season of The Arden’s Children’s Theatre.  If you have never been to a production of  Arden's  Children's Theatre, you will discover  why it is a real treat.  For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit online at www.ardentheatre.org.