Friday, Novemver 23, through Saturday, December 29
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island IL
An elderly woodcarver, a magical blue fairy, a singing and dancing fox and cat, and a wooden puppet who longs to be a real boy will all grace the stage from November 23 through December 29, as Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse presents show-only and brunch performances of Pinocchio, the holiday family musical based on the classic fairytale.
Set in Italy, Pinocchio tells the beloved tale of a boy-sized puppet built by the caring puppet-maker Geppetto. Knowing of his longing for a son, the Blue Fairy brings Pinocchio to life to reward Geppetto’s remarkably generous spirit. Pinocchio is told by the Blue Fairy that if he always obeys his father, she will turn him into a real boy. The best-laid plans can sometimes go awry, however, and Pinocchio’s boyish longings lead him away from his father and on an adventure like no other. As it takes its title character from the Land of Toys to the belly of a whale, the musical version of Pinocchio brings the classic literary and Disney tale to delightful stage life, resulting in an entertainment the Prince Street Players called “the perfect piece for a theatre with young audiences.”
Directing Pinocchio is longtime Circa '21 veteran Warner Crocker, who recently helmed the venue's hit comedy Mama Won't Fly, and whose other Rock Island productions have included Southern Crossroads, Always a Bridesmaid, and this past summer's musical version of The Bridges of Madison Country. Pinocchio is played by Brennan Hampton, whose previous Circa '21 credits include roles in Freaky Friday, The Music Man, and Elf: The Musical, with Geppetto portrayed by Tom Walljasper, a co-star in the theatre's current Annie who also played the puppet-maker in Circa '21's 1999 presentation of Pinocchio. And joining Hampton and Walljasper are eight additional stage talents: Julian Anderson, Danielle Fattore, Brad Hauskins, Sarah Hayes, Janos Horvath, Deb Kennedy, Brooke Myers, and Michael Penick.
Pinocchio runs November 23 through December 29 with scheduled show-only and brunch performances on Thursdays through Sundays and Tuesdays, with the November 23 brunch featuring a special visit by Santa Claus. Tickets are $10-12 for the show-only stagings and $16-21 for the brunch performances, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visiting Circa21.com.
