'Pinocchio and His Father' at LHS

Performances slated for March 17-19 for schools and community

'Pinocchio and His Father' at LHS

'Pinocchio and His Father' at LHS

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Lowry High School's drama and stagecraft magic-makers will present "Pinocchio & His Father" by Will Ledesma.

"Once upon a time, there was... a block of wood," begins the synopsis of the play by Brooklyn Publishers, LLC. "From this most unusual beginning unfolds a whirlwind tale of fantasy and family as young Pinocchio, the most famous puppet of all time, dreams of doing the right things and becoming a real boy. Temptation is never far, and soon the well-meaning puppet is in trouble again. All of your favorite Pinocchio moments are here (as well as a few you may have forgotten about) in this clever, engaging, and refreshingly traditional take on Collodi's masterpiece. Pinocchio and His Father is a touching story of the impertinence of youth, the adventurous spirit of boyhood, and the transforming power of a father's love."

Drama and stagecraft teacher, Corrine James said, "We chose this play because it's such an interesting take on a classic; the addition of The Blue Fairy brings a magical element to the classic Italian story of Pinocchio."

That's one of the things the actors and stagecraft crew like about the play. "It's loony and then some," according to Liam Gallups. Marcos Duran said "Pinocchio and His Father" "is funny, and also touching."

The play has 11 scenes with 16 scene changes and will be a fun challenge for the stagecraft crew and actors to keep things fluid. But Student Carly Bell said they're up to the challenge and their teamwork for the play is working really well.

Another reason for the choice: the play has enough parts for 20 students and even though James said some of the parts are pretty small, they offer the opportunity for students to get stage experience. Stagecraft expands the opportunity for involvement with job titles like: special projects, costume design and production, artist, mastermind, lights, music man, curtains, rocket man, dog, magic maker, stage designer and money maker.

Drama will have to replace its most experienced seniors - Maeve Donnovan, Carly Bell, Robert Stepper, Wyatt Lester and Erik Francis. What are their parting thoughts? Donnovan has a little brother, 16 year-old Mickey, who'll be carrying on her good work in drama. Bell is going to Cuesta College in San Louis Obispo, Calif., to study theater arts. Stepper said he's just concentrating on this play, Lester is going to University of Nevada, Reno and will be taking a theater class, and Erik said although he won't be doing any drama in college, he will be taking the "stage presence" he learned in the class. "It helped me get over my fear of being in front of people." he said, adding how much he loved the class and his classmates.

All performances begin at 7 p.m. in the Lowry High School auditorium; doors open at 6:30 p.m. for seating. Cost of admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Contact Joyce Sheen at j.sheen@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]