Winni Playhouse stages ‘The Commedia Pinocchio: An A Capella Musical’

MEREDITH — The stage of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse will be transformed into an Italian village square when the children’s musical, "The Commedia Pinocchio: An A Capella Musical" is presented on Oct. 17 and 24-25. The playhouse’s Professional Theatre for Young Audiences program is now in its fourth year, once again providing a high-quality production of a beloved children’s story for audiences of all ages.

In this charming musical, a troupe of classic Italian commedia sell’arte performers descends upon a village square, armed with only a trunk full of rudimentary costumes and props. Imagination takes flight as they begin to tell the tale of the woodcarver Geppetto, the wise cricket, the naughty boys who transform into donkeys, and all of the adventures you expect from the story of a special puppet who yearns to be a real boy.

The musical is suitable for a family audience of all ages as younger children will be captivated by the familiar characters in the Pinocchio story while older children and adults will appreciate the inventiveness of the traveling commedia troupe. Developed in Italy during the 1500s, commedia dell’arte became one of Europe’s most influential theatrical traditions. Professional companies traveled from place to place performing for audiences in public squares, marketplaces, courts, and theaters. They didn’t need elaborate scenery to create a world. With masks, costumes, props, music, physical comedy, and a great deal of imagination, a company of actors could turn almost anywhere into a stage.

“Commedia dell’arte embraces silliness. It embraces the clown, the ridiculous, the unexpected, and the wonderful possibility that something might go completely wrong. It invites actors to play with one another and, just as importantly, to play with the audience," said Director Cory Lawson. "There is no fourth wall here. Nothing is hidden. We share the magic with you and invite you in on the joke.”

The production welcomes back Robert Hooghkirk and Grace Gilbert, who were featured in last year’s production of "Winnie-the-Pooh." They are joined by Emmie Shoemake Wright, Gio Coppola, and Robert Sharkey who are all making their playhouse debuts. Miles Messier is the music director and Margaret Fair provides the choreography.

Performances will take place on Oct. 17 and 24 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are available online at winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org or at 603-279-0333.