The story of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who wanted to become a real boy, has a place in all our hearts. The Wimberley Players will be bringing John Morley’s adaptation of Pinocchio to Wimberley this fall. The production opens November 19 at the Playhouse.
The play revisits Carlo Collodi’s 19thcentury classic. Gepetto, an Italian woodcarver, creates the marionette to be his substitute son, and a benevolent fairy brings the toy to life. He is not yet human, but he wishes earnestly to become one. He must earn that right by proving he is truthful, brave and unselfish. As we all know, his nose grows longer whenever he tells a lie.

In Morley’s production, Pinocchio is lured away to Funland, where he becomes a donkey. He later goes to a circus and then is rescued from the inside of a whale. Scenes change rapidly from the 1800s to modern-day Italy through clever uses of costumes, sets and masks. Although not technically a musical production, there are lots of songs throughout the play as well as the wizardry of character and time period changes.
“Pinocchio” is directed by Robert FitzGerald, seen most recently in The 1940s Radio Hour. He has served numerous roles in over 60 theatre productions. Producer is SharonDrobeck, Players treasurer when she isn’t working behind the scenes pulling productions together.

Cody Claussen (see PlayMakers story) plays the leading role, mimicking a wooden boy until Pinocchio comes to life. Gepetto is played by Guy Ben-Moshe, seen in Wimberley in Inspecting Carol and Stop the World, I Want to Get Off. Other actors include Jennie LaBuhn, Lareyna Plescher, Arik Yates, Korbin Evans, Kendra Patch, Mattie Patterson, Celeste Coburn, Jason Foreman, TylerNestorek and  James Springer. Playing multiple village parts are Mickey Auden, Jacob Neiswender, Layla Hutchinson, Kimmie Gooding, Sawyer Patterson, Meribeth Patterson, Abby LaBuhn, Hallie Strange, Kelly Bourke, Linda Gooding, Emily Robertson, Terry Bishop, Travis Cooper and Jennifer Lynn Griffin.

Pinocchio is entertainment for all ages. It will run November 19 – December 12. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8:00 pm and Sunday shows are at 2:30. Tickets are $18 except opening night ($25, with a reception at 7:00). They may be purchased online at www.wimberleyplayers.org or by calling (512) 847-0575.