My Son Pinocchio Jr. opens at Grace Tipling Hall this week

November 22, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By MARNI WALSH

The classic tale of a toymaker’s little wooden puppet coming to life will open at Grace Tipling Hall this week. LP Stage Productions’ My Son Pinocchio Jr. features a ream of local kids all ready to sing and dance their hearts out in this heart warming script by Disney.

LP Stage Production’s director Alison Port says, “This version focuses on Geppetto’s journey beyond the toy shop to discover the true meaning of family.” What better theme as we begin the Christmas season?

The cast ranges in age from 7- 15 years old with Shelburne’s Brody Ireton perfectly cast for the lead role of Geppetto. At 15, Brody is literally growing up in LP Stage Productions, and has participated both on stage and off. Brody has learned the ropes over the years and earned his role as the loveable toy maker. Brody is a student at Centre Dufferin District High School, and is well known around Shelburne for his excellent work as a photographer for Troupe-Adore and community events. Those who follow LP Stage Productions’ shows at Grace Tipling will remember his stellar performance as “Pumba” in The Lion King.

As can be imagined, the sets and props for Pinocchio have been a challenge for the LP Stage team of Dale Lundy and Jason Riedel, who must see the little wooden boy travel far and wide from the toy shop to the belly of a whale. Alison Port says because of this, they are working with a simple, but double-sided set. Performers are utilized as the Professor’s “perfect child machine” instead of building a set piece, with each child acting out an individual piece to make the machine function. LP Stage Productions is known for its creative solutions to difficult challenges and there is no doubt that set designer Dale Lundy will have a few tricks up his sleeve to amaze the audience.

All the new music for My Son Pinocchio was composed by Stephen Schwartz, who is famous for the Broadway shows Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. Kristen Gamache is the musical director for the show, as well as the choreographer. Audiences will recognize Disney’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings” in addition to Schwartz’s score.

With a theme of unconditional love, Geppetto’s wish to have a son, quickly teaches him that being a parent is full of challenges. His desire to make his Pinocchio the perfect boy, nearly leads to disaster. It is in the end, that Geppetto learns the true joy of being a father when he is faced with never seeing his son again.

See My Son Pinocchio Jr. running November 23rd to December 2nd at Grace Tipling Hall at the corner of Main and Victoria Streets in Shelburne. Ticket prices are $18.00 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Call the box office at 519-925-2600, ext.0, or order on line at Eventbrite. Cash only tickets will be available at door.