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Theatre Review: Pinocchio

This ‘Pinocchio’, as written by John Martin and Deirdre Quinn, is a comical, fun mash-up of the original story by Carlo Collodi and the Walt Disney film version.

 

l to r: Steve Popowski (Geppetto), Deirdre Quinn (Foulfeather), Cherylene O'Brien (Pinocchio), Paul Trueack (Stromboli)

l to r: Steve Popowski (Geppetto), Deirdre Quinn (Foulfeather), Cherylene O’Brien (Pinocchio), Paul Trueack (Stromboli)

Presented by Upstage Theatre Company
Reviewed 11 July 2015

The first things this reviewer noticed when walking into the venue where Upstage were about to perform their version of Pinocchio, was that it was going to take place on the hall floor (not a stage) and that the ‘littlies’ were sitting on rugs up front on the floor. This is ideal for two reasons: the littlies don’t have trouble seeing over adult heads; and they are right up where the action is going to be, making the whole theatre going experience quite exiting and memorable for them. A huge tick for Upstage Theatre Company – they think things through with their potential audience clearly in mind.

This Pinocchio, as written by the company’s founders, John Martin and Deirdre Quinn, is a mash-up of the original story by Carlo Collodi and the Walt Disney film version. This one, however, is fun (this reviewer finds the other two versions way too dark) – with catchy song and dance numbers, bad puns, Abbott and Costello routines, theatrical in-jokes, and plenty of excuses for the audience to cheer, boo and make the obligatory noises required in a pantomime.

The star of this show, both character-wise and performance-wise is Cherylene O’Brien as Pinocchio. O’Brien is just simply brilliant. Her preciseness in the way she moves as a puppet shows off her obvious dance training and skill, and she has perfect control over the young audience. O’Brien succeeds at the difficult task of making what is basically a ‘naughty boy’ character into something very likable.

Deirdre Quinn slinks around beautifully as Vixen Worthington Foulfeather and looks great in Violet Rowe’s very ‘fitting’ costumes; with Steve Popowski and A J McLean looking and sounding as if they have just stepped out of the Dolmio commercial as the very funny Mr and Mrs Geppetto (yes, there’s female equality in this version).

As Fiagro the Cricket (nice way of getting around Disney copyright), Paul Danger McLean comes across a little lethargic at times, but has a singing voice we could hear a lot more of. Shelly Pontiac does a very nice job as The Blue Fairy; while Paul Trueack (Stromboli/Captain Monstro) and Caetlyn McLean (Lion/Mermaid) do well. Although Trueack seems to get a little breathy with his fast paced songs, and Caetlyn needs to raise her speaking voice slightly.

Martin has directed a lovely, fun piece of affordable, pure enjoyment for the whole family. So don’t let any strings tie you down – go take the family to see Pinocchio.

Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods

Venue: Club Marion, Sturt Road, Marion
Season: 14 July 2015 (2 shows – 11am and 2pm)
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: $8 per person
Bookings: Phone 82968444

http://upstagetheatre.com/shows/current-shows/pinocchio/

 

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