Kelowna Actor's Studio brings well-loved children's story to the stage

Join Kelowna Actors Studio and World of Yum Magazine February 28 to March 3, 2013 for this family-friendly musical presentation of Disney's classic tale. My Son Pinocchio is a magical mix of heartwarming fairytale and action-packed adventure. Follow Pinocchio's journey from an awkward wooden puppet to a real, live boy and be charmed by Geppetto's transformation from demanding creator to a real, live father

Based upon the classic tale, MY SON PINOCCHIO depicts the famous marionette's adventures from the perspective of his father and creator, Geppetto, who makes a wish on the magical Star for Pinocchio to become a real boy so he may have a son of his own. However, Geppetto quickly discovers that being a father isn't quite what he expected. Overhearing Geppetto's regrets, Pinocchio runs away to become a star in Stromboli's "Musical Extravaganza." Geppetto embarks upon a comical and heartwarming journey to find his son. Featuring "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "I've Got No Strings" from the original Walt Disney Motion Picture "Pinocchio" as well as original songs from composer Stephen Schwartz creator of the smash hit Wicked and Godspell.

Pinocchio will be played by Vuk Prodanovic, a true triple threat performer. Past performances include such shows as Miracle on 34th Street, My Fair Lady, Evita, Annie, South Pacific as well as leads in Children’s Performance Troupe classes including Winnie in Winnie the Pooh Jr. and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid Jr. as well as many more.

Randy Leslie plays toymaker Gepetto. Randy is no stranger to children’s productions as he is the central force behind the implementation of Kelowna Actors Studio’s creative and challenging drama and music programs for children including the Broadway Jr. Series with such shows as Winnie the Pooh Jr., Les Miserables School Edition, Aladdin Jr. and the upcoming student version of RENT. Past roles include Fred Gaily in Miracle on 34th Street, Bob in White Christmas and Max in The Producers to name but a few.

Margaret Gobie, director says the show follows the "Pixar model" by offering messages that appeal to youngsters and grown-ups alike. "It really appeals to all ages," says Gobie. "Parents see it and appreciate the creativity, while kids in the audience love the fact that it's the parent learning the lesson for a change."

You will recognize the Disney Story as well as new plot twists including a machine that cranks out perfect children. And then there's the closing melody, a new song about a parent's visceral love for his (or her) children, which will make even the most stoic parents emotional.

The character of "Pinocchio" dates back to 1883 as a children's novel by Italian author Carlo Collodi about the mischievous adventures of the animated marionette and his poor father, a woodcarver named Geppetto. Considered a classic of children's literature, it has spawned many derivative works of art, such as Disney's 1940 animated movie of the same name.

In recent years, the story of "Pinocchio" was transformed into an original television musical "Geppetto," which premiered on "The Wonderful World of Disney" in 2000, retelling the classic tale of "Pinocchio" from the perspective of his maker and father, Geppetto. Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for this television special. He later collaborated with Musical Theatre International and book writer David Stern to develop the television musical to stage, originally titled GEPPETTO & SON. The production retains many of the same characters from the 1940 Disney film, including the Blue Fairy and the callous puppeteer Stromboli. The show premiered under its former name, Disney's GEPPETTO & SON in 2006.

Composer Stephen Schwartz has contributed music and/or lyrics to GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE BAKER'S WIFE, WORKING (which he also adapted and directed), RAGS, CHILDREN OF EDEN and the current Broadway hit, WICKED. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein's MASS and wrote the title song for the play and movie BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. For children, he has written songs for two musicals, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON PINOCCHIO. For films, he collaborated with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney's "Enchanted" as well as the animated features "Pocahontas" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and wrote the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature "The Prince of Egypt."

The adult actor cast of MY SON PINOCCHIO includes Valeh Ashraf as The Blue Fairy, Brandon Shalanksy as Stromboli, James Long as Buonragrazzo, Mac Mackay as the RIngleader, plus Harmony Taetz, Andrea Sorestad, Marissa Piatelli, Emily Sherwood, Emma Butler, Delphine Litke, Karen Shale, Chelsea Spittle, William Power, Avery Kirk and Marko Prodanovic. Victoria Miller (Annie in Annie) and Kate Hammer (Susan in Miracle on 34th Street) lead our youth ensemble including Taylor Baker, Jaxon Jensen, Shiloh Taetz and Francesca Drummond.

The Artistic Staff for MY SON PINOCCHIO includes: Margaret Gobie (Director), Roslyn Frantz (Music Director), Randy Leslie (Choreographer), Hazel Rodgers & Deanna Hammer (Costume Design), James Long (Lighting Designer), Jordan Leboe (Sound Designer) and Carly Bowering (Stage Manager).