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PHOTO COURTESY OF TACOMA CHILDREN’S MUSICAL THEATER

ALMOST REAL. Bellarmine freshman Henry Nettleton plays Pinocchio and Lucas Blum plays Geppetto in the Tacoma Children’s Musical Theater production of “Pinocchio. ” The final two performances of the show are scheduled for Father’s Day weekend.

‘Pinocchio’ a lively and heartfelt Father’s Day delight

By Meghan Erkkinen

Most every child can relate to the plight of poor Pinocchio, the good-natured puppet who does his best to obey his father, but sometimes steers off course. And most every parent can relate to Geppetto, Pinocchio’s loving, protective father who will do most anything to secure the well being of his almost-boy.

The two characters come together for the lively and heartfelt Tacoma Children’s Musical Theater (TCMT) performance of “Pinocchio” – just in time for Father’s Day.

The story is the same old familiar tale of the wooden puppet who wants more than anything to become a real boy. He is transformed to life by the sparkly, gentle Blue Fairy, who takes pity on aging Geppetto, who has always desired a son.

From the beginning, Pinocchio strives to be a good and obedient almost-real boy but, as many good boys do, he is knocked off course by two mischievous schoolmates, Candlewick and Gino, who convince him to skip school and follow them to Toyland instead.

And that is when things start to go horribly wrong for Pinocchio. Meanwhile, when his Pinocchio does not return home from school that day, Geppetto begins to travel from town to town in search of his adopted son.

TCMT’s performance of “Pinocchio” is an all-around excellent show, with entertaining actors, delightful costumes and sets, and memorable music. The show is engaging for parents and children alike, who will become involved through the interactive narration and the loveable, charming characters.

The show is narrated by Antonio (Chris Serface), the village carpenter, who does an effective job laying out the story – and reiterating the play’s morals – for even the smallest audiences. He garners a few giggles, too, with his robust Italian accent and his lively storytelling.

Actor Lucas Blum is an effective devoted, caring father as Geppetto. His concern and fatherly affection is convincing, and his ceaseless search for his lost son will tug at your heartstrings.

Pinocchio is played by Bellarmine freshman Henry Nettleton, who plays the wooden puppet with such youthful innocence and naiveté you might believe the actor himself was only brought to life yesterday. His wooden clumsiness is both endearing and humorous.

Two other notable performances are those of Steve Barnett and Paul Morgan, who play the puckish street urchins, Candlewick and Gino. The two thrive on their wild antics and boisterous personas to achieve comedy and delightful entertainment.

Other characters include the wise and caring housekeeper, Angelina (Kae Blum), the clever Fox (Andrew Fry) and the wicked Cat (Heather Malroy), the glittering, gliding Blue Fairy (Sarah Samuelson) and an adorable youth ensemble.

The show is masterfully directed by Maria Valenzuela and the music is directed and arranged by Frank Lewis, Bellarmine’s music department chair.

“Pinocchio” is TCMT’s third and final show of the season and has only two more shows scheduled, on June 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.tmp.org or call (253) 565-6867.

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