Wednesday evening’s rehearsal of “My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale,” had director Richard Spencer on edge.
“Just about bit off more than I could chew,” Spencer said, as he darted about the Bowlus Fine Arts Center auditorium, directing, tacking together props and dealing with worries and concerns that come 48 hours before opening night.
It is mildly organized mayhem on stage:
A girl stretches her snug black tights to a more comfortable fit.
A couple of other girls dance an impromptu jig; anxiety isn’t an emotion always visited on the young.
But like the sun’s soothing warmth on a cold dawn, a dozen sweet voices quickly quiet the chattering cast as they begin to sing the Disney classic, “When You Wish upon a Star.”
“Pinocchio” will unfold Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 and in a matinee Sunday at 2 o’clock at the Bowlus Center, a production sure to delight young and old alike. Tickets for the Iola Community Theatre show are available at Sophisticated Rose or at the Bowlus door the day of the productions at $12 for adults, $8 for students.
TWO OF THE SHOW’S actors stand out in their ICT debuts.
Olivia Bannister plays the Blue Fairy, who grants the puppet maker Geppetto’s wish to turn his creation into a real boy.
In her opening scene she floats to stage in a brilliantly lighted costume, singing “When You Wish upon a Star.” For the rest of the 90-minute production her effervescent talent keeps eyes riveted her way.
Zachary Cokely is less notable only because he doesn’t have as much time in front of the audience.
Those associated with theater like to talk about stage presence and how that defining quality is inherent. Young Cokely has it. As Pinocchio he talks and sings with equal aplomb and has mastered the mannerisms and characteristics that make him believable, first as a puppet and then a little boy, which he is.
Geppetto is played by Cody Cokely, an ICT veteran also as comfortable on stage as he would be hanging with friends, munching pizza and sipping a soft drink.
The Cokelys are brothers and their stage relationship is enhanced by that reality. Geppetto’s love for Pinocchio is made more genuine by their familial ties. When Geppetto pats Pinocchio on the head and strokes his hair it isn’t a contrived piece of stagecraft.
Bryan Johnson, who has delighted local audiences for years in a variety of roles, may have found his best on-stage outlet as Stromboli, a puppet master who covets having Pinocchio under his thumb, and does for a time. Outfitted in a striking red costume and generous locks of flowing black hair, Johnson generates sometimes delightful and sometimes hiss-evoking moments.
Others have roles of varying duration and several play more than one. Eye-catchers are Clara Wicoff, Clarie Moran, Micaiah Larney and Zach St. Clair, all young and all new to the rigors of an ICT production. They adapt well and like what they’re doing.
As always a number of others work behind the scenes to perform a multitude of tasks that make the difference between a ho-hum presentation and a very good one. They are listed in the program and should get their share of audience adulation.
