Insider Spotlight
The production will run on Oct. 9, 10 and 11 at the Activity Center on the second floor of Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City, combining music, choreography, colorful costumes and theatrical spectacle with the story's enduring lessons about honesty, courage and responsibility.
Why it matters
The adaptation aims to make Pinocchio's themes relevant to today's young audiences, presenting the character's journey as one shaped not simply by his desire to become human, but by the choices, integrity and compassion that ultimately define him.
Seasoned musical theater artist Sweet Samaniego Buchanan directs the production and also appears as the Blue Fairy. Pipo Cifra serves as musical arranger.
Who's on stage
Brie Mosquito leads the cast as Pinocchio, alongside Red Nuestro as Geppetto, Sheila Gamo as Angelina, Bhen Espina as Antonio and Nazer Salcedo as the coachman. Dusty Suarez takes on multiple roles as the coachman, Geppetto and one of the town's people.
The cast also includes Althea Ruedas, Sofia Gabrielle Magno, Jay Paulo Danganan, Paulo Esteva, Ed Vincent Bonoan, Vinz Cantillo, Sofia Yzabel Mallares, Erika Mae Salas and Joahnah Marie Sevilla.
The bigger picture
Ephesus Teatron is also using the production to provide opportunities for emerging performers. Michelle Ann Lacorte serves as understudy for Angelina, while Jethro Leone Ting understudies Pinocchio. An ensemble of young artists will portray fairies, toys and townspeople.
The theater group sees its productions as vehicles for education, inspiration and community building, with Pinocchio designed to entertain while encouraging audiences to reflect on honesty, responsibility, resilience and compassion. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Ticket reservations and inquiries may be made through Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. at 0945-991-1840.
