Act 3 Children’s Theatre Presents “Pinocchio!”

From left: Jenny Ammon as Pinocchio and Mary Cate Bruno as the Blue Fairy. Photo by Jabari C. Williams.

Get ready to embark on a wonderful journey as we follow Pinocchio and friends on an adventure filled with magic, surprises, and of course, valuable life lessons, as DeSales University’s Act 3 Children’s Theatre proudly presents “Pinocchio!” adapted by DeSales alumna Megan Diehl.

This one-hour children’s performance opens Thursday, March 14, and runs until Saturday, April 13.

Act 3 is the capstone project for the senior theatre class. During their spring semester, the seniors are tasked to emulate the artistic and administrative roles of a professional theatre company. In addition to performing in the show, the senior class immerses themselves into various production responsibilities.

“‘Pinocchio!’ presents to us a world that encourages kindness, that permits joy to be the primary motivator for action and change; if there’s one thing the world is craving: it’s fun,” said Giovanni Marini, a musical theatre major and the director of “Pinocchio!” “Our production is inspired by cultural markings and artistic history. Cultivated using the bold exuberance of commedia dell’arte, this adaptation of ‘Pinocchio!’ seeks to utilize vibrancy and boldness to stimulate the senses, to allow us the opportunity to follow and invest in a story of adventure and love.” 

Mackenzie Schmidt, an acting for stage and screen major, is the company's line producer, who is responsible for coordinating and supervising the day-to-day aspects of the production.

“Many members of our company have taken on jobs in areas that they have no prior experience in and have gone above and beyond to make this show come to life.” -Mackenzie Schmidt, acting for stage and screen major

CaSandra Kay is the stage manager, while costume designer Gabrielle Moseley designed the colorful and grandiose costumes, pulling inspiration from the world of commedia dell’arte. Alicia Brogan, the lighting designer, and Connor Roberts, the scenic designer, transform the Schubert Theatre and transport the audience to Geppetto’s workshop and the mouth of the whale.

Jenny Ammon, cast as Pinocchio, is the head of props, while Mike Russo, sound designer, adds a personal touch with his own compositions inspired by classical Italian music. Briana Myers serves as box office manager, Abigail Vernon is the marketing manager and education liaison, and Iyanu Joshuasville is the company’s business manager. Amy Best, chair of the theatre department, serves as advisor to the senior students on this project.

In addition to Ammon playing Pinocchio, Christian Tuffy is Geppetto, Ciara Kelley is Cricket, and Mary Cate Bruno is the Blue Fairy. 

With a commitment to theatre for all patrons, Act 3 will host a relaxed performance of “Pinocchio!” on Tuesday, April 9, at 10:00 a.m. A relaxed performance is a sensory-friendly show that creates a judgment-free zone for patrons with a wide range of sensory and communication differences, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and people of all abilities and ages who would benefit from a relaxed experience. 

An American Sign Language performance for patrons with hearing disabilities and audio descriptions for the visually impaired will also be held on Saturday, April 6, at 10:00 a.m.

The Labuda Center is accessible and equipped with a listening enhancement system.  Special seating is available for our patrons using wheelchairs or requiring other assistance. Please inform the box office of any accommodations when ordering tickets.

“Pinocchio!” opens Thursday, March 14, and will run through Saturday, April 13, 2024. Performances are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in March and April at 10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $11 for children, and $8 for DSU students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Labuda Center Box Office at (610) 282-3192 or by visiting tickets.desales.edu.