A classic children’s fairy tale is being plucked off the page and brought to the stage by Arkansas Festival Ballet.
Pinocchio, the lovable wooden puppet first introduced to readers in the enduring story The Adventures of Pinocchio (written by Carlo Collodi and published in 1883), is coming to life in central Arkansas. The ballet production, which follows Collodi’s story, will be staged for the public Friday through Sunday at the Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre.
The presentation - two hours long with two intermissions - features a wide array of characters who share the tale through dancing and theatrics. Children attending the show will have the chance to have their photograph taken with the cast following the performance.
Each spring, the company presents one full-length storybook ballet production. Past productions have included Snow White, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty.
The performances are a wonderful way to introduce smaller children to the world of ballet and live performances, says Janet Aronson, executive director of Arkansas Festival Ballet.
“It’s definitely a family-friendly production for those of all ages,” she says. “This is a small theater and the children can see well, no matter where they’re sitting. And the story is very easy to follow and with all the bright lights and colorful costumes keep their attention.”
She adds, “I’ve seen children as young as 3 attending.”
The Adventures of Pinocchio will include original choreography by the ballet company’s artistic director Rebecca M. Stalcup, who has led rehearsals along with Melinda Tobian, the company’s ballet mistress.
The music accompanying the show was created by the late silent film star Charlie Chaplin and Carl Davis, who also composed music for the company’s previous productions of Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin.
Edmond Cooper, who has studied with world-renowned classical instructor David Howard of New York, will dance in the role of Gepetto. Cooper has performed professionally with several companies, including Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet Arizona and Fort Worth Ballet.
The role of Pinocchio will be performed by Julia Aronson, an Arkansas Festival Ballet company dancer who graduated from Duke University and is currently pursuing a pre-med degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Other dancers in the performance include Emily Karnes (Cricket), Caroline Young (The Fairy with Turquoise Hair), Mersey Fulper-Smith (The Fairy of Bravery), Meredith Short (The Cat), Anthony Neumann (The Fox), Anthony Bryant and Rachel Powell (the Dolphin Pas Couple), Matt Redix and Nathan Young. Additional dancers will include students from the company’s affiliated school, Arkansas Academy of Dance, and other dance students from throughout central Arkansas.
Costumes were designed by Callie Rew, 18, who has pursued specialized training in the construction of headpieces and classical ballet tutus.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to buy tickets in advance rather than waiting to buy them the day of the show, Aronson says. Seating (which is open - first come, first served) begins 30 minutes prior to the performance.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre, MacArthur Park, East Ninth and Commerce streets
Admission: Students and children $15 in advance, $20 at the door; adults $20 in advance, $25 at the door
(501) 227-5320
arkansasdance.org
Weekend, Pages 36 on 05/16/2013