March 31, 2003
Contact: Leslee Caul (509-963-1760/fax 509-963-1767/e-mail: caull@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University theatre
arts department will launch its annual Youth Theatre Tour with
performances of “Pinocchio” on April 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and April 26
and 27 at 1 p.m. in Tower Theatre on the Ellensburg campus.
“Pinocchio,” adapted by Madge Miller from the classic Italian
fairy tale by Carlo Collodi, is about a naughty little puppet that
becomes a real, live boy when he learns, through a series of journeys
and mistakes, that honesty and loyalty matter most. “Gepetto,” “The
Blue Fairy” and “The Talking Cricket” are among the characters that
help this little “block-head” find his heart.
Departing from the familiar cartoon version, guest director
Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski adapts the story by altering the setting to a
small 1860’s Northwest logging camp where a touring troupe of players
arrives and, using materials they find in the forest, unfolds the
magical storybook tale.
Scenic design for the production is provided by guest artist
Tim Stapleton, who has designed several other CWU shows including
“Romeo and Juliet,” “Comedy of Errors,” “Beauty and the Beast” and most
recently “Hay Fever.” Stapleton has designed a forest where trees
become fish and things are not always as they initially appear.
Masks and costumes by costume designer Paulette Bond give each
character a distinctive look, which supports both the logging camp
theme and the beloved children’s story.
Make-up artist Delondra Johnson, a senior theatre
arts/performance major from Mattawa, has created mask-like make-up
designs that are coupled with hats, including “Black Cat,” whose
pointy-eared-hat nestles two furry mice in its brim. Johnson is a 2000
graduate of Wahluke High School.
The family theatre presentation, suitable for all ages, is
approximately one hour long. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10 and
can be purchased by phone with a VISA or MasterCard by calling (509)
963-1774.
For additional information, or for persons of disability to
arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-2143.
After this limited engagement, a CWU troupe will tour the show
to schools throughout Washington state. Booking dates are still
available in May and early June for school assembly performances.
For information about staging a Youth Theatre Tour of
“Pinocchio,” contact Leslee Caul at (509) 963-1760.
