I’m mad about the productions brought to the NYC stage by my friends at the New Victory Theater. I’ve been blogging about them since the beginning of TheCultureMom in early 2010. I always know I’m going to get high-quality, innovative and completely original programming and bring it into the creative minds of my children. Literally every production is mind-blowing. They ooze with talent and creativity, often from around the world.
The New Victory Theater’s latest production, PINOCCHIO, making its U.S. premiere at The New Victory Theater through March 22, 2015 is no exception. Winner of two 2014 Helpmann Awards for Best New Australian Work and Best Presentation for Children, PINOCCHIO comes to New York after a successful run at the Sydney Opera House.
Through the use of songs, video, brilliant actors, a bright set and costumes, a live band and unusual lighting, the tale of a puppet brought to life by the lonely Gepetto is told over the course of two hours. The 19th century story has been updated considerably and is proven to be exciting and electric in this version with bold ballads, angsty anthems and a plot knotted with tabloid twists. This updated production is simply gorgeous on so many levels and left me smiling. It also kept my son on the edge of his seat, which is a lot to ask of a special needs child who doesn’t go to the theater as frequently as his mum.
The cast is simply sublime. They use music and song skillfully to tell the story, dance and act their hearts out. They are all easy on the eye and fully engrossed to the story. It is obvious that the writers and producers paid careful attention to every detail in putting the show on. They presented the tale to 16,000 people in Australia before bringing it to the U.S. so it is obvious that they wanted the show in perfect condition before their arrival. It features some of Australia’s major musical theater talent, including Nathan O’Keefe in the title role with Paul Capsis as the twisted Stromboli and acclaimed actor and singer Mitchell Butel as Foxy, as well as Danielle Catanzariti as Blue Girl, Jude Henshall as Kitty Poo and Alirio Zavarce as Geppetto. The creative team includes Rosemary Myers (Artistic Director, Windmill Theatre), director and creator; Julianne O’Brien, writer; Jonathon Oxlade, designer; Jethro Woodward, composer and musical director; Chris More, video designer; Geoff Cobham, lighting designer; and Carol Wellman Kelly, movement.
PINOCCHIO has a running time of 2 hours including one intermission, and is recommended for everyone ages 7 and up.
General Ticket Information
Tickets for PINOCCHIO at The New Victory Theater (209 West 42nd Street) are $10, $13, $18 or $25 for Members based on seat locations, with full price tickets starting at $15. Theatergoers who buy tickets for three or more NEW VICTORY shows qualify for free Membership, with benefits including up to 35-percent savings on tickets all season long, invitations to special events and unlimited free ticket exchanges. Purchase tickets online or by phone at 646-223-3010. The show will appear on these future dates:
Saturday 3/21 2pm, 7pm
Sunday 3/22 12pm, 5pm
The NEW VICTORY box office (209 West 42nd Street) is open Sunday and Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm. For more information, visit the NEW VICTORY website.
Disclosure: I received these tickets complimentary to facilitate my review but all opinions are my own.
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