Filament to Stage PINOCCHIO: A FOLK MUSICAL in 2016

Filament presents Pinocchio: a Folk Musical a new musical adaptation by Tyler Beattie (Hungry Hungry Hippos film in development with Hasbro).and directed by Scott Ferguson (Schoolhouse Rock Live! writer/creator). Chicagoans will experience Pinocchio as he's never been seen before in this freewheeling folk musical adventure of the puppet who learns to be real. Pinocchio: a Folk Musical plays Filament Theatre located at 4041 N Milwaukee Ave from January 22nd thru March 6, 2016.

"Pinocchio is at first glance a sprawling adventure, with magical creatures and journeys into wonderful and strange situations" says Beattie. "--and yet at its core what makes this story endure is the way it explorers the love of family, and the challenges and many pitfalls we encounter when we are growing up." Beattie goes on to say that "Pinocchio is great for kids-- but really it is for adults who remember how hard it was to grow up, or wonder if they ever really did."

Beattie & Ferguson are reunited after collaborated in 2009 on Filament's highly praised The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which Ferguson credits as one of his favorite creative processes to date. "The musical world that Tyler creates is so original and haunting, and it just hits you in that sweet spot that sticks with you," says Ferguson. He assures audiences: "Pinocchio is another memorable piece of theatre."

The show features six multi-talented actor/musicians who dexterously move from character to character while playing instruments including guitar, upright bass, accordion, piano, saxophone, clarinet, and violin. In collaboration with the performers, music director and orchestrator Tim McNulty has incorporated notes of gypsy jazz, the blues, and dixieland music into Beattie's endearing folk score.

The cast of Pinocchio: a Folk Musical includes Filament Resident Artist Mara Dale (Piano/Tin Whistle) with Felipe Carrasco (Guitar), Kamille Dawkins (Upright Bass), Frank Gasparro (Clarinet/Saxophone), Roberto Jonson (Guitar/Violin), and Maddy Low (Saxophone/Accordion/Ukulele). The show features a costume design by Filament Resident Artist Noel Huntzinger, scenic design by Brad Caleb Lee, and lighting design by Emma Deane. Pinocchio will also feature masks by Jeff Semmerling of the Inside Out Art Studio & Mask Shop located on the 3rd floor of Filament's 4041 N Milwaukee theatre.

Tickets range from $5 - $20 and are now available at www.filamenttheatre.org/pinocchio. Preview tickets are available for only $5 thanks to the Inside Out Art Studio & Mask Shop. Filament is also offering school field trips and pre-show workshops!

PRESS OPENING: Saturday, January 30th at 3pm and 7pm; please contact christian@filamenttheatre.org if you would like to attend.