SteppingStone Theatre Continues PINOCCHIO Through 7/29

Playwrights Josette Antomarchi and Marc Kotz have gone back to the original Italian story of Pinocchio as inspiration for an entirely new version of the beloved tale. Antomarchi and Kotz have steeped the new play in the traditions of commedia dell¹arte, and it will be full of music, masks and magic.

Pinocchio at SteppingStone Theatre will be both familiar and new to fans of Disney¹s iconic movie. In going back to the original, the playwrights get to introduce us to characters and stories that didn¹t appear in the movie, but still stick to the main theme of a marionette learning to listen to his heart and become a ³real boy.² Revisit this classic and beloved story in SteppingStone¹s unique production that is sure to entrance the entire family.

Generations of Experience with SteppingStone Theatre SteppingStone Theatre has been a transformational experience in lives of the performers for many years, even generations. Julie Nelson was in a SteppingStone Theatre production as a young woman more than 20 years ago, and now her son is a member of the cast of Pinocchio Julie explains, ³My experiences with SteppingStone Theatre were amazing. I found high quality training, from kind, caring, experienced directors and staff. I enjoyed working with the younger kids and was surprised at how good they were. SteppingStone taught me about the theatre and helped develop my talent, gave me more confidence and a positive experience.²

She goes on to explain that her son is now involved, ³Malachi has done a variety of activities and sports, but theatre seems to be his favorite. Even just auditioning with SteppingStone was a great experience! He was cast as the Fox in Pinocchio, and is thoroughly enjoying it. Whether he continues to be involved in theatre throughout his life or not, I know these experiences build his confidence, give him a place to belong, help him feel valued and important, are an outlet for his creative energies, challenge him, and provide a fun, positive, safe activity to enjoy. Being part of a SteppingStone Theatre production is definitely a positive experience."

All performances are in SteppingStone Theatre¹s new home, a beautifully renovated 100-year-old architectural gem located at 55 Victoria Street North, one block north of Summit Avenue in the Historic Hill District of St. Paul. Performances are appropriate for all ages. SteppingStone Theatre is fully-accessible to persons with disabilities, and has regularly-scheduled ASL & Audio Described performances. Interpreters can be scheduled for other performances at no additional cost upon request.

Adults: $14.00; Children & Seniors: $11.00. Groups 20+: $7.00 (scholarships available)

Performance times and tickets are available at (651) 225-9265 or www.steppingstonetheatre.org