Frattini, Lopatriello Set for PINNOCHIO at Kaye Playhouse, 10/19-23

Manuel Frattini is set to play Pinnochio in the American premiere of Pinocchio: The Italian Musical. The production will be presented by Compagnia della Rancia along with Incanto Productions LLC, October 19-23. Additional cast members include: Pierpaolo Lopatriello (Geppetto), Simona Rodano (Angela), via Di Stefano (The Fox), Mauro Simone (Lucignolo), Luca Arrigoni (The Cat), Daniela Pobega (The Fairy with Turquoise Hair), Andrea Verzicco (The Cricket), Raffaele Latagliata (Mangiafuoco/ Director of the Circus), Silvia Querci (Lucignolo's Mother), Ilaria Suss (Owl, Colombina), Filippo Randisi, Paola Ciccarelli, Lello Busiello, Eugenio Contenti, Andrea De Santis, Arianna Luzi, Andrea Marchetti, Luca Spadaro, and Daniele Volpin.

The leading Italian musical comedy theatrical Production Company, Compagnia della Rancia in collaboration with Queens-based Incanto Productions LLC and The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, announced the American debut of "PINOCCHIO The Italian Musical" for one week only October 19 - 23, 2010.

Over 460,000 viewers worldwide since 2003, the New York performances will be in Italian with English subtitles

"We are thrilled to bring a piece of Italian heritage and culture to America with the timeless messages of embracing differences and the importance of family found in PINOCCHIO," said the Italian artistic director, Saverio Marconi.

"PINOCCHIO The Italian Musical" is based on the most popular Italian fairytale, 'The Adventures of Pinocchio," written in1881 by Carlo Collodi. This modern musical adaptation features a diverse genre of music, including rock ballads, operetta, canzone, hip-hop and Latin -and is ideal for children and adults of all ages.

"Being Italian and based in Queens, we are extremely excited to bring the Italian cast and sets to the Big Apple so that American audiences can be entertained and touched by this two-hour trip to Italy without ever getting on a plane!" said Simona Rodano, Co-Founder, Incanto Productions LLC, and "Angela" in Pinocchio the Italian Musical.

"We are confident adults and children will be captivated by the musical theater and the Italian culture depicted in the performances," said Mary Sarah Baker, general manager at The Kaye Playhouse Theater.

Tickets are $87, $70 and $47. To Purchase Tickets please contact The Kaye Playhouse Box office at (212) 772-4448 (M-F 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) The Kaye Theater at Hunter College is located at 695 Park Avenue (E 68th St btw Park and Lexington Aves.). Easy Subway access. Discounted parking and restaurant dining available. For more information please visit www.pinocchiotheitalianmusical.com.