Pinocchio performed as a six person ensemble

MHCC’s theater program will be opening its production of “Pinocchio” on Nov. 5.

The department has been working to prepare for the upcoming ensemble. Along with the typical practices, actors have been trained to move like puppets. Pinocchio, the lead character, also presented his own challenge: how to make the nose grow?

To answer these questions, theater teacher Mace Archer sat down with The Advocate.

 

Who are the leads?

Our Pinocchio is Ezra Virvin. She just moved from Arizona. A gal named Michelle Chase plays Hickory Cricket. In the Disney story they call him ‘Jiminy,’ but in the original, his name is Hickory.

Is this rendition closer to the original?

It is. A lot of people go, “His name’s Jiminy!” Well… no, it’s not.

Why Pinocchio?

This opening show in the fall is primarily geared toward young audiences, and we thought the story of Pinocchio was a good lesson for kids. We also thought it would have really great roles for our actors to play, as the characters are very bold. They have to play puppets, so trying to figure out how to move like a puppet has been fun these first couple of weeks. The goal is to move from your joints.

Is there a modern twist on it?

I wouldn’t say so. Scenically though, it’s great – since it’s an Italian story from the 1800s. The language is very contemporary, though.

Are there any actors who really stand out?

It’s an ensemble play, which means there are only six actors who play every role. So that’s really fun – to see them transition through their roles. It’s not meant to be one greater than the other, but a group. I think Ezra is great as Pinocchio.

Does the nose actually grow?

It will. Our costume designer is working on engineering and figuring out how it can physically grow. There’s some great videos on YouTube on how to do it.

As college students, do you think there’s a little bit of Pinocchio in all of us?

Absolutely. And the great thing about Pinocchio is that he’s trying to become a real boy, and the idea of what it means to be a real boy, and the lesson that comes with that: To be a real boy means to be honest, and to be a good friend, and to be reliable.