This is not the Pinocchio as
presented by the Disney Company, but rather an adaptation by Lee Hall of
Carlo Collodi's novel first published in 1883. The story is told by the
use of American sign language by both hearing impaired and English
speaking actors who are gifted artists as actors and translators.
Pinocchio (delightful Amber Zion,
voiced by Darrin Revitz) is a wooden puppet by his "father" Gippetto (Matt
Henerson). He promises Gippetto that he will go to school to learn, but on
his way, he is easily distracted and comes across many misadventures.
Though it is quite comical, the play does deal with more adult issues as
Pinocchio, in the end, finally learns his lesson and becomes a real boy.
The cast also includes James
Royce Edwards, Lindsey W. Evans, Tommy Korn, Lexi Marman, Colin O'Brien-Lux,
and Vae, all who perform a variety of indigenous characters. The creative
costumes are by Ann Closs-Farley, make-up, hair and wigs by Carol F. Doran
and scenic design by Evan Bartoletti. Kudos to Ed Waterstreet whose vision
has created a world-class theatre company and experience that every
theatre aficionado should not miss.
The Adventures of Pinocchio plays
Thursdays through Sundays through March 27, at the Deaf West Theatre, 5112
Lankershim Blvd., in North Hollywood. Tickets are available by calling
(828) 762-2773 (voice), (866) 954-2986 (video phone) or online at
www.deafwest.org.
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