August 14, 2024
By Donna McMillan
On Thursday, I interviewed story book favourite Pinocchio. I tell no lie. Otherwise, my nose might start growing like his! I also met with Geppetto, Lucky the Duck and the Coachman; all at their busy rehearsal hall location.
Pinocchio is sure to be an enchanting, fun loving hit with young and old alike as this special Lighthouse Festival Theatre Young Company production takes the stage in Port Dover August 14 to August 17. Adapted and directed by Marcus Lundgren, now working with 15 young actors in his 22nd Young Company performance year, this story grows in different directions with each new generation, Marcus told the Maple Leaf.
The Adventures of Pinocchio, a timeless tale, was written in 1883 by Italian author Carlo Collodi. Pinocchio was a fictional character, carved by the kind woodworker Geppetto in a Tuscan village. He was a wooden puppet who had dreams of becoming a “real boy” and was the prime protagonist in an adventure filled odyssey that he soon embarked on, stretching from the vibrant streets of his village to the “magical wonders of Pleasure Island.” If he fibs, his nose grows.
Marcus enjoys working with the Young Company, noting it is so amazing to see the growth of the participants and the bonds that are developed that go beyond four weeks of the theatre program. It keeps him young, he shared. He feels it is a fantastic opportunity that LFT offers to young people to foster the next generation of actors. It’s a wonderful perk to be able to access the expertise behind the theatre. Aidan Bridge is set designer while Jaden Banfield is costume designer. In this adaptation, there are a couple new characters; Lucky the Duck and Pat the Dog. Reflecting the current times, there are also fun things like video games, he shared. “And who hasn’t heard of Taylor Swift?.” It truly is fun for all ages, he said.
Fourteen- year -old Kyle Yule, a Holy Trinity student, is Pinocchio. Kyle said he was surprised to get this lead role because this is just his second year performing with the Young Company. He is loving the challenge, noting he is in almost every scene and there are a lot of lines to learn. “It’s more work. But, it’s still fun,” he said. He would like to be involved in professional theatre in the future so this is good practice, he shared. “It’s every theatre kids’ dream to make it big.” He has also performed at school, mentioning playing the role of Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. “We all signed up to be here,” he said. “So, we are destined to find others with shared interests.”
Simcoe Composite School student, Kiana Little, 16, plays Lucky the Duck. She shared that her character is a con artist who is trying to take Pinocchio down the wrong path. While it is challenging to determine how to present a brand new character, Kiana said she loves having the creativity and freedom to bring this fresh persona to life. 2024 is Kiana’s second year with Young Company, but she shared she has been acting in community shows since the age of 4. Her hopes are to continue pursuing theatre.
Jack Priestman, 17, has just graduated from Dunnville Secondary School. He has the role of The Coachman. While he does find it difficult to memorize lines, Jack said it is fun to be playing a character that is more of a bad guy. He is in his third year as a member of Young Company. If further acting opportunities arise, he’s interested, but his goal is not to be a full – time theatre person.
Oliver Tilson, 16, is a student at Simcoe Composite School and in Young Company for his third year. He performs the role of the kindly toymaker Geppetto. The challenge in his role is to find the energy to play an older character while still portraying the youth in Geppetto’s spirit. “The challenge is always fun,” he said. “You push yourself to be someone you’ve never been before……and just get better, better and better.” Oliver has been involved in community theatre for six years, mentioning involvement with Simcoe Little Theatre and Lynnwood Arts. He finds Young Company an amazing place to be. Everyone is part of a team and will do their best. “It’s a safe place to be free and not be judged by others, he said.” He hopes to pursue professional theatre and will always be involved in community plays if not.
Like Pinocchio, audiences “will learn valuable lessons about honesty and friendship,” according to the play description. “With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a pinch of laughter, Pinocchio shows that being true to yourself makes for the best story.” So, get your tickets now “for a tale filled with joy, courage and the magic of becoming a real boy.” Call the Box Office at 519 – 583 – 2221, visit the Main and Chapman Street Box Office or www.lighthousetheatre.com