Photo Flash: First Look at MTWichita's MY SON PINOCCHIO; Schwartz & Stern Set for Opening Night
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 19, 2015
Creators David I. Stern (libretto) and Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) will be on hand June 24 when Music Theatre Wichita continues its 44th summer season with the professional theatre debut of Disney's My Son Pinocchio, a new stage adaptation of the famous story, based on the TV film "Geppetto" and inspired by Disney's animated classic film. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!
Starring Nicholas F. Saverine (LES MISERABLES, The Phantom of the Opera) as the toymaker, this production also marks the professional debut of 9-year-old Topher Cundith as the magical marionette. Other featured roles include The Blue Fairy, played by Emily Vargo, the demented puppeteer Stromboli, portrayed by Shaun-Michael Morse, and Professor Buonragazzo, manufacturer of "perfect" children, played by Steve Hitchcock.
The all-new production includes bright set designs by J Branson and colorful costumes by Tiia E. Torchia. Others on the artistic team include hair and makeup Designer Taylor Malott, lighting designer David Neville, sound designer David Muehl, millinery designer Megan Reed, and properties master Maria Leon.
The production is directed by MTWichita producing artistic director Wayne Bryan, with choreography by Amy Baker Schwiethale and her associate Casey Bagnall, and musical direction by Thomas W. Douglas. It plays June 24-28 at Century II Concert Hall in Wichita.
Tickets are on sale now for all performances, either online at mtwichita.org, or by calling 316.265.3107. More information, including biographies, histories, and a "Sneak Peek" video, can be found at www.MTWichita.org.
Photo Credit: Christopher Clark
The lonely toymaker Geppetto is played by Nicholas F. Saverine.
The Blue Fairy is played by Emily Vargo.
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith)
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith)
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith)
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine)
Puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse) has an operatic flair.
Puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse) has an operatic flair.
Puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse) has an operatic flair.
The Blue Fairy (Emily Vargo)
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) sings 'I've Got No Strings' as Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and villagers watch him.
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) sings 'I've Got No Strings' as Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and villagers watch him.
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) sings 'I've Got No Strings' as Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and villagers watch him.
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine)
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine)
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) gets to know his new son Pinocchio (Topher Cundith).
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) gets to know his new son Pinocchio (Topher Cundith).
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) gets to know his new son Pinocchio (Topher Cundith).
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) gets to know his new son Pinocchio (Topher Cundith).
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith)
The Blue Fairy (Emily Vargo) watches over Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and Pinoccho (Topher Cundith).
The Blue Fairy (Emily Vargo) watches over Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and Pinoccho (Topher Cundith).
The Blue Fairy (Emily Vargo) protects Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) from the wily puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse).
The Blue Fairy (Emily Vargo) protects Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) from the wily puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse).
The Blue Fairy (Emily Vargo) protects Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) from the wily puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse).
Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) meet the puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse).
Puppeteer Stromboli (Shaun-Michael Morse)
Pinocchio (Topher Cundith) sings 'I've Got No Strings' as Geppetto (Nicholas F. Saverine) and villagers watch him.
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