Pinocchio ballet ushers in the holiday season
BALLET MANILA’s holiday presentation is Pinocchio — the story of a puppet who wishes upon a star to become a real boy.
The Italian children’s novel by Carlo Collodi gained a worldwide audience when it became the the second animated film produced by Disney in 1940, following the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Today, Osias Barroso’s take on Pinocchio is the third offering in “From Page to Stage,” Ballet Manila’s 20th performance season.
Created by Geppetto, the wood carver, the puppet is brought to life by the Blue Fairy, who tells Pinocchio he would become a real boy if he promises to be brave, truthful and unselfish. He strives to prove his true worth as comes face-to-face with such characters as Jiminy Cricket, the Cat and the Fox, the vicious Stromboli, the evil Circus Master, and the giant whale.
Ballet Manila’s Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso choreographed the ballet. Initially a one-act piece, it was often included in the company’s lineup of shows. This year, Pinocchio becomes a full length production.
“Dance companies stage Pinocchio not only because it’s a children’s ballet show, it also reminds us of the value of family and friendship,” said Mr. Barroso in a statement. “This is very evident with the relationship of Gepetto and Pinocchio and the friendship between Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio. What I like most about the material is the lesson on truthfulness. Pinocchio’s nose grows longer whenever he tells a lie; I think everyone grew up with that fantasy.”
Pinocchio will be played by danseur Alvin Santos, one of Ballet Manila’s most senior company members. “Alvin was the first male Filipino danseur to receive a FINALIST Certificate in the Asia Pacific international Ballet competition held in Tokyo, Japan in 2003,” Mr. Barroso said.
“The role is quite unusual because most of the time, the male dancer needs height and strong partnering skills. Pinocchio is a wonderful opportunity for a not-so-tall but technically strong male ballet dancer to shine,” remarked Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
Fil-Am singer Tippi dos Santos will be the show’s storyteller.
The whole family can head straight to the carnival rides of nearby Star City after enjoying the show as all Pinocchio ticket holders are entitled to free tickets to the amusement park.
For inquiries, call 552-7502 or e-mail info@balletmanila.com.ph. Tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, online at www.ticketworld.com.ph/ or call 891 9999.
