Local children to pull Pinocchio strings at Saturday performance

Performers go through their parts during Wednesday's practice for the Missoula Children's Theatre performance of Pinocchio, set for Saturday at the McCook Senior High Auditorium. (Brent Cobb)

The charming tale of "Pinocchio," the wooden puppet who longed to become a real, live boy, comes to life Saturday when Missoula Children's Theatre and 60 students from 10 area towns perform an original, musical adaptation of this classic tale.

Two performances are set for Saturday at the McCook Senior High Auditorium, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cost is $3. Sponsored by the Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association in cooperation with The McCook Arts Council, The McCook Optimist Club and The McCook Rotary Club, "Pinocchio" is the modern and hip telling of the story of a puppet fashioned in the image of a small boy.

Even as he worked far into the night, old Geppetto -- the loneliest and kindest woodcarver in the village -- was not aware that the wood under his chisel had come from the trunk of an enchanted tree. But the Blue Fairy was aware, as she watched from afar and gave to that puppet the gift of life.

Thus begins the Missoula Children's Theatre's adaptation of one of the most beloved of all children's stories -- Pinocchio. Join the wooden-head as he dances with Geppetto's charming toys, travels the road to Pleasure Isle with Candlewick and his Crew, and is swindled by the unsavory Fox and Cat.

After escaping the clutches of the evil puppetmaster, Stromboli, Pinocchio find himself in trouble once more -- this time swallowed by a monstrous whale. Very scary stuff! As Geppetto and his friends the Urchins spin their magical tale, we learn with Pinocchio that there are no shortcuts on the road to becoming a real, live boy.

Two student directors form the Missoula Children's Theatre -- Shameca Ashby and Corinna Heinz, lead the performance.

Assistant Directors are Amanda Ruzicka of Stratton and Stefani Yeager of Hayes Center. Amanda McCarty of McCook is the accompanist.

The local cast features Kaden Clark of Trenton as Pinocchio, Abi Burrows as the Blue Fairy, Kendra Cuellar of Indianola as Jiminy Cricket, Stephen Smock as the villainous Fox and Shaylynn Holliday as the mischievous Cat.

Also featured are Jessica Lotter, Amy Lester and Chelsea Wells as Puppets, Nathan McCarty as Pinocchio's tough friend Candlewick, and his crew includes Chesiree Campbell, Indianola, Erin Premer, Nolan and Ganon Henningson, Norcatur.

To complete the ensemble the cast includes: Baby Dolls: Emily Karr, Allison Priddy, Danielle Thormodsgaard, Bailey Kool.

Ballerinas: Elora Towne, Jessica Premer, Kassidie Jensen, Oberlin. Toy Soldiers: Bryson Kool, Greg Gaston, Nashon Copeland, Oberlin; Mason Ahlberg, Oberlin; Kelly Brown, Oberlin: Joseph Cuellar, Indianola. Pleasure Island Kids: Erin Adams, Culbertson; Tyler Cuellar, Indianola; Danae Andersen, Oberlin; Joey Anderjaska, Hayes Center; Laura McCarty; Kasha Messersmith; Serena Stacy, Oberlin; Shelby Hudson; Amanda Marshall, Norcatur; Kalen Grint; Kyle Gaston; Chandler Wagner; Haley Hudson; Alexa Hamilton; Sydney Clapp; Kaylee Samway; Megan Rokusek; Olivia Cappel; Amber Trosper; Austin Rice, Wilsonville; Cody Weld. Urchins: Derek Chancellor, Cameron Park, Lindsay Carfield, Culbertson; Alyssa Karr; Marnee Roundtree, Parks; Elizabeth Weidner, Culbertson; Lynae Lytle, Cambridge; Tori Garcia; Kelsey Coolidge, Indianola; Joseph McCarty.