Oskaloosa Children’s Theatre Performs Pinocchio

River Campbell played Pinocchio in the recent Oskaloosa Children’s Theatre production

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Penn Central Mall played host to the Oskaloosa Children’s Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as they performed Pinocchio.

The cast, consisting of 27 children aged 3 to 11 practiced for 5 weeks in preparation for the musical theater. Cynde Briggs, Candace Gerard Slobe, Chris Yarkosky and Beth Brostrom all worked in conjunction to bring this art form to the children. “Our goal was to offer musical theater to the youth of Mahaska County, something we had not done for a number of years. We had no money, but a lot of dreams, and we hope that this ‘theater on a shoestring’ has given the young people a case of stage fever.”

In the Directors Note they pointed out some of the obstacles that had to be overcome to help make the production happen. “We have had so many ups and downs: losing cast members, regaining cast members, working around ball schedules, vacations, bible school, camp and a host of other dilemmas… but here we are!!! There were many times we were nervous, downright scared!”

This is the first time since 1995 that Pinocchio found his way back to the stage with the Oskaloosa Children’s Theatre. Cynde Briggs and Candace Gerard Slobe directed the production with choreography by Yarkosky Dance Company.

Musical Direction was by Beth Brostrom of Music Square.

• Dream Maker – Emma Dawson
• The Blue Fairy – Olivia Gordon
• Antonio, the village policeman – Hiatt Campbell
• Lampwick, his son – Landon Hunolt
• Mr. Fire Eater – Jack Dawson
• Gepetto, the puppet maker – Owen Gordon
• Pinocchio – River Campbell
• Ms. Cricket – Karson Swim
• Harlequin – Leah Baker
• Columbine – Morgan Hudson
• Ms. Fox – Kyah Chamberlin
• Ms. Cat – Aubrey Boender
• The Judge – Jakoby Williams
• The Coachman – Madison Muir
• The Ringmaster – MacKenzie Marks
• The Fishies – Kahrey Chamberlin, Audrey Kauzlarich, Olivia Muir, Laci Rankin, Gabriella Stropes, Gracye Williams
• Villagers, school children, jury and circus crowd – Brock Baker, Leah Baker, Aubrey Boender, Kahrey Chamberlin, Kyah Chamberlin, Jack Dawson, Jennah DeRonde, Morgan Hudson, Caleb Hunt, Audrey Kauzlarich, MacKenzie Marks, Madison Muir, Olivia Muir, Laci Rankin, Gabriella Stropes, Adam Thompson, Spencer Thompson, Grayce Williams, Jakoby Williams