For Immediate Release: March 15, 2005
Media Contact: Marc S. Goldberg, Storybook Musical Theatre, 215.659.8550

Storybook Musical Theatre will present the classic children's tale about a little wooden boy, who longs to be a "real" boy, "Pinocchio." The Abington-based, professional children's theater company will present the famous Carol Colladi story about growing up, first from April 5 to April 17 at the Klein Branch Theater, 10100 Jamison Av. in Northeast Philadelphia and then from May 10 to May 14 at St. Joseph University's Bluett Theater at 56th & Overbrook Av. in Philadelphia.

In the final production of Storybook's 2004-05 season, Storybook's Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg has adapted the book with original music by composer Kevin Arruda. In the tale the young hero is transformed from a clumsy wooden puppet to a young boy after learning about the importance of caring for people with his heart.

Storybook has gathered six talented, local, professional actors for their cast:

The mischievous wooden puppet is played by Storybook newcomer, Tony Giruzzi, of Bryn Mawr, Pa. Tony has just completed a national tour of "Pinocchio" for American Family Theater. Local credits include: "La Vie En Bleau" at the Walnut St. Theater, "Rags," "Working," and "Carousel" at the University of the Arts. In addition, he has been seen in the film "Jersey Girl" and the TV series "Hack."

The long suffering Geppetto is played by Storybook regular, Dana Schmidt, of Jenkintown. Dana was seen just seen as the Shoemaker in "Elves and the Shoemaker" and earlier this season as Beauty's father in "Beauty and the Beast." Other Storybook credits include "Rapunzel," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Emperor's New Clothes" and "Frog Prince." He has been seen in many feature films and television specials. When not acting, Dana deals in antiques.

The sly Fox, who tries to distract Pinocchio away from going to school, is played by another Storybook regular, David Mulholland, of Bristol, PA. David was last seen in Storybook's "Elves and the Shoemaker." Other Storybook credits include "Princess and the Pea," "Emperor's New Clothes," "Jack and the Beanstalk," and "Robin Hood," just to name a few. Regional credits included"Tuesdays with Morrie" at Act Out Theater, "Only A Girl" with Lightkeeper Productions, "Our Town" at Delaware Theater Company and "The Snow Queen" at the Prince Theater.

The Fox's sidekick, Katrina the Cat, is played by another Storybook veteran, Faith Sherman, of Dublin, PA. Faith was seen earlier this season as several miners in "Snow White" and one of Beauty's sisters in "Beauty and the Beast."

Other Storybook credits include: "Wizard of Oz," "Rapunzel," Emperor's New Clothes," "Princess and the Pea," just to name a few. In addition, Faith is an Artist/Teacher with Storybook's literacy, "Page to Stage" outreach program.

Making a duel Storybook debut in the roles of the mean carnival owner, Petresi de Sleazi and the overlord of Candyland, Candito Zuccherino, is Peyton Dixon, of Wilmington, Delaware. Peyton's local credits include: "Damn Yankees," "Footloose," "Joseph...Dreamcoat," and "Evita," at the Three Little Baker's Dinner Theater.

Playing the Blue Fairy, who guides Pinocchio in his journey to boyhood, is Maryann Bucci, of Yardley, PA. Maryann was last seen on the Storybook stage in "Rapunzel" and "Little Red Riding Hood". Other Storybook credits: "Emperor's New Clothes," "Frog Prince,""Hansel and Gretel," and "Sleeping Beauty". She has done a number of commercials, films and television shows and is an accomplished opera singer.

Individual tickets are $10.00 with group discounts available. Show times are weekdays at 10:15 am, Saturdays at 11:00 am and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

All Storybook productions are appropriate for ages 3 and older. After each performance, as always, everyone will have the opportunity to meet the characters for a hand shake, pictures, or an autograph. For information, reservations or directions, call the box office at 215-659-8550 or check Storybook's website at: www.storybookmusical.org.

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