When I first found out that Meridian Community College was going to be performing Disney’s My Son Pinocchio, to be honest I was less than thrilled.  A few months ago, I went and saw this performance on the coast and it was not the best.  

    In fact, I left thinking that it was the most expensive nap I ever had to pay for.  A few weeks ago, Dr. Todd Brand called me to ask if I would help out with staging issues at MCC.  I reluctantly agreed.  I remember thinking that anything would have to be better than what I saw on the coast.  I went into the rehearsal expecting a train wreck;  I was wrong.  I gave opinions and suggestions but left the final word to Dr. Brand.  On Tuesday of this week I went to their final dress rehearsal.  I have to say that MCC’s performance of this play is so much better than the one I had previously seen.

    My Son Pinocchio puts a new spin on a classic tale.  This play is the story of Pinocchio from Geppetto’s point of view.  It actually explains a lot of things that were left unknown in the animated film version.  It includes the Blue Fairy, Stromboli, and the kids at Pleasure Island.  I’m telling you now, you do not want to miss this show!

    This is the directorial debut for Dr. Todd Brand and he has really surprised me.  I have worked with him and many of the cast before so I knew about the talent level before I agreed to help.  Dr. Brand not only did a great job at the direction of this piece, he also plays Geppetto and does it quite well.  Geppetto’s final song, Since I Gave My Heart Away, is the most touching. You can feel the pain in Dr. Brand’s voice as he sings about the possibility of losing his son.  Dr. Brand’s portrayal of Geppetto is very believable.  That may be due to the fact that his real life son, Eli, plays opposite him as Pinocchio.  The two of them together are amazing.  Their chemistry is strong and their portrayal of father/son both on stage and off is real.

    Eli Brand, Pinocchio, is a precious little puppet.  He is very sincere in his portrayal and the audience can really relate to him and why he does what he does.   This is Eli’s first leading role and he is pulling it off wonderfully.  His transformation from a puppet to a real boy really touches the heart.  Especially when he can finally be himself and know that his father loves him for who he is.

    Adding to the mix is Anna Edwards, the Blue Fairy.  Anna is one of my former students at MHS so I am a little biased.  Even if I didn’t know Anna, I would think that she is a great Blue Fairy.  Anna’s narcissistic spin on the Blue Fairy is something amazing to watch.  While Anna in real life is not a confrontational person, her character, the Blue Fairy, is quite the opposite.  Anna has a voice like an angel and her grace on the stage does not go un-noticed.

    Rounding out the cast is Alan Rigdon.  Alan is no stranger to the stage and that is apparent in his portrayal of the less than perfect puppeteer, Stromboli.  Alan’s confidence allows him to glide through this show like he has no cares in the world.  This is the second show in which Alan has had to control not only his character but also the character’s of several puppets. His song, Bravo Stromboli, is definitely the song that steals the show.

    MCC’s My Son Pinocchio opens this Thursday night and it is not something you want to miss.  Show starts at 7:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and there will be a 2:00 matinee on Sunday.  This show is a family friendly show and a must see.  The acting is good, the show is great, and the singing is superb.  If you are looking for a night of fun for you and your family this weekend, this is the place to be.  The show runs about two hours and there is never a dull moment.  If I were to rate this show, it would definitely get two thumbs up.

    Elizabeth Thomas is the theatre/speech teacher at Meridian High School.  She is the sponsor for the MHS Wildcat Players and the Drama Club.  Currently she is producing and directing the Spring Musical HONK! Jr. that will run in May.  You can follow her blog at myrawemotion.blogspot.com or email her at teachingactress@gmail.com.