Reviewed by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move

Dark and twisted, Rogue Artists Ensemble managed to captivate audiences with a macabre take on the classic Italian tale (with a twist) Pinocchio. There was not a dry eye in the house. Definitely, not from me.

I’d been following this, still-in-development project since last October, it sounded so promising. And Sunday’s live reading did not disappoint. Staged scenes, a newly conceptualized Pinocchio puppet, 3D animations, a variety of special effects and songs  (oh yes they DID!) truly made for an intriguing, attention-keeping experience.  Still in evolution, I’m betting that only good things can come from this show when it finally gets on its feet for real.

Read the breakdown below and follow Rogue Artists Ensemble, a unique company well-versed in the art of puppetry, on Twitter, Facebook and their website for updates.  You will NOT want to miss this!

Storyline:

Geppetto a suffering man, yearns to reconnect with his lost family and gets much more than he bargained for. In this world-premiere play for mature audiences the cricket is killed, Blue haunts us all and the Dog Fish lurks in the corner waiting to help you confront your fears.  As you live, and you die, what will you leave behind?

Over ten years in the making, Rogue Artists Ensemble’s Pinocchio will be a visual feast, combining masked and unmasked actors, highly expressive physical performance, dance, interactive sets, multiple puppetry traditions, projected media, sophisticated special effects and illusions.

Pinocchio is supported in part by the Jim Henson Foundation, City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

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