Pinocchio comes to life at the Crescent

Sussex — Tri-State Actors Theater presents “Hey Ho Pinocchio,” a family musical based on the beloved children’s classic tale by Carlos Collodi, adapted for the stage by Eleanor and Ray Harder. Tri-State’s summer intern production runs Aug. 4 through 21. Pinocchio is the story of a wooden puppet that is magically given the gift of animation by a loving Blue Fairy who warns, “Hey Ho, Pinocchio! Tell a tale and your nose will grow.” Geppetto, the puppet-maker, sends Pinocchio out into the world with hopes that he will learn to become a real boy. On the puppet’s fantastic journey, he encounters the wily team of cat and fox and an evil puppeteer who seeks to exploit Pinocchio’s unusual talent by capturing him. Pinocchio returns home only to run away with Randy, Ricky and Rudy to Happy Land, where owner Sharpe turns all bad boys into donkeys. Pinocchio escapes into the ocean and is reunited with Geppetto inside a whale. The Blue Fairy helps them return home. Pinocchio becomes a real child after learning that love is the greatest magic of all. Long history This summer’s presentation celebrates Tri-State’s 23rd season of presenting classic theater for children and family audiences. The 2010 Summer Intern Company comprised of students from Sussex County, Orange County, N.Y., and Pike County, Pa., includes: Ali Castellucci, Mara Claypoole, Destiny Davis, Justine Dignardi, Jonathan Dragon, Ava Enoch, Megan Good, Emily Kazmierski, Rebecca Kus, PJ Lombardo, Ashley Mapley-Brittle, Rebecca Martino, Kelly McGowan, Mika-Marie Muller, Cody Riker, Catherine Sanchez, Sarah Stansfield and Albert Weitz. Chris Lance of Hackettstown returns as Music Director and Conductor, with Choreography by Lauren DeVore. The Interns spend their three weeks of rehearsal time learning theater and acting techniques from Tri-State’s artistic director and founder, Paul Meacham. Max Lehman, a sophomore at Hofstra University, is interning with the company this summer as stage manager. Amanda Martino returns for the summer to assist as scene painter. If you go ‘Hey Ho Pinocchio’ is recommended for children ages 3 and up. Cast members meet and greet the children after each performance. Runs, Aug. 4 through 21. Performances Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m. $12 general admission for ages 12 and over $9 for ages 11 and under Group rates available. Box office: 973 875-2950 www.tristateactorstheater.org. Productions are held at the historic Crescent Theater, 74 Main St., Sussex