PINOCCHIO Runs Now thru 3/22 at New Victory Theater

The classic tale about a wooden boy with a nose for trouble gets remastered in the psychedelic rock musical Pinocchio, making its U.S. premiere at The New Victory Theater from tonight, March 13 - March 22, 2015. Winner of two 2014 Helpmann Awards for Best New Australian Work and Best Presentation for Children, Pinocchio comes to New York after a successful run at the Sydney Opera House.

Tenderly tooled by the lonely Gepetto, Pinocchio takes a walk on the wild side when the need to belong gives way to temptations of fun, fame and the dream of becoming a real boy. With bold ballads, angsty anthems and a plot knotted with tabloid twists, this 21st-century reimagining reflects Carlo Collodi's original 19th-century novel in which naughty children get their comeuppance and redemption. Direct from the creative team behind the award-winning productions ofWizard of Oz (2009) and School Dance (2013), Pinocchio continues to gather accolades everywhere it is performed. Last seen by an audience of over 13,000 at the Sydney Opera House it was lauded as "a merry-go-round of clever comedy, edgy music, immersing animated visuals and winning performances," by the Sydney Morning Herald and a "really brilliant musical for kids," by Time Out Sydney, among other rave reviews.

Pinocchio features the cream of the crop of Australia's musical theater talent, including Nathan O'Keefe (Masquerade,Griffin Theatre/STCSA; The Comedy of Errors, Bell Shakespeare/STCSA; and Grug, Windmill Theatre, New Vic 2013) in the title role with multi-Helpmann Award winning stage legend Paul Capsis (Calpurnia Descending, Sydney Theatre Company; Angela's Kitchen, Griffin Theatre; Boulevard Delirium, Malthouse Theatre, Sydney Opera House) as the twisted Stromboli and acclaimed actor and singer Mitchell Butel (The Venetian Twins, Queensland Theatre Company;The Mikado, Opera Australia; Avenue Q) as Foxy. Windmill's multi-award-winning resident designer and visual artist,Jonathon Oxlade (2011 Ruby Award for Best Performance, School Dance; 2009 Matilda Award for Best Designer,Attack of the Attacking Attackers) also puppeteers and plays the role of Cricket. A catchy original score by Jethro Woodward is performed live by Woodward and Paul White while vibrant animated projections transform Oxlade's spectacular revolving set into a kaleidoscope of wondrous places, from a charming cottage to the belly of a giant fish.

The talented cast of Pinocchio also includes Danielle Catanzariti as Blue Girl, Jude Henshall as Kitty Poo and Alirio Zavarce as Geppetto. The creative team includes Rosemary Myers (Artistic Director, Windmill Theatre), director and creator; Julianne O'Brien, writer; Jonathon Oxlade, designer; Jethro Woodward, composer and musical director; Chris More, video designer; Geoff Cobham, lighting designer; and Carol Wellman Kelly, movement.

Pinocchio is supported, in part, by a Presenter's Grant from The Jim Henson Foundation.