Photo Flash: GEPPETTO & SON Plays The Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities

Marking the conclusion of its 20th Anniversary Season, or "The Year of Enchantment," Hartford Children's Theatre (HCT) announces its production of Disney's GEPPETTO & SON. Under the direction of HCT Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle and Summar Elguindy, GEPPETTO & SON opens on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the campus of
Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford) where the show will run through Sunday, May 9, 2010. Tickets are now on sale. GEPPETTO & SON replaces the previously announced Prince and the Pauper.

GEPPETTO & SON is a new take on the classic tale of a toymaker named Geppetto and his son Pinocchio's journey from an awkward wooden puppet to a real, live boy. The Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters take Geppetto beyond the toy shop to help him discover what makes a "perfect child." This family-friendly musical features the beloved original songs "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "I've Got No Strings" from the classic 1940 Disney film Pinocchio, now celebrating its 70th Anniversary. The score also features new material by Grammy Award-winner and multiple Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked).

HCT's GEPPETTO & SON features a cast of 22 adult and child performers including Hartford residents and HCT favorites Jamison Daniels as "Geppetto" and Victoria Mooney as the "Blue Fairy" along with 10 year old Burlington resident Caleb Reynolds as "Pinocchio." Joining them are Christopher Cavallo as "Stromboli," Arnie Woelfel as "Buonragazzo," Matt Berry as "Ringleader," Ayla Kapiloff as "Mrs. Giovanni & Maria," Scott MacDonald as "Bernardo," Mac Cherny as "Junior," Samantha Bluth as "Marionette" and Lauren Cassot as "Talia." The ensemble includes Thomas Beebe, Patrick Joseph Beebe, Stefan Izydorczak, Colleen Litchfield, Clare Meehan, Molly Miller, Timmy Perry, Lauren Popillo, Kelly Shemeth, Ginny Van Zandt and Katie Woelfel.

The creative team for GEPPETTO & SON also includes Louise Fauteux (Musical Director) and Caitlin Sailer (Choreographer). The design team features Scenic Designs by Nick D'Angelo, Costume Designs by Deborah Scorzato, Hair / Wig & Make-Up Designs by Linda Stanhope, Lighting Design by Leda Hoffmann, Sound Design by Emily Tritsch and Prop Designs by Christopher Bell. Performances of HCT's production of GEPPETTO & SON will take place at the Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the Campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford), easily accessible from I-84 and I-91. The performance schedule is as follows: Friday, April 30 at 7 pm; Saturday, May 1 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, May 2 at 2 pm; Friday, May 7 at 7 pm; Saturday, May 8 at 2 pm & 7 pm and Sunday, May 9 at 2 pm. There will be one student matinee available to school groups on Thursday, May 6 at 10 am. Please call the HCT Box Office on 860.429.7970 ext. 12 to
purchase student tickets. The production runs approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for
children of all ages.

Tickets are $18 for Adults, $13 for Children (13 and under) & Senior Citizens and are available for purchase online at www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org. Group tickets are available by call the HCT Box Office on 860.429.7970 ext. 12. The mission of Hartford Children's Theatre is to enrich the lives of the children of Greater Hartford and surrounding communities by providing access and exposure to high quality theatre for young audiences and related educational opportunities. Executive Director Dulcie Giadone helms HCT's staff which includes Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle, Education Director Lisa Foss, Outreach Coordinator Renee Hamel and Office Manager John Nelson.

For more information, please call 860.249.7970 or visit us online at: www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org.

Photo credit: Thomas Giroir

Caleb Reynolds, VictoRia Mooney and Jamison Daniels

Caleb Reynolds

Caleb Reynolds, VictoRia Mooney and Jamison Daniels