NRHEG Elementary will team up with two professional actors this weekend to present Prairie Fire Children’s theatre’s original musical version of the classic tale, “Pinocchio.”
“Pinocchio,” with script by Robert Gribas, original music by Angela Rinaidi Gribas, and costume and set design by Deborah Nelson Pick, continues Prairie Fire’s tradition of presenting classic tales as you’ve never seen them before. From the Enchanted Forest of the Blue Fairy to the Isle of Fun, follow Pinocchio’s adventures as he learns what it means to be a real boy.
The local cast features NRHEG students as follows:• Pinocchio - Paige Knudson
• Cricket - Lorilei Strom
• Blue Fairy - Kyra Crosson
• Spirits: Addison Loken, Kaydance Simota, Gracie Williams, Isabel Stadheim, McKenzie Mueller, Keira Lenort
Puppets
• Arlecchino - Skylar Lembke
• Pantalone - Riley Chicos
• Isabella - Josie Strom
• Zanni - Erin Jacobson
• Capitano - Branden Howieson
• Puppets: Ulrich Woolard, Emma Esplan, Trinity Smith-Vulcan, Raquel Fischer, Payton Bunn
Townsfolk
• Farmer - Harley Johnson
• Constabel - Jayna Domeier
• Judge -Makenzie Sundve
• Mime- Mia Williams
• Paper Boy- Parker Bunn
• Waiter- Ashley Hagen
• Townsfolk: Max Sulten, Madison Johannsen
Hooligans
• Toni- Taya Lembke
• Chaz- Aubrey Fischer
• Spaz- Elisie Schultz
• Hooligans: Makota Misgen, Elizabeth Karl, Haley VanWinkle, Jordan Horejsi, William Tuttle, Torri Vaale, Anton Domeier, Conner Nelson
Vermin
• Cat - Hope VanWilgen
• Badger - Lexi Combs
• Weasel - Micaela Vaale
• Ferret - Jonah Stafford
• Vermin: Autumn Combs, Alisa Wittiko, Tatum Smith-Vulcan, Alyson Romine, Madalunn Baas, Cora Harpel, Jordis Diaz, Reese Routh, Ned Bell
• Lights: Brady Schlaak
• Spotlight: Hope Nielsen
• Sound: Steven Hackett
Prairie Fire professionals will co-direct the production and will play the roles of Gepetto/Tempesto, the Puppet Master, and the Fox.
This years PFCT performance of “Pinocchio” is being dedicated to Markus Misgen.
The PTO started bringing Prairie Fire Children’s Theater to NRHEG in 2008 and Markus was in every play. In 2008, he played a Gnome named Gabble-Gabble in “Robin Hood.” In 2009, “Beauty & the Beast,” he was a Gargoyle, 2010 “Wizard of Oz” a Munchkin, 2011 “Tom Sawyer” a River Rat, 2012 “Cinderella” a Cool Cat, and in 2013 “Alladin,” Markus played the lead role of Alladin.
Performances of “Pinocchio” are Friday, May 9th at 7 p..m and Saturday, May 10th at 2 p.m. at the Ellendale Elementary school. Tickets are available the door. Adults $5, students $3, children 5 and under are free.