LIHU‘E — The Kalaheo Elementary School Drama Club celebrates 10 years with its production of “No Strings Attached,” the musical adaptation of “The Adventures of Pinocchio.”
Performances open Friday and continue for two weekends at Kalaheo School cafeteria. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 4.
“This is the 10th season Director Marly Madayag has graciously taught these kids purely on her free time to put this production on and promises the same exciting elements beyond an elementary play, with amazing young new local talent, special effects, music, professional staging and custom costumes,” Keala Huffman wrote in an email.
Madayag said “No Strings Attached” — written by Mary Donnelly and George L.O. Strid — is a “heartwarming” tale, perfect for the entire family.
Geppetto, the old woodcarver, and his marionette son Pinocchio come to life in this musical adaptation of clever characters and lessons to be learned, states a news release. Curiosity and temptation keep getting Pinocchio into trouble when he meets up with the Puppet Master, Sly Foxx, Klever Katt and String Bean.
“The actual theme of the story is change and how people can change … (Pinocchio) learns about life throughout his adventures,” Madayag said.
As with her previous productions, Madayag said she chose material that is literature based, providing students with the opportunity to not only read the story but learn its life lessons.
“The kids are enjoying it … They look forward to opening night,” she said.
Madayag said students began rehearsing in August, with set production beginning in January. The cast includes 40 students from grades three to five.
Kimberly Lau tackles the lead role of Pinocchio and Ben Murray stars as the Geppetto. The magical Purple Fairy is played by Natalie Claytor and Jeremy Herr stars as Collodi, the talking cricket.
Sage Cierras, Alex Matsumoto, Anna Burkman and Kevin Peterson play the roles of Pinocchio’s trouble making friends. Jack Davies stars as Melampo and Connor Mackenzie takes the role of the Ringmaster.
“It’s our 10th year,” Madayag said. “We always want the community to come. It’s family entertainment.”
Tickets for “No Strings Attached” cost $5 for adults and $1 for children 12-and-under. Admission is on a first-come basis and attendees are encouraged to come early to enjoy the school’s food booth, which opens at 6 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased in advance from cast members and at Kalaheo Elementary School. Donations are welcome and proceeds will support the Kalaheo School Drama Club.
For more information contact Kalaheo Elementary School at 332-6801.
