Red Branch Theatre Company Presents PINOCCHIO, Dec 8-16

Red Branch Theatre Company is bringing childhood favorite Pinocchio to life December 8-16 at Drama Learning Center in Columbia. Jennifer Spieler directs a unique interpretation in the commedia dell'arte style that will be sure to engage even the most familiar audiences.

Says Spieler, "the framework of the play is centered around a travelling theatre troupe presenting the story of Pinocchio, so that the aspect of theatricality is never hidden. Probably one of the most exciting things is that the style of this piece involves the audience to participate in certain moments - to engage actively in the make-believe that's being created."

RBTC will host several family-friendly holiday themed events in conjunction with the production.

The performance will kick off on December 8 with a 'Shop 'Til You Drop' Day. Parents can drop off their children for an afternoon or evening of theatre, games and crafts while they finish up their holiday shopping. Visit with the big guy himself during one of Red Branch Theatre Company's 'Santa Sightings' on December 9 and 16 or bring the kids to another 'Shop 'Til You Drop' PJ Party on December 14.

Creative Staff & Cast:

Directed by Jennifer Spieler; Stage Managed by Hannah Fogler; Lighting Design by Jon Rubin;

Scenic Design by Carrie Loughry

Lorenzo/Coachman…………………………………………………………………………………………………Susan Porter
Alberto/Puppeteer/Lampwick ………………………………………………………………………………Kate McNichol
Hickory Cricket………………………………………………………………………………………………………Kristala Pouncy
Pinocchio…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Caroline Wolfson
Geppetto…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Kathy Marshall
Pepperoni/Puppet/Assorted Others………………………………………………………………………Tegan Williams

Macaroni/Puppet/Assorted Others…………………………………………………………………………Kelsey Painter

This adaptation is by Kathryn Schultz Miller and performed with permission from ArtReach Children's Theatre.

Show Dates/Times and Special Events:

December 8: 2:00pm & 7:30pm
('Shop Til You Drop' PJ Party: Kids aged 4 to 12 years can stay from 2:00-6:00pm, 7:00- 11:00pm, or 2:00-11:00pm for the show, games and crafts)

December 9: 2:00pm (Santa Sighting)

December 14: 7:30pm
('Shop Til You Drop' PJ Party: Parents can leave kids aged 4 to 12 years at Drama

Learning Center from 7:00-11:00pm for the show and an evening of theatre fun)

December 15: 2:00pm

December 16: 2:00pm (Santa Sighting)

Tickets are on sale now at www.redbranchtheatrecompany.com or by calling 410-997-9352. $12*-14 in advance; $15 at the door; $25 Shop Til You Drop PJ Party; $50 Both Sessions of Shop Til You Drop PJ Party; $11 Groups of 10 or more. *Student/Senior price

Drama Learning Center is located at 9130-I Red Branch Rd., Columbia, Md.

Red Branch Theatre Company has been entertaining theatre-goers since 2008. The company strives to bring together artists and audiences in the Baltimore-Washington community and beyond by providing theatrical productions that are exciting, affordable, powerful and thought provoking. Red Branch Theatre Company produces 4-5 shows each season featuring a mix of family and adult themes.