The Delaware Children’s Theatre, originally called the Children’s Repertory Theatre of Wilmington, began in 1973 with a production of the classic children’s tale, “Pinocchio.” Fifty-two years later, “Pinocchio” is back at the New Century Club building.
“It’s very fun,” says Jessica Koubek, the show’s stage manager. “This show is interactive in a sense, so there’s a lot of audience participation. You hear the kids in the audience trying to shout things out to Pinocchio and help him.”
The show is a classic retelling of “Pinocchio,” featuring iconic characters, such as Geppetto, Blue Fairy, and The Coachman; multiple songs; and dance numbers. The 90-minute show includes a 15-minute intermission. The production started its run on February 8, with shows every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Audiences can catch the last two shows this weekend, on March 1 and 2.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to do something wholesome with their kids,” Koubek says. “Introducing young children to theater is always a great benefit for them. And it may be that it spurs them to want to audition and maybe do a show in the future.”
The “Pinocchio” cast consists of 16 children and seven adults. The show’s director, Tom Marshall, was quick to praise everyone involved, especially the children.
“[Josh Rubincan, who plays Pinocchio] is 9, so this is a new part for him,” Marshall says. “He has worked hard to be able to develop.”
The theater typically puts on multiple productions every year. Its next project is “The SpongeBob Musical,” which runs April 12 through May 4. Koubek encourages audiences to see that show as well.
“It’s going to be a fun one,” Koubek shares. “The director for that one is really into the video aspects, the technical aspects of the show.”
Delaware Children’s Theatre is located at 1014 Delaware Ave. in Wilmington.
Tickets for “Pinocchio” and “The SpongeBob Musical” can be found at dechildrenstheatre.org.
Related: Artist Maia Palmer Celebrates Hispanic Educators in Delaware
