More than 50 local kids to appear in presentation of Pinnochio this Saturday

The charming tale of Pinnochio, the wooden puppet who longed to become a real, live boy, comes to life Saturday, April 25, when Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) and more than 50 local students perform an original, musical adaptation of the classic tale at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Mountain Home High School's Lloyd Schiller Gymnasium.

Tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for senior citizens or students and are available at Phoenix Storybook Co., Moxie Java, the Senior Center and at the door.

The classic tale involves Geppetto, who fashioned a puppet in the image of a small boy. Even as the lonely and kind woodcarver worked far into the night, old Geppetto was not aware that the wood under the chisel had come from the trunk of an enchanted tree. But the Blue Fairy was aware, as she watched from afar and gave to that puppet the gift of life.

Thus begins the Missoula Children's Theatre adaptation of one of the most beloved of all children's stories. Pinnochio dances with Geppetto's toys, travels the road to Pleasure Isle with Candlewick and his crew, and is swindled by the unsavory Fox and Cat. After escaping the clutches of the evil puppetmaster, Stromboli, Pinocchio finds himself in trouble once more -- this time swallowed by a monstrous whale. As Geppetto and the friendly Urchins spin their magical tale, Pinocchio learns that there are no shortcuts on the road to becoming a real, live boy.

The Missoula Children's Theatre residency in Mountain Home is provided by Mountain Home Arts Council with support from Idaho Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, local citizens and a special grant from the Idaho Community Foundation.

For more information, call 587-3706 or visit mharts.org.