Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.
The classic tale of an aging toymaker and his beloved wooden puppet is given a touching finish in this Disney gem.
Restrictions may apply.
Show Essentials
39
Roles
+ Ensemble
G
Rated
1
Act

Full Synopsis

A group of Fairies-in-Training gather to celebrate yet another "perfectly granted" wish of the Blue Fairy ("When You Wish upon a Star"). Their celebration is interrupted by the toy maker, Geppetto, who complains that Pinocchio, the puppet she brought to life as his son, is defective. To uncover the truth, the Blue Fairy takes us back in time to the day of Geppetto's wish. Geppetto's toy shop is filled with parents and their eager children ("Toys"). Having no children of his own, Geppetto envies them and wishes for his heart to be full ("Empty Heart"). The Blue Fairy grants his wish and brings Pinocchio to life.

The next day, the overjoyed Geppetto teaches Pinocchio a song he learned from his father ("Geppetto and Son") and introduces him to the Town Fathers, but Pinocchio wanders away. We then travel forward in time ("Rise and Shine") to see Geppetto attempt to teach Pinocchio about toy making. When the disinterested Pinocchio lies, his nose grows. Still not convinced of Pinocchio's imperfection, the Blue Fairy takes us forward again to Pinocchio's first day of school. Heeding Geppetto's instructions to "act like everyone else," Pinocchio begins mimicking other students and gets into trouble. In the town square, the puppeteer, Stromboli, notices that Pinocchio is a stringless puppet and tries to recruit him for his marionette show, but the Blue Fairy sends Stromboli away.

Back in the present, Geppetto repeats his request for the Blue Fairy to take Pinocchio back. Pinocchio overhears and runs away ("When You Wish upon a Star – Reprise"). Geppetto goes looking for Pinocchio and finds him performing for Stromboli ("I've Got No Strings"). After the show, Stromboli locks up Pinocchio, but tells Geppetto that the puppet left. Meanwhile, Pinocchio escapes, but Stromboli vows to find him ("Bravo Stromboli"). The Blue Fairy finally agrees to take Pinocchio back once Geppetto finds him ("Just Because It's Magic"). In Idyllia, Geppetto encounters Professore Buonragazzo and his "perfect child" machine, which creates a series of perfect children ("Satisfaction Guaranteed"), but none can replace Pinocchio. Back on the road, Geppetto meets talking animals who act like something else because of their parents' expectations. Meanwhile, the Blue Fairy offers Pinocchio to Stromboli since Geppetto still doesn't want him ("Bravo Stromboli – Reprise").

A Ringleader and his Roustabouts introduce us to a children's paradise ("Pleasure Island"). Geppetto finds Pinocchio there, but fails to convince him to come home. Suddenly, Pinocchio and the other delinquents become donkeys and are sent away on a ship, which Geppetto pursues in a rowboat. The young fairy, Sue, conjures a whale to save them, but it swallows Geppetto and Pinocchio. Inside the whale, Geppetto promises to be a better father if they ever get home ("Geppetto and Son – Reprise"). Pinocchio lies so that his nose tickles the whale's throat, and it sneezes them out. Back at the toy shop, Stromboli and the Blue Fairy await them. Having learned how to appreciate fatherhood, Geppetto offers Stromboli anything in his shop in exchange for letting him keep Pinocchio ("Since I Gave My Heart Away"). Stromboli refuses, and the Blue Fairy must grant Stromboli his wish, but the young fairies point out that Pinocchio has learned to become a real boy, rendering him useless for Stromboli's show. With father and son now transformed and united for good, the Blue Fairy's perfect record remains intact!

Casting
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Cast Size: Medium (11 to 20 performers)
Cast Type: Children
Dance Requirements: Standard

Character Breakdown

Geppetto
Geppetto is a lonely toymaker who longs to be a father. Look for a mature performer who feels comfortable playing a parent to Pinocchio and isn't afraid of showing emotion. Cast a strong singer, as Geppetto has several solos.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Pinocchio
Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who doesn't know where he belongs. Look for a performer who can handle the lively personality of a little boy while also capturing tender moments. Although Pinocchio is a boy, the role can be played by a boy or girl. Pinocchio has a few solos, but a strong character actor can easily act through them.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Blue Fairy
The Blue Fairy is convinced of her own perfection and does not like having it called into question. The performer you cast should have good comedic instincts and a solid singing voice. This role does not require excessive dancing.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Fairies

Rosa, Viola & Arancia, fairies in training, are sweet and kind. The performers in these roles should be expressive observers since they often oversee the action occurring onstage during flashbacks. They sing as a group, often alongside the Blue Fairy. Their individual distinctions from one another can be discovered during rehearsal.

Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Sue

Sue is a fairy in training who marches to the beat of her own drum. She isn't your typical fairy, as sweetness isn't in her nature. The performer in this role can be brooding or brash, but certainly a contrast to Rosa, Viola and Arancia, although vocally she should blend in.

Gender: female
Stromboli
Stromboli is a bumbling, loud, incompetent puppeteer who has at least a few screws loose. Cast a versatile performer who can create silly voices to take this character and his marionettes over-the-top. Stromboli's songs are challenging, so look for someone who is comfortable with his solos and doesn't shy away from silliness.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Professore Buongrazzo
Professore Buongrazzo is a passionate, mad scientist obsessed with building perfect children. While some solos are required, character work is most important for this role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C#4
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Junior
Junior is Professore Buonragazzo's mirrorimage assistant, created using the child-making machine. The performer in this role will need to work closely with the performer playing the Professor to mimic his movements. A short solo is required, but it can be spoken if necessary.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Ringleader
The Ringleader runs Pleasure Island. The performer playing this role should have a real sense of showmanship. This role requires some singing and is a great opportunity to showcase a dancer. The Ringleader can be played by a boy or a girl, but be sure to cast a performer who can commit to the character's mischievous ways.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Signora Giovanni
Signora Giovanni is Pinocchio's teacher. The role can be a great opportunity to feature a performer who doesn't sing. If needed, this performer can become part of the ensemble in other group numbers.
Gender: any
Bernardo

Bernardo & Maria are married residents of Idyllia who are looking to purchase a "perfect" daughter from Professore Buonragazzo. These roles require group singing only. These performers can become part of the ensemble in other group numbers.

Gender: male
Maria

Bernardo & Maria are married residents of Idyllia who are looking to purchase a "perfect" daughter from Professore Buonragazzo. These roles require group singing only. These performers can become part of the ensemble in other group numbers.

Gender: female
Talia
Talia is the "perfect child" created for Maria and Bernardo by Professore Buonragazzo's machine. Talia sings and dances to impress her parents, so this is a great role to feature a dancer.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Boy 1
Boy 1 is the first replacement for Pinocchio, created by Professore Buonragazzo's machine. Find an actor who can minic a comedic version of the famous puppet.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Boy 2
Boy 2 is the second replacement for Pinocchio. He should be even more wooden than Boy 1.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Marionettes
Marionettes are the stringed puppets in Stromboli's show. There are solos available for marionettes, if you choose to separate their voices from Stromboli. Marionettes can be added as need to the ensemble.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Town Children
The Town Children (Dante, Agata, Fiorello, Francesca, Adriana, Luigi, Gina, Lia, Rico) love the toys in Geppetto's shop. The performers cast in these roles should be able to create individual personalities for their characters. There are opportunities for solos, but performers can sing in groups.
Gender: any
Town Parents
Town Parents (Signora Lisi, Signore Fucito, Signora Mancini, Signor Alcamo, SIgnora Sommelia, Signora Contrastana, Signora Rosati, Signore Proto, Signore Marino) are the beleaguered mothers and judgmental fathers of the town children. The performers cast in these roles should be able to create individual personalities for their characters. There are opportunities for solos, but performers can sing in groups.
Gender: any
Children Of Idyllia
Children of Idyllia (Amelia, Salvatore, Carla, Lucia, Giuseppe, Boy 1, Boy 2) are the perfect children created by Professore Buonragazzo. Performers cast in these roles should be able to sing in groups, with featured speaking lines. There are great opportunities for movement and dance.
Gender: any
Animals
Animals (Pig, Foxes, Horse) serve as voices of reason for Geppetto's journey. Performers cast in these roles do not have to sing; however, comic timing and deadpan delivery are essential. These performers should be comfortable inhabiting the mismatched animals they portray.
Gender: any
Roustabouts
Roustabouts are the sidekicks to Pleasure Island's Ringleader. When performing these roles, personality is key. Group singing is required.
Gender: any
Delinquents
Delinquents (Malvolio, Brutto, Sporco, others) can expand to include more performers and are great roles for non-singers. Also, they must be comfortable turning into donkeys.
Gender: any
Full Song List
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: When You Wish Upon a Star
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Toys
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Empty Heart
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Geppetto and Son
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Rise and Shine
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: When You Wish Upon a Star - Reprise
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: I've Got No Strings
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Bravo Stromboli
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Just Because It's Magic
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Satisfaction Guaranteed
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Bravo Stromboli - Reprise
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Pleasure Island
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Geppetto and Son - Whale Reprise
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Since I Gave My Heart Away
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.: Bows

Connect

Curriculum Connection

  • Different Perspectives
  • World Cultures
  • Communications
  • Units of Measurement
  • Anatomy
  • Parental Responsibility
  • Problem-solving

Billing

Requirements

You must give the authors/creators billing credits, as specified in the Production Contract, in a conspicuous manner on the first page of credits in all programs and on houseboards, displays and in all other advertising announcements of any kind.
Percentages listed indicate required type size in relation to title size.

Author Billing – Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.

(This Rider is part of the Production Contract)
Licensee shall incorporate the following credits and comply with all size and other restrictions on the title page of all playbills and programs, and in all houseboards, displays and in all other advertising, press release and any other promotional material, except as otherwise provided below, as follows:
The [Licensee]
Production of
 

Music & Lyrics
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
Book by
DAVID STERN
"When You Wish upon a Star" and "I've Got No Strings"
Music by Leigh Harline, Lyrics by Ned Washington
from the Walt Disney Motion Picture PINOCCHIO
 
  • The billing to Licensee must be in the form specified above, including the words "Production of" below Licensee's billing, which words shall be visually contiguous with the title, so that the audience is informed that Licensee is the producer of the production.
  • The size of the credit to the authors shall be no less than 50% of the regular title, and if there is no regular title, then no less than 20% of the logo or artwork title.
  • Licensee's billing shall be no less than 50% of the size of the logo or artwork title, as measured by the proportion of the average size of Licensee's name to the largest letter in the logo or artwork title.
  • The name "Disney's" immediately prior to the title of the Play shall be in plain type font, shall be no more than 33% of the title, as measured by the proportion of the size of the "D" in "Disney" to the size of the largest letters in the title.
  • Licensee is prohibited from copying or otherwise using any costume designs, character designs, artwork or other intellectual property from the Film, although there may be a general similarity to the characters' appearances.

Video Warning

In accordance with the Performance License, you MUST include the following warning in all programs and in a pre-show announcement:
ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

If you purchase a video license to allow non-commercial video recording of this production, then you MUST include the following warning in all programs and in a pre-show announcement:
ANY VIDEO RECORDING MADE OF THIS PERFORMANCE IS AUTHORIZED FOR PERSONAL, AT-HOME, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW.

Included Materials

ItemQuantity Included
ACTOR'S BOOK30
DIGITAL SHOWKIT1
DIRECTOR'S GUIDE1
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AND MEDIA1
FAMILY MATTERS30
GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL1
PIANO VOCAL SCORE1
STREAMING LICENSE DISNEY1

Production Resources

Resource
ACTOR'S BOOK TENPACK
FAMILY MATTERS (PACK OF 10)
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON-10/CS
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON?
LOGO PACK
LOGO PACK DIGITAL
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT MEDIUM
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT SMALL
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT X-LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT XX-LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD MEDIUM
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD SMALL
PRODUCTIONPRO-DIGITAL SCRIPT/SCORE
VIDEO LICENSE