Christmas is admittedly a child-friendly season. This is evident even in the shows being offered, just like what Ballet Manila has prepared for its audience. Pinocchio, the captivating story of a puppet, wishing upon a star to become a real boy, is Ballet Manila’s holiday treat. It is the third offering for the company’s 20th Performance Season aptly called “From Page to Stage”.

Ballet Manila Co-Artistic Director and Pinocchio choregrapher Osias Barroso with the main cast of the ballet (1)

The Classic Story of Truthfulness, Family and Friendship

Pinocchio is a very popular and entertaining story about truthfulness. The story of how Pinocchio’s nose grows longer every time he lies is often used and jokingly applied to real life as a warning to speak out the truth. “It also reminds us of the value of family and friendship,” as explained by choreographer Osias Barroso. “This is very evident with the relationship of Gepetto and Pinocchio and the friendship between Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio.” Thus, dance companies enjoy staging Pinocchio not only because it is a children’s ballet show but also because of the lessons it brings to the public.

Pinocchio with Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy (1)

Pinocchio – The Ballet Show

Pinocchio was initially a one-act piece but was always included in the company’s line-up of shows. With its timeless appeal, the audience will enjoy “Pinocchio’ as a full length production this year, signifying Ballet Manila’s Christmas treat to its loyal patrons. Based on the Italian children’s novel by Carlo Collodi, it was the second animated film produced by Disney in 1940, following the success of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. Pinocchio is choreographed by Ballet Manila Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso.

Pinocchio was one of Ballet Manila’s most successful productions. “It stood the test of time. It had an impressive track record in terms of sales and audience feedback. Our biggest challenge was finding suitable music for the ballet but I am glad that were able to come up with a beautiful score. The music of Pinocchio has a lot of heart,” he said.

Pinocchio with pal, Jiminy Cricket as they go through one of their many adventures together in Osias Barroso's Pinocchio (1)

Pinocchio Performers

Pinocchio will be played by danseur Alvin Santos, one of Ballet Manila’s most senior company members. Alvin started out as a company scholar and is a product of the School of Ballet Manila. Alvin has played the lead since the very first staging of “‘Pinocchio” in 2002. He returns this season, to once again dance the part of ‘Pinocchio”, a role he will never get tired of doing.

“Alvin was the first male Filipino danseur to receive a FINALIST Certificate in the Asia Pacific international Ballet competition held in Tokyo, Japan in 2003,” Osias proudly said. “The role is quite unusual because most of the time, the male dancer needs height and strong partnering skills. ‘Pinocchio’ is a wonderful opportunity for a not-so-tall but technically strong male ballet dancer to shine, “ remarked Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

To further enhance the magical journey, Fil-Am singer Tippi dos Santos will be the show’s storyteller. This season’s performance will be a delightful mix of heart warming music in playful narrative movements.

Added Special Treat

With the air filled with holiday cheer, the whole family can head straight to the carnival fun rides after enjoying the show. All ‘Pinocchio’ ticket holders are entitled to free tickets to Star City.

Celebrate the holidays with Pinocchio, Geppeto and Jimminy Cricket in Osias Barroso’s “Pinocchio,. Shows are on November 27, 28 and December 5 at 8:00 p.m.; November 29 and December 6 at 3:00 p.m, at Aliw Theater in Pasay City. Tickets are available at all Ticketworld outlets, online at www.ticketworld.com.ph, or call 891 9999.

Special rates for group bookings are available. Schools, companies and organizations can get specially priced tickets for fund-raising events and other holiday activities. For inquiries, call (02 552 7502 or email info@balletmanila.com.ph.

My Say

I am so excited to watch Pinocchio with my family. Even if it is a children’s story, the message and presentation transcend age. Book your tickets now!