Director's Note
Dear friends,
Welcome to the world premiere of Pinocchio: The Musical!
Tonight, you’re not just meeting any Pinocchio—you know, the one whose nose grows when he tells a fib and who runs away from his loving creator, Geppetto, who carved him from a block of pine. No, our Pinocchio is not only on a journey filled with dastardly villains and kind-hearted heroes but also on a quest to discover himself and the true power of music.
Our Pinocchio is bursting with music. A great responsibility rests on his delicate wooden shoulders: he must restore music to the world and break the spell cast on children—young artists and musicians—who have been turned into puppets by an evil fairy and the notorious Carrabbas-Barrabbas. But don’t worry—spoiler alert!—he becomes a real boy in the end!
Pinocchio: The Musical is a show for all ages. For the little, it’s a thrilling adventure with surprising twists. For the grown-ups, it’s rich with allegories and clever nods. But most of all, we hope that our show and its music will open your heart, filling it with love, laughter, and maybe even a few tears of joy.
Enjoy the show,
Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy
Creative Team
Artistic Director / Stage Director
Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy
Music & Libretto
Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy
Produced by
Commonwealth Lyric Theater
Executive Producer
Irina Prokhorov
Translation
Slava Gerovitch
Editorial Revisions of Music & Libretto, Additional Lyrics
Cathy Rand
Music Arrangement & Orchestration
Moshe Shulman
Conductor & Music Director
Jenny Tsai
Set Designer
Jenya Shekhter
Costume & Wig Designer
Luna Gomberg
Lighting Designer
Scott Clyve
Sound Designer
Gage Baker
Choreographer
Jon Lehrer
Technical Director
Mike McTeague
Makeup Artist
Krystle Poulin
Projection Video and Animation Designer
Sergey Aniskov
Technical Designer and Master Craftsman
Sergey Didenko
Music Supervisor & Keyboard Programmer
Samuel Bagala
Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy
Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy The founder and artistic director of Commonwealth Lyric Theater (CLT) and its Young Artist Program, Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy, is a multifaceted talent in the world of music and theater. He excels as a bass-baritone singer, pianist, artistic and stage director, choral conductor, composer, and vocal instructor. Born into a family with deep cultural roots, including writer Alexey Tolstoy and poet Mikhail Lozinsky as great-grandfathers, Alexander's upbringing was steeped in literary, musical, and theatrical influences. After completing his education in piano performance at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory Academic Music College, he pursued further studies in choral conducting and opera performance at the Longy School of Music, Bard College, and the Boston University Opera Institute. Under Prokhorov-Tolstoy’s leadership, CLT has spotlighted talents from the Bolshoi and Metropolitan Opera companies and garnered critical acclaim for productions like Aleko by Sergey Rachmaninov, Mozart and Salieri by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, and Demon by Anton Rubinstein, which was staged at the Emerson Cutler Majestic in 2017. These productions earned top honors from the National Opera Association, alongside accolades from The Boston Globe and New York Magazine. Prokhorov-Tolstoy's exploration into children's opera and musicals has led to innovative stagings of The Magic Flute, Ruslan and Ludmila, and Pirates of Penzance, which have also garnered honorable mentions from the National Opera Association. Currently, he is channeling his creative energies into a new musical vision with Pinocchio, based on Carlo Collodi's classic tale.
Jenny Tsai
Jenny Tsai is a music director, pianist, composer, and music educator. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Jenny discovered her love for music at a young age through piano lessons and choral music. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Soochow University in Taiwan and a Master’s degree in Music and Music Education from Columbia University. Jenny’s recent music direction credits include Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sister Act, La Cage Aux Folles, A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, The Bodyguard the Musical, Hello, Dolly!, Rent, Songs for a New World, Cabaret, and A Little Night Music. She served as a choir conductor for a local church for 13 years. Since 2004, she has also performed as a collaborative pianist and keyboardist for musical theaters and recitals in Boston. Jenny’s original compositions and arrangements have been performed in Boston and at the National Recital Hall in Taiwan. She was nominated for Best Music Director by EMACT for the 2022-2023 season for Cabaret.
Jon Lehrer
Jon Lehrer is a choreographer who began his dance and choreography journey thanks to a dare from his girlfriend to take a modern dance class in college. He went on to earn a BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo, kickstarting a transformative career. Jon has performed with various renowned groups, including the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, Giordano Dance Chicago, and even the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. He quickly rose through the ranks at Giordano Dance Chicago, becoming Rehearsal Director and Associate Director, and creating seven original works that received international acclaim. In 2007, Jon founded the Jon Lehrer Dance Company (JLDC) in Buffalo, NY, which moved to NYC in 2019. JLDC has gained national and international recognition for its unique blend of modern and jazz influences under Jon's artistic leadership. The company is celebrated for its organic and accessible choreography, infused with humor and reflective of life's experiences and the human condition. Jon's dedication to dance education and choreography has earned him several accolades, including the University at Buffalo Zodiaque Dance Company Distinguished Alumni Award and the "Rising Star" SPARK Award for his contributions to Buffalo's arts and cultural community.
Slava Gerovitch
Slava Gerovitch (translator) is a poet and translator, the author of two books of English and Russian poetry, Worldplay and Poetic Liberties. He has translated more than 150 poems and songs from a dozen languages into English and Russian and has written numerous short stories and plays. His poetry, song translations, and plays have been performed at JetLAG, Blue Trolley, SKOP, and Stranniki festivals in the U.S., MellnovFest in Estonia, KRUG Theater in Chicago, and the Camp Cape Cod theater program. A holder of two PhDs in the history and philosophy of science and technology, Slava has also authored several books on the history of Soviet cybernetics and space exploration. He is the winner of the Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Literature Award, a finalist for the Historia Nova Prize, and received an honorable mention for the Vucinich Book Prize for an outstanding monograph. He teaches at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Jenya Shekhter
Jenya Shekhter is a set designer who strives to transform the stage into captivating worlds that invite audiences into the story. With a keen eye for visual narratives, she carefully selects elements that resonate on a deeper level, sparking the viewer’s imagination and emotions. Jenya aims to make scenography a dynamic character within the production, one that evolves throughout the performance. Her designs are thoughtfully composed to create immersive experiences that enhance storytelling. By blending a diverse range of architectural, interior, natural, and abstract elements, Jenya brings her artistic vision to life, making each production a unique journey for the Audience. Jenya has designed sets and costumes for various Israeli and American theater productions, including Sailor's Silence, Uncle Vanya, A View from the Bridge, The Dead Souls, and Elsinor. Recently, she conceptualized and designed stage sets for PM Theater's productions of The Singing Windmills and A Star Without a Name, both of which originated in New York and toured nationwide under her creative direction. Jenya holds a Master’s in Theater Arts from Tel Aviv University, and her passion for theater extends beyond design. She founded the Wandering Lampshade Theater Club for children aged six and older, where she teaches acting and improvisation, introduces them to the rich history of theater and its various genres, and nurtures young talent.
Sergey Aniskov
Sergey Aniskov is an award-winning animation visionary and former set designer for Moscow's renowned Maly State Theater. His animated films have been showcased at prominent film festivals, including Cannes and Sundance, earning global acclaim. Sergey's diverse work spans traditional animation, documentary films, and innovative projection design for avant-garde performances and theatrical productions. Trained by Yevgeny Kumankov, a luminary in classical Russian theater set design, Sergey brings his theatrical background to every project, infusing experimental productions with fairy-tale graphics—his artistic signature. His experience with children's animation adds a playful and whimsical element to his projection designs. Sergey has developed creative property concepts and produced pitch reels that have greenlit productions for AOL, BBC Kids, Cartoon Network, Handmade Films, Lionsgate, MTV Networks International, Nickelodeon US and Australia, TV Ontario, and YTV Canada, among others. He has also directed and produced numerous episodes of animated series for broadcast and cable networks, as well as online and mobile gaming and learning content for AOL, MTV, Harcourt-Mifflin, the US Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation. Sergey is the founder and owner of Sorka Enterprises, a production company.
Cathy Rand
Moshe Shulman
Irina Prokhorov
Cathy Rand has had an award winning career as a pianist, music director, arranger, lyricist, wordsmith, editor and educator.
Luna Gomberg
Luna Gomberg is an innovative costume designer and multimedia artist known for her creativity and bold use of color. Her extensive portfolio spans theater, opera, and outdoor performances, showcasing a unique blend of set design, costume creation, and hair and makeup artistry. Luna has made significant contributions to theater companies, performance venues, and collaborative projects across New York City and beyond. Notably, she has worked with Krymov Lab NYC on their acclaimed Big Trip performance at LaMaMa ETC in the East Village and has been involved in creative projects at TurnPark Art Space in the Berkshires. Luna's artistic range extends to independent sculptural work, abstract costume design, fiber arts, and dynamic installations, often in collaboration with notable artists like Uta Bekaia, Doug Fitch, and Tommy Nguyen. She is currently engaged in ongoing projects with Krymov Lab NYC, designing costumes and puppets, and is gearing up for major productions, including Anna Karenina in New York and Pinocchio: The Musical in Boston. Additionally, Luna is crafting her own costume collections for the 2024-2025 seasons, continuing to push the boundaries of traditional costume design.
Sergey Didenko
Sergey isn't just a master craftsman; he's a visionary designer who seamlessly combines hands-on creation with cutting-edge technology. His expertise ranges from metal welding and woodworking to electronic hardware and software coding, allowing him to craft pieces that transcend conventional artistry. For the Pinocchio production, Sergey brought his unique vision to life by meticulously designing and building key elements, including innovative lighting solutions that blend seamlessly with the theatrical experience. He also crafted the striking golden key, a major element of the show that adds a magical touch. Beyond the stage, Sergey is the founder of Design Synergy Vision, a startup that merges technology and craftsmanship to create smart, beautiful, and sustainable home and garden landscaping solutions.
Russian-born Israeli composer, violin, viola, and bandoneon player, Moshe Shulman’s depiction of an interiority of individual experience stakes a claim for the profoundly human, whose work speaks eloquently and originally. As a composer, Dr. Shulman received numerous awards such as 2015 Fromm Foundation Commission from Harvard University which resulted in “Seven Prophetesses for Voice, Harp and String Quartet. 2018 and 2019 The American Prize in vocal chamber category (2nd and 3rd place) and 2009 Jurgenson Contemporary Music International Competition in Moscow (3rd place). Recently, he received NYSCA Grant to write a ballet for children (2020) and Six Songs in Ukrainian Grant (2023). As an arranger, Dr. Shulman worked with several opera companies such as: Commonwealth Lyric Theater in Boston, MA and The Opera Company of Middlebury in Vermont. His 24 minutes opera Desire to Sleep was conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya, current Music Director of Chicago Opera Theater. His music was heard in Israel, Canada, United States, Russia and Hungary with various ensembles such as Norrbotten NEO, Juventas New Music Ensemble, Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, Meridian Brass Quintet, Slee Sinfonietta, International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) and Arditti Quartet. Moshe Shulman (b.1978) holds a Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in composition from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and the PhD degree in composition from the NY State University at Buffalo, studying with Mark Kopytman, David Felder and Johannes Schollhorn through the years.
Scott Clyve
Scott Clyve (Lighting Designer)** Scott’s work has been seen all over the world for the past 37 years through theater, television, concerts, ice show and events. His notable credits include designing the lighting for Pope Francis during his legendary visit to Philadelphia, Pa. and President Barack Obama’s White House Frontier’s Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Some of his theatrical credits include Broadway’s The Gathering starring Hal Linden and Your Arms Too Short to Box with God starring Teddy Pendergrass and Stephanie Mills. Off-Broadway credits include Syndrome, Teresa's Ecstasy and A Winter’s Tale. Scott was recently the lighting director and/or production designer for over 200 live broadcast productions for the music streaming service Tidal X, including artists such as Bon Jovi, Coldplay, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Emeli Sandé, Rascal Flatts and Lil Wayne. Currently Scott has designed the Tidal X Series #CRWN hosted by Elliot Wilson with guests such as Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J Blige, Lil Wayne and the Roots. Here in Boston some of Scott’s credits include Express Yourself (Wang Theatre); Urban Nutcracker for 17 seasons (Shubert Theater), Evening with Champions an ice skating extravaganza and City Spotlights (Shubert Theater). Mr. Clyve has taught at Boston College and is a graduate of Purchase College at S.U.N.Y. and can be found at www.sclightingdesigns.com
Mike McTeague
Mike McTeague is a sound and lighting engineer and technical director with a rich portfolio spanning renowned theaters worldwide. Beginning his career with the Colonial Players and Quannapowitt Players in Massachusetts, Mike’s talent has been showcased in prestigious venues, including stages in Chicago, New York, and Ukraine. Recognized for his technical skill and creative flair, Mike has contributed to a variety of productions, from classic to modern, enhancing each with his innovative designs. Notable projects include Demon, Who Will Sing for Lena, and The Bear, all of which demonstrate his unique blend of technical mastery and artistic vision. Mike has received multiple awards for his lighting, sound designs, and stage management, including accolades for Dracula and A Little Night Music. His passion for theater and commitment to excellence continue to drive him to explore new boundaries in theatrical production, cementing his reputation as a master of his craft in the global theater community. Sergey Aniskov Sergey Aniskov is an award-winning animation visionary and former set designer for Moscow's renowned Maly State Theater. His animated films have been showcased at prominent film festivals, including Cannes and Sundance, earning global acclaim. Sergey's diverse work spans traditional animation, documentary films, and innovative projection design for avant-garde performances and theatrical productions. Trained by Yevgeny Kumankov, a luminary in classical Russian theater set design, Sergey brings his theatrical background to every project, infusing experimental productions with fairy-tale graphics—his artistic signature. His experience with children's animation adds a playful and whimsical element to his projection designs. Sergey has developed creative property concepts and produced pitch reels that have greenlit productions for AOL, BBC Kids, Cartoon Network, Handmade Films, Lionsgate, MTV Networks International, Nickelodeon US and Australia, TV Ontario, and YTV Canada, among others. He has also directed and produced numerous episodes of animated series for broadcast and cable networks, as well as online and mobile gaming and learning content for AOL, MTV, Harcourt-Mifflin, the US Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation. Sergey is the founder and owner of Sorka Enterprises, a production company.
Irina has been with Commonwealth Lyric Theater for over 10 years, serving as Producer, Production Director, Legal Counsel, choir member, and instructor for the Commonwealth Lyric Theater Young Artists program. Irina holds a Bachelor’s degree in singing, piano, choir conducting, and music education, along with a Juris Doctor. She is a solo practitioner and the proprietor of her own firm, the Law Office of Irina Rubinshtein, P.C. Irina’s opera production of Demon by Anton Rubinshtein received critical acclaim and secured 1st Place in the professional opera company competition by the National Opera Association. Additionally, she is a co-founder of the Child Prodigy Concert Series of Boston, which, in 2014, attracted over 500 people to its inaugural concert at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.
Gage Baker
Gage is a Boston-based sound designer. His credits include SpeakEasy Stage Company (The Museum of Broken Relationships, Pru Payne), Catastrophic Theatre (The Turn of the Screw, Innominate), Rec Room (The Children, The Moonlit Princess, Dance Nation), Boston Playwrights' Theatre (Driving in Circles), Babson College (Everybody), and Moonbox Productions (Legally Blonde, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). Upcoming sound designs include A Man of No Importance for SpeakEasy Stage. Gage is an alum of the University of Houston (BFA) and Boston University (MFA). When not designing plays and musicals, he mixes over 100 performances annually for the Boston company of Blue Man Group. gagebaker.com
Krystle Poulin
Krystle Poulin is a seasoned makeup artist with over 22 years of experience in film, television, commercials, and bridal work. Her passion for creating characters and bringing them to life through makeup began at a young age. A former dancer and theater enthusiast, Krystle is thrilled to design the makeup for Pinocchio: The Musical, helping to bring this story to life on stage. Krystle holds a degree from The Makeup Designory of NYC, with certifications in special effects and beauty makeup, specializing in film and television. Her impressive credits include work on the Oscar-winning CODA, Marvel’s Madame Web, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and Ryan Murphy’s The Normal Heart. In television, she has contributed to series like Dexter: New Blood, Marvel’s Daredevil and Jessica Jones, and CBS’s Blue Bloods. She is a two-time recipient of the New York Women in Film and Television Ensemble Award for her work on Jessica Jones and The Angriest Man in Brooklyn. Krystle also served as Cat Deeley’s personal makeup artist for So You Think You Can Dance.
Samuel Bagala
Sam is thrilled to return to Boston to help bring the world premiere of Pinocchio to the stage! Broadway/NYC credits include: Days of Wine & Roses, Hamilton, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Tours: Hamilton (1st national), RENT (20th Anniversary Tour - US & Tokyo), Elf (three seasons), Ain’t Too Proud, & Mrs. Doubtfire. Regional: Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Fulton Theater, Maine State Music Theater (9 seasons), Dallas Theater Center. As a composer, Sam has written music for film, podcast, & commercials. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory with a degree in Piano Performance. Sam resides in Philadelphia where he has a music production studio. Love to Teesta, Rose, & The Fam Jam! Enjoy the show! www.samuelbagala.com
Production Team
Stage Manager
Adrian Speth
Assistant Stage Manager
Grace Deschenes
Music Arrangment Contributor
Arthur Brodsky
Rehearsal Pianist
Pinyu (Priscilla) Chen
Associate Choreographer
Ali Ragazzini
Hip Hop Choreographer
Fiona Liu
Dance Captain
Rowan Hunt
Assistant Makeup Artists
Melinda Abreau & Volga Bolotovskaya
Associate Sound Designer
Devin McGovern
A1/Mixer
Zachariah Rosenbaum
A2
Katie Chen & Caleb Menkhus
Production Electrician
Maxx Finn
Assistant Electricians
Brian Ritche & Elizabeth Dagraca
Assistant Lighting Designer
Elijah Goldberg
Head Seamstress
Natalya Stolyarova
Creative Technology
Alexander Prokhorov
Stage Photography
Evgenia Eliseeva, Irina Danilova & Olga Maturana
Video
Afanasy Prokhorov & Michael Aksman
Subtitles and Playbill
Alexey Vikhlinin
Ticket Masters
Afisha Boston & Michael Rubinshtein
Graphic Design
Natasha Mileshina
Infographic Design
Dawson Fuss
Creative Content
Masha Birger
Production Director & Producer
Irina Prokhorov
Assistant Producer & Marketing Director
Clark Rubinshtein
Digital Marketing Manager
Jensen Ward
Social Media Consultant
Bridget DeVine
SEO
Aaron Harris
Marketing Team
Bridget DeVine, Aaron Harris & Brandon Rubinshtein
Production Support
Yekaterina Bolotovskaya & Antonina Didenko
The Orchestra
Violin 1 & Concertmaster:
Ming-hang Tam
Violin 2:
Josue Negrete
Viola:
Teresa Bloemer
Cello:
Zachary Larson
Double Bass & Bass Guitar:
Becca Pasley
Flute & Piccolo:
Linden Wu
Oboe:
Mary O'Keefe
Clarinet & Saxophone:
Michael Jacobs
Bassoon:
Patricia Yee and Debbie Chen
French Horn:
Ami Fields
Trumpet:
Robbie Marx
Trombone:
Dave Day
Piano:
Pinyu (Priscilla) Chen
Percussion:
Daniel Byer
Drum Set:
Zachary King
The Cast
Cast J
November 14 (7:30 p.m.), November 16 (7:30 p.m.), November 17 (1:00 p.m.)
Pinocchio
Geppetto
Carrabbas
Good Fairy Harmonetta
Evil Fairy Falsetta
Fox
Cat
Cherry Nose
Cricket/Ticket Seller
Medoro/Pizza Seller
Malvina
Mrs. Snail
Doctor Frog
Doctor Owl
Doctor Horse
Petrushka
Harlequin
Pierrot
Colombina
Poodle Ladies
Ensemble
James Yeh
Adam CJ Klein
Russell Hoke
Jean Furman
Meghan Carey
Britain Hope
Justin Gibson Taylor
Jeff Paul Goble
Miles Messier
Anthony Rinaldi
Sophia Ross Alvarez
Kira Sarai Helper*
Bridget DeVine
Abigail Bubnick
Alex Hartofelis
Afanasy Prokhorov
Ben Horsburgh
Greyson Lynch
Ali Ragazzini
Ali Ragazzini, Rowan Hunt
Alex Aleksandrov, Fiona Liu, Ali Ragazzini, Ben Horsburgh, Abigail Bubnick, Alex Hartofelis, Bridget DeVine, Mitchell Takeda, Annabella Hunt, Kasey Aguilar, Leah Suskind
Young Artists of the Commonwealth Lyric Theater Ensemble:
Daria Fridkin, Sophia Podjarski, Aurelia Eliseeva, Veronica Mayasova, Anastasia Prokhorov-Tolstoy, Naomi Kalmikov, Rebecca Kalmikov, Nelli Prokhorov-Tolstoy, David Palchuk, Sofia Kazimov, Kayamina Young Bolotovsky, Chloe Perlov, James Yeh, Varvara Didenko
Cast K
November 15 (7:30 p.m.), November 16 (1:00 p.m.), November 17 (6:00 p.m.)
Pinocchio
Geppetto
Carrabbas
Good Fairy Harmonetta
Evil Fairy Falsetta
Fox
Cat
Cherry Nose
Cricket
Medoro/Pizza Seller
Malvina
Mrs. Snail
Doctor Frog
Doctor Owl
Doctor Horse
Petrushka
Harlequin
Pierrot
Colombina
Poodle Ladies
Ticket Seller
Ensemble
Katya Vikhlinina
Adam CJ Klein
Paul Lutty III
Jean Furman
Meghan Carey
Rowan Hunt
Bridget DeVine
Ron Williams*
Alex Hartofelis
Afanasy Prokhorov
Sophia Ross Alvarez
Arina Bagaryakova
Justin Gibson Taylor
Varvara Didenko
Anthony Rinaldi
Chloe Perlov
Ben Horsburgh
Greyson Lynch
Ali Ragazzini
Ali Ragazzini, Rowan Hunt
Miles Messier
Kasey Aguilar, Alex Aleksandrov, Abigail Bubnick, Britain Hope, Annabella Hunt, Fiona Liu, Justin Gibson Taylor, Ben Horsburgh,Ali Ragazzini, Mitchell Takeda, Leah Suskind, Anthony Rinaldi
Young Artists of the Commonwealth Lyric Theater Ensemble:
Daria Fridkin, Sophia Podjarski, Aurelia Eliseeva, Veronica Mayasova, Anastasia Prokhorov-Tolstoy, Naomi Kalmikov, Rebecca Kalmikov, Nelli Prokhorov-Tolstoy, David Palchuk, Sofia Kazimov, Kayamina Young Bolotovsky, Chloe Perlov, James Yeh, Varvara Didenko
* The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
James Yeh
James Yeh is a ten-year-old from Newton, Massachusetts. He developed his love for singing at the age of four, inspired by listening to Luciano Pavarotti in the car. James began voice lessons at seven under the guidance of Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy. In 2023, he won First Prize in the New York International Classical Music Competition. James is the lead singer of the Commonwealth Lyric Theater Young Artist Performance Group and portrayed Frederic in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance in May 2023. He has been invited to perform the U.S. national anthem at Fenway Park for a Boston Red Sox game on July 13, 2024, as well as at the Newton City July Fourth celebration that same year. In his spare time, James enjoys cooking, soccer, and staying updated on the latest science and technology news.
Jean Furman
Katya Vikhlinina
Katya Vikhlinina is a ten-year-old from Lexington, Massachusetts. She has been taking vocal lessons from Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy since she was 5. Katya was the First Prize Winner of the Istoki online vocal competition in 2022. She portrayed the Police Sergeant in the Commonwealth Lyric Theater Young Artists productions of The Pirates of Penzance in 2022 and 2023, as well as both Pinocchio and Cricket in the June 2024 workshop production of Pinocchio & The Golden Key. Katya plays piano (First Place in 2021 Crescendo International Little Mozarts competition and Second Prize in Charleston 2024 Winter Music Competition) and loves sports. She is the winner of the Duet event in the 2024 US East Zone synchronized swimming intermediate-level competition and, together with her team she competed in the 2024 Junior Olympics championship in Portland, OR.
Meghan Carey
Adam C J Klein
Adam C. J. Klein, the first boy soprano to perform Yniold in Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande at the Metropolitan Opera, has had a five-decade career that spans a wide range of roles and productions. His credits include singing Tristan with Seattle Opera, Auctioneer/Taylor in the world premiere of Omar by Rhiannon Giddens & Michael Abels at Spoleto Festival USA, and Don José in 65 performances of Carmen across 16 different North American productions. He also performed Schubert's Winterreise in a film by Eric Solstein. Klein was a Met Principal Artist for fifteen consecutive years, where he took on roles such as Loge (Das Rheingold), The Witch (Hansel and Gretel), Yaryshkin (The Nose), Chevalier Delaforce (Dialogues des Carmélites), Third Jew (Salome), Chekalinsky (Queen of Spades), among others, and covered many leading roles. As a composer, Klein created a children’s opera, Goldie Locks & the 3 Bears, which had its world premiere with Harrisburg Opera Association in 2024. He is married to singer, actor, and director Tami Swartz.
Britain Hope
Jean Furman graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music as a professional coloratura soprano in 2021 with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Operatic Vocal Performance. While Furman works as a financial consultant 9-5 at a prominent Consulting firm, in her 5-9 she feeds her craft by performing in various mediums such as opera, musical theater, acting, dancing, modeling, TV, narration, and emceeing. Furman has won competitions nationally and internationally and has performed with multiple prominent theaters such as Carnegie Hall, The Cleveland Orchestra, and Boston Lyric Opera. She has also executed major roles including Frasquita (Carmen), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro), Papagena (Die Zauberflöte), and Maria (West Side Story). Furman is often praised for her mesmerizing timbre and recognizable high notes. She frequently performs as a soloist/emcee at private events, concerts, and professional recitals.
Bridget DeVine
Bridget DeVine is a Boston-based performer and student pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Marketing at Emerson College. In addition to performing in this production, Bridget also took on the role of Social Media Manager/Outreach Coordinator and has loved being involved both on stage and behind the scenes. Some of Bridget’s theater credits include Myths and Hymns and The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons, while her favorite roles have been Carrie White in Carrie and Emberly in Firebringer. Along with performing, Bridget loves content creation and documenting her life on social media. You can follow her journey on Instagram @bridget.dev! She wants to give a special thank you to her family, her best friend Capri, and her dog Winnie for always supporting her and encouraging her to follow her dreams! God bless! bridgetdevine.net
Anthony Rinaldi
Anthony Rinaldi is excited to make his Commonwealth Lyric Theater debut as Medoro on the iconic Emerson Colonial Theatre stage! Some of his past favorite roles include Nick in the Elliot Norton Award winning play for Small Theater Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm (A Little Night Music),Black Stache (Peter and the Starcatcher), Prince Topher (Cinderella), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast), Rapunzel’s Prince (Into the Woods), Danny Zuko (Grease), Sky Masterson (Guys and Dolls), Orin Scrivello (Little Shop of Horrors), John the Baptist/Judas (Godspell), Dr. Neville Craven (The Secret Garden) and Mickey Johnstone (Blood Brothers). He would like to give thanks and much love to his family, friends, and Zach who have supported him in every step of every show. For daily dessert adventures and custom cakes, follow him on Instagram: @bakingwithanthony.
Abigail Bubnick
Abigail Bubnick is a recent graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she earned a BFA in Performing Arts with a focus in Musical Theatre. This is Abby’s first professional production since graduating, and she is thrilled to make her professional debut in Pinocchio. While in school, Abby was involved in productions such as Neil Simon’s Fools, The Lightning Thief, and Something Rotten! She is currently living in Kentucky and is excited to be in Boston for the show!
Ali Ragazzini
Meghan Carey (Falsetta) is thrilled to be making her Emerson Colonial Theatre debut! Endless thanks to her mom and dad for their support, and to Cathy Rand for her guidance and this opportunity. Boston Conservatory MT 2024. DGRW.
Jeff Paul Globe
Jeff Paul Goble, baritone, is delighted to return to Boston and Commonwealth Lyric Theatre, having previously played the bullfighter Escamillo in the 2019’s Carmen. Equally at home in opera and musical theater, notable roles include Figaro in The Barber of Seville, Don Giovanni, Sweeney Todd, Sam Byck and Lee Harvey Oswald in Sondheim's Assassins, Tom Joad in Ricky Ian Gordon's The Grapes of Wrath, Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro, Dr. Engel in Romberg's The Student Prince, the Grand Priest in Samson and Delilah, Guglielmo in Cosi Fan Tutte, and the lowest voice in Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg's Hydrogen Jukebox. He has performed Schumann’s Dichterliebe with the Carnegie Hall Foundation, and notable festivals include Music Academy of the West, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and International Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, the Moores School of Music, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Afanasy Prokhorov
"I juggle many roles and enjoy them all!" Afanasy is a versatile artist skilled in performance, choreography, video production, and sound engineering. Since age 11, he has been an independent performer, celebrated for his velvety baritone, musical style, and dancing talent. He has worked with the Commonwealth Lyric Theater and Boston’s Jewish Musical Theater “Firelech” and has been the lead soloist at Lucky Ten. Afanasy has received the Grand Prix at Carnegie Hall and other international accolades, and has performed at events such as the International Festival “Istoki” in Moscow and the Newton Festival of the Arts. In 2020, he served as the technical director for the Musical Window project. Afanasy runs his own recording studio and is deeply involved in the Commonwealth Lyric Theater’s Young Artist Program, where he guides aspiring performers in a supportive and creative environment. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Varvara Didenko
Varvara is a 15-year-old actress, born in Korea to Russian parents, and has been living in the U.S. for the past 7 years. Her passion for theater began 5 years ago with a performance at Theater on the Roof. She made her first major appearance as a village girl in Carmen with the Commonwealth Lyric Theater. Varvara studies voice with Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy under the Young Artist Program at Commonwealth Lyric Theater, where she continues to develop her craft. Her roles have included the Evil Fairy and Cat in the Pinocchio & The Golden Key workshop production. Outside of theater, Varvara enjoys shopping, cooking, pottery, and reading. She treasures her family, best friend, dog, and sweet treats. If she could have any superpower, it would be teleportation. Varvara dreams of a future filled with happiness and success and thanks her parents, singing coach, and directors for their support.
Alex Aleksandrov
Britain Hope is a Pepperdine University Magna Cum Laude graduate with a BA degree in Theatre, emphasis in acting, and a Minor in Computer Science. Originally from Los Angeles, California, he has performed at the Hollywood Bowl with Jason Mraz and has most recently worked with award-winning actor Alfred Molina at the Pasadena Playhouse as a stage manager and intensive course coordinator. Britain is thrilled to be making his post-collegiate debut stage appearance here in Pinocchio at the historic Emerson Colonial Theatre. He would like to thank and dedicate this performance to his parents and older sister for being unwavering pillars of support in his pursuit of his dreams. For more information, you can find him on Instagram: @britishhope.
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Ron Williams*
Ron Williams is a renowned artist, celebrated for his exceptional talent and contributions to the worlds of opera, musical theater, and oratorio. He has performed leading roles with opera companies across the country, including San Francisco Opera, Detroit Opera, and Opera San Jose, where he starred in the world premiere of Alva Henderson’s The Last Leaf. Locally, Ron debuted with Boston Lyric Opera in the revival of Kurt Weill’s Lost in the Stars, earning critical acclaim from The New York Times. He also sang in the groundbreaking U.S. premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale with Boston Lyric Opera. In his Boston Symphony Hall debut, he appeared in La Traviata with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. A dedicated advocate for 20th-century American composers, Ron performed with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project in a new recording of The Life and Times of Malcolm X by Anthony Davis, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording in 2022. Last year, Ron performed in the revolutionary new opera Omar by MacArthur Fellowship award winner Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels, which earned a Pulitzer Prize for the composers. For more information, please visit www.RonSings.com.
Sophia Ross Alvarez
Sophia is ecstatic to be a part of premiering such a wonderful new work! This past spring, she graduated from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Most recently, she was seen in the Conservatory's production of "City of Angels" (Angel City Four Soprano), New Bedford Festival Theater's "Nunsense" (Sister Mary Leo), and student-directed "Bare: A Pop Opera" (Claire Understudy, Student Ensemble). Other credits include Candide In Concert (Ensemble), Mamma Mia (Sophie), and High School Musical (Gabriella). In addition, she often collaborates with longtime friend and composer Paul Hardin. This coming January, you will be able to see her perform some of Hardin's best work at 54 Below!
Chloe Perlov
Chloe Perlov (Petrushka/Puppet), is a twelve-year-old who is delighted to be performing in the big debut of Pinocchio: The Musical. In the youth production, showcased in June, Chloe portrayed the Fox. Chloe is in her fourth year of performing with Commonwealth Lyric Theatre (CLT). She has played Major General, Ruth and the Pirate King in two separate productions of The Pirates of Penzance. In addition, she has performed in many concerts with CLT. Chloe loves to play piano, dance, and in her free time, read books. She would like to thank her parents for introducing her to musical theater and always believing in her potential. She would also like to thank her voice teacher, Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy for helping, guiding, and giving her the tools to get to where she is today.
Kasey Aguilar
Russell Hoke
Russell Hoke is a baritone from Chicago, Illinois. He is excited to be performing in Boston and working on this wonderful retelling of the classic story of Pinocchio. Russell has always found that his physical size and imposing presence has led him to roles as fathers and villains. In this production, the trend continues. Playing the role of the villain, Carabbas, was an opportunity that was impossible to pass. Russell began his career in musical theater in and around Chicago, which later led him to sing major roles on operatic stages worldwide. His credits include all four villains in The Tales of Hoffmann in São Paulo, Brazil, Giorgio Germont in Verdi's La Traviata in Chicago, and Marcello and Colline in Puccini's La Bohème in both Chicago and Italy, among many others. From South America to Europe, the United Kingdom to the United States, Russell Hoke has delighted audiences with his soaring high notes and commanding stage presence. He is thrilled to be in Boston, bringing yet another “bad guy” to life.
Rowan Hunt
Rowan Hunt is thrilled to be performing in the world premiere of Pinocchio at the Emerson Colonial Theatre! She is a New York-based performer who recently graduated from the CAP21 Conservatory/Molloy University with a BFA in Musical Theater. Most recently, she toured as a dancer with Do Portugal Circus and appeared in Madagascar: A Musical Adventure! at the North Shore Music Theatre. To learn more, you can follow her on Instagram: @rowan529_
Miles Messier
Miles Messier (Cricket/Ticket Seller) is an actor, music director, and composer. Off-Broadway: Pinkalicious the Musical (Vital Theatre Company). Regional: Forever Plaid (North Country Center for the Arts), High School Musical (Yorktown Stage), Something Rotten! (Island ETC). Miles has performed and directed all over the world, including overseas as a vocal director for Royal Caribbean International. He has written several musicals, including To the Fairest and Shudder, both of which made their NYC stage debuts within the last year. Miles holds a BFA in Music Theater and a minor in Composition from the Hartt School. You can listen to his original compositions at milesmessier.com.
Kira Sarai Helper*
Kira Sarai Helper (she/her) is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and holds an MFA in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Previous credits include: Sister Act The Musical, South Korea Tour (Deloris); WILD: A Musical Becoming (Idina Menzel Standby/ Swing) and Macbeth in Stride (Witch) for the American Repertory Theater;#MATTER (Kim) for Barrington Stage Company; and Once On This Island (Beaxhomme/ Storyteller) for Speakeasy Stage Co. Television: Shark Tank x Behave Bras. Commercials: The Power of Women, Healthworks Fitness; The Table is Set, Primark, andThe Boston Globe. Website: www.kirasaraihelper.com. IG: kikisaraia.
Ben Horsburgh
Ben Horsburgh is a professional actor based in New York City. He recently received his BFA in Musical Theater with an emphasis in dance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Recent credits include Hairspray (Link Larkin) on Symphony of the Seas, The Bodyguard (Ensemble) and Footloose (Travis/Bickle/U.S. Chuck) at Theater by the Sea, and Cabaret (Victor/U.S. Cliff) at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Ben would like to give a huge thank you to his parents, friends, and his girlfriend Ali for always supporting and encouraging him. @ben.horsburgh
Fiona Liu
Paul Lutty III
Paul is excited to make his Colonial Theatre debut. In addition to live theater, Paul works extensively in voiceover. His work in that field spans genres, with credits in video games, animation, dubbing, commercial, and industrial work. He holds a BFA in Musical Theater Performance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Past theater roles include Judge Turpin and u/s Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd), Dr. Neville Craven (The Secret Garden), the Old Soldier (Parade), and Monceau in (Arthur Miller’s Incident at Vichy).
Justin Gibson Taylor
Justin Taylor (Cat/Dr. Frog) is thrilled to be joining Commonwealth Lyric Theatre from Dallas, TX, and is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the world premier of Pinocchio. Recent credits (TX) include Mr. Mayor in Seussical (Casa Mañana Theatre), Matthew in the world premier of His Story the Musical (Visceral Entertainment) and Patrick Star in SpongeBob (Firehouse Theatre). May the force be with you.
Alex Hartofelis
Alex Hartofelis is thrilled to be making his Boston debut! Recent credits include Bobby in Cabaret (Downtown Cabaret Theatre), Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher (Ridgefield Theater Barn), and Phantom in The Rocky Horror Show (Pantochino Productions). He has also produced and performed his one-man show, Rise Again, in West Hartford, CT. A big thank you to Commonwealth Lyric Theatre, Alexander and Irina Prokhorov, and lots of love to his family, friends, and teachers. Proud Hartt School grad. @alexhartofelis
Arina Bagaryakova
Arina Bagaryakova is a Russian-born artist based in Brooklyn, NY. A full scholarship recipient from Berklee College of Music, Arina has appeared on The Voice and the Junior Eurovision stage. In 2021, she performed at the JEN Conference with John Patitucci and Kris Davis. Her selection as a composer for an installation by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos at the MassArt Art Museum’s Valkyrie, featured in Forbes, marked a significant milestone in her career.
Greyson Lynch
Greyson is thrilled to be part of the world premiere of Pinocchio! He is a recent graduate of the Boston Conservatory, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater with an emphasis in songwriting. Most recently, he was seen as Don Adriano de Armado in the Prague Shakespeare Company’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost. Over the past year, he has worked in Boston as a dueling piano performer at Howl at the Moon. Special thanks to Cathy Rand for her support and to Commonwealth Lyric Theater for welcoming him to the family! greysonlynch.com
Annabella Hunt
Ali Ragazzini (Columbina, Frog Dancer, Associate Choreographer) is a professional actor based in New York City. She recently graduated from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a BFA in Musical Theater and an emphasis in Dance. Her favorite past credits include Head Over Heels (Ensemble), Memphis (Teen), Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy Selden), and The Great Gatsby (Daisy Buchanan). She extends her heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and her boyfriend Ben for their love and support.
Alex Aleksandrov is a performer and creator of collaborative theatre, often devising new works with a variety of artists. He received a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts: Theatre, Arts Management, and Dance from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Some of his past roles include Oscar (Sweet Charity), Joshua/Gerry (Cloud 9), Mr. Botard (Rhinoceros), Alex in devised works (The Race: 2020, Falling and Loving), and a shadow puppet of Lysander/Nick Bottom (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). When not performing, Alex pursues his passion for theatre through electrics and lighting design. Since 2021, he has been on the production team of ReWritten, a contemporary movement piece, next premiering at the University of Toronto. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support.
Kasey Aguilar is a dance and performing artist born and raised in Schaumburg, IL. She began her dance journey at five years old at her local ballet studio Northwest Ballet Academy. Now based in Boston, she moved here in 2019 to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she received a diverse dance education and graduated with a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance. There she had the privilege to perform works by choreographers Gustavo Sansano, Brian Brooks, Victor Quijada, Bradley Shelver, Paul Taylor, and many more. After graduating, she was a trainee at Boston Dance Theater for a year where she performed with the main company multiple times in a piece by Marco Goecke. She is now beginning her season as a performing artist with Jo-Mé Dance Theatre. Kasey is excited to debut in her first musical as an ensemble member in Pinocchio.
Fiona Liu is a hip-hop dancer and choreographer whose work has graced prestigious stages, including the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Festival and with the renowned BTOP dance crew at Berklee School of Music in Boston. She actively shapes performances as a choreographer for various recitals and the vibrant annual Boston Chinese New Year Gala, bringing her unique creative vision to life. Fiona’s choreography has gained international acclaim, particularly at the Rap of China 2024 global competition. She also directs and choreographs music videos, creating compelling visuals that span themes from schizobulia and domestic affection to hip-hop culture. Additionally, Fiona’s work explores and portrays the complexities of marriage in Chinese culture through the expressive power of dance.
Mitchell Takeda
Mitchell Takeda was born in Taiwan and raised in Sacramento, CA. He is in his first year with Jon Lehrer Dance Company. Mitchell graduated from Ball State University in May 2024 with a BFA in Musical Theatre and was part of the Honors College. Mitchell was introduced to JLDC during the fall semester of 2022 when the company visited Ball State for a three-day masterclass series. Since then, he has dreamed of dancing with the company and performing with them one day. He participated in the JLDC Winter Intensive in January 2024 and is thrilled to be part of the company.
Leah Suskind
Leah Suskind, originally from Randolph, NJ, is currently in her second year as a member of Jon Lehrer Dance Company, following two years as an apprentice. She graduated summa cum laude from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in May 2022 with a BFA in Dance. While at NYU, Leah had the opportunity to perform works by Yin Yue, Stephen Petronio, Jaclyn Walsh, and Molissa Fenley. In the fall of 2022, Leah participated in the inaugural GibneyPro Training Program where she got to work with artists such as Rena Butler, Maleek Washington, Laja Field, and Elia Mrak. Throughout her summers, Leah has attended programs at Jacob’s Pillow, Orsolina 28, the Juilliard School, and with companies such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, GALLIM, Parsons Dance, the Rockettes, and the Martha Graham Company. Leah’s most recent choreographic work, “VII”, was recently selected to perform at the Spring 2023 JCE Jazz Dance Project as well as the 2023 Hartford Dance Festival. She was also the fellowship recipient of the 2021 DM.Connect Choreographer Competition.
Annabella is a dynamic force hailing from Las Vegas, NV. She is extremely excited to join the cast of Pinocchio! She recently earned her BFA in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Some of her past roles include Phoebe in As You Like It (Taub), Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, and Sue Snell in Carrie: The Musical. Annabella thanks her family and friends for their unwavering support along her journey.
Youth Ensemble
Anastasia Prokhorov-Tolstoy
Aurelia Eliseeva
Daria Fridkin
Anastasia Prokhorov-Tolstoy, 9 years old, made her stage debut at just four months old in Cossacks Beyond the Danube River with the Commonwealth Lyric Theater. She has since performed as Ruth in Pirates of Penzance and as a cat in the children’s workshop production of Pinocchio: The Musical. Anastasia regularly sings at concerts, including performances for senior citizens in Boston. She enjoys drawing portraits, playing chess, dancing, producing music where she writes and records her own songs, and playing piano. In her free time, Anastasia loves editing movies, taking photos, and spending time with her sister and five brothers.
Aurelia is a 12-year-old with a passion for singing, dancing, and fashion. She has been taking voice lessons with Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy since the age of 6 and has developed a strong love for music and the arts. Her creativity extends beyond the stage—Aurelia has a natural talent for styling and enjoys drawing, sewing, and working on various art projects in her free time. She’s also an avid reader and adventurous athlete, balancing her love for books with thrilling activities like snowboarding and rock climbing.
Daria Fridkin is a talented 15-year-old high school sophomore with a deep passion for theater that started at an early age when she joined "Theater on the Roof" at 8 years old. A former gymnast and dancer, Daria brings her unique skills to the stage, infusing her performances with grace and energy. When she's not rehearsing or performing, Daria excels academically, maintaining her honor roll status while also taking piano lessons and training for her black belt in karate. In her free time, she loves hanging out with family, friends, and her beloved dog, Freddy. Daria is excited to share her love for the stage in this amazing production!
Naomi Kalmikov
Naomi Kalmikov is a 6th grader who is a gifted singer, dancer, and pianist with a natural sense of rhythm and the ability to evoke deep emotion through her dramatic performances on stage. She is passionate about dogs and her schoolwork, and keeps fit through tennis and gymnastics. Naomi dreams of traveling the world, learning new languages, and sharing her love for the arts. She is very proud to be part of a professional production and would like to thank her teachers and cast for this amazing experience.
Nelli Prokhorov-Tolstoy
Nelli Prokhorov-Tolstoy, age 5, made her stage debut at 3 in Pirates of Penzance, where she performed a solo as the Baby Pirate, singing, dancing, and playing the kazoo. She also played Baby Pinocchio in the children’s workshop production of Pinocchio: The Musical and regularly performs at concerts. Nelli enjoys gymnastics, drawing, playing chess, and dancing, and loves spending time with her sister and five brothers.
Rebecca Kalmikov
Rebecca Kalmikov is a 3rd grader who loves to sing and is happiest when she's singing and dancing on stage. Rebecca enjoys reading, art, gymnastics, and performing. She is thrilled to be participating in her first professional production and is grateful to her teachers for their support along the way.
David Palchuk
David, a 9-year-old fourth grader, loves Legos, video games, and is learning Russian, his family's native language. Recently, he developed an interest in cooking and has started taking classes. His greatest passion, though, is music and singing. Growing up in a musical family, with his father and grandmother both musicians, music has always been a key part of his life. Since joining Commonwealth Lyrics Theater at age 5, his love for performing has flourished, and he looks forward to growing as a singer with the group.
Sofia Kazimov
Sofia is a 9-year-old with a boundless imagination who loves singing and theater. She recently published her debut graphic novel, Glazed, which she proudly presented at the Boston Kids Comics Festival 2024. In addition to her love for reading and storytelling, Sofia enjoys competing in math and acro dance, bringing energy and creativity to everything she does.
Kayamina Young Bolotovsky
Kayamina is a vibrant 10-year-old with a passion for music, books, and rhythmic gymnastics. She has captivated those around her with her love for melodies and her enthusiasm for reading, which transports her into new adventures. As a rhythmic gymnast, Kayamina combines grace and athleticism, excelling in competitions with ribbons and hoops. Her creative spirit shines through not only in gymnastics but also in her artistic pursuits, where she expresses herself through dance and movement.
Sophia Podjarski
Sophia is an aspiring young actress who has been captivated by the world of theater since she was 8. Over the years, Sophia has embraced several leading roles, showcasing her talent and dedication on the small stage of the Theater on the Roof in Needham. Sophia draws her inspiration from listening to her favorite musicals: The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Notre-Dame de Paris. When she’s not rehearsing, she enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time with family and friends. Sophia is excited to join the cast of Pinocchio on the big stage of the Emerson Colonial Theater, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Veronica Mayasova
At 12 years old, Veronica Mayasova is a talented young performer with a passion for the stage. She shines in musicals, where her love for singing and acting comes to life. A dedicated athlete, she plays volleyball for her school team and is a former gymnast, always seeking new challenges. With dreams of skydiving in the future, Veronica brings energy and enthusiasm to every performance, making her a rising star both on and off the stage.
Synopsis
Act I
Scene 1: On a rainy night, a mysterious pine log falls into the window of an elderly carpenter named Cherry Nose. He tries to give it away to his friend Geppetto and suggests that he makes a dancing puppet from it. This reminds Geppetto of the theater that he once lost to his former assistant, Carrabbas Barrabbas, who, with the aid of the Wicked Fairy, turned child actors into puppets. The two friends quarrel, but then they make amends, and Geppetto agrees to take the log.
Scene 2: Geppetto carves the puppet while telling his story: The Good Fairy once gifted him a magic golden key, but it got lost when his theater was taken from him. Cricket suggests naming the puppet Pinocchio.
Scene 3: Two Fairies arrive to determine Pinocchio’s character, argue, and then take turns endowing Pinocchio with both good and bad qualities. They cast a spell on Pinocchio: his nose will grow when he lies, but truth and wisdom will tame the nose.
Scene 4: Pinocchio comes to life and learns of his origin from The Cricket, who brags about himself. Pinocchio fools around. He punches a hole in a canvas and notices a door hidden behind it. Geppetto returns; Pinocchio greets him with joy and promises to go to school and make him proud.
Scene 5: On the way to school, Geppetto and Pinocchio hear the music coming from a recently arrived traveling theater. Geppetto realizes that this is his former theater and warns Pinocchio against the lure of the music. Instead of going to school, Pinocchio ends up stealing money and buying a ticket to the theater.
Scene 6: At the theater, Pinocchio watches slapstick comedy with two actors, Pierrot and Harlequin. The puppets dance and sing to eerie music, and play scenes from the Adventures of Pinocchio. Pinocchio jumps onto the stage and disrupts the show. The angry Carrabbas arrives, catches Pinocchio, and drags him away.
Scene 7: Pinocchio reveals to Carrabbas that Geppetto is his father, and that there is a mysterious door in Geppetto’s house. Carrabbas has heard about a golden key and hidden door from the Wicked Fairy. He believes that the door leads to wealth and power, and that Geppetto has the key. He wants to capture it. For the time being, he gives Pinocchio five golden coins.
Scene 8: As the town wakes up in the morning, Fox & Cat — the two crooks posing as beggars — arrive. Cherry Nose and Geppetto are looking for Pinocchio. Fox & Cat extract money from them, promising help. They meet Pinocchio, quickly find out that he has five golden coins, and conspire to rob him.
Scene 9: Fox & Cat lure Pinocchio into an imaginary “Moneyland” and tell him to plant his coins to grow. Then they call the police and claim that Pinocchio is a gangster. Police chase Pinocchio, who runs away and falls off a cliff.
Act II
Scene 10: Pinocchio is found by Poodle Medoro who was sent by the Good Fairy. Medoro introduces himself. Pinocchio passes out, and Medoro takes him to the Good Fairy.
Scene 11: At the Good Fairy’s residence, Drs. Frog, Owl & Horse hold a conference to evaluate Pinocchio’s condition. Harmonetta sings a lullaby and predicts that Pinocchio will find the golden key and set all the puppets free. Pinocchio wakes up and is left in the care of Malvina, who tells her touching story. Medoro announces that the missing golden key is in the Muddy Pond. Pinocchio vows to fight and find that key.
Scene 12: At the Muddy Pond, Pinocchio meets Mrs. Snail, who tells the story of finding the magic key. She gives the key to Pinocchio. Fox & Cat spy on Pinocchio, unnoticed.
Scene 13: Carrabbas, Fox & Cat decide to rush to Geppetto’s house to prevent Pinocchio from getting to the hidden door first. The puppets overhear them, argue, and ultimately decide to help Pinocchio and defend the golden key.
Scene 14: Pinocchio returns home. Soon after, Carrabbas, Fox & Cat burst in. Geppetto and Carrabbas face off. A fight breaks out over the golden key. The puppets join. With the Wicked Fairy’s help, Carrabbas gets the key but tries to open the wrong door.
Scene 15: The Good Fairy intervenes and gives the key to Pinocchio, who opens the magic door. All enter and find themselves in a strange room filled with cobwebs and musical instruments. They try to play them, but the sounds are horribly out of tune. The Wicked Fairy explains that the room is bewitched by her. The Good Fairy intervenes again and transforms the golden key into a musical key.
Scene 16: The key is passed from hand to hand, and the puppets transform back into real children. Beautiful and harmonious music fills the room. Bad characters also touch the key but are turned into puppets as a punishment. The room is bathed in light, and all find themselves in a magnificent theater. Everyone praises music and Pinocchio.
Sponsors
Rita Rudyak
Law Office of Irina Rubinshtein, P.C.
Agame Physical Therapy
Perlov Family
Shepov Family
Tolchin Family
Stasi Family
Rubinshtein Family
Special thanks to Rita Rudyak, Todos Dance & Fitness Studio, and Lumen Academy for providing rehearsal space for the show
As experts in modern smart lighting systems, we at Glomove are thrilled to bring our unique lighting expertise to the world of live theater. For this musical production, we've created one-of-a-kind lighting effects that elevate key set elements, adding depth and drama to each scene.
At Design Synergy Vision, we specialize in bringing creative visions to life through expert craftsmanship. For this musical production, we've crafted a stunning, durable set that serves as the foundation for the show’s visual storytelling. Our team brought together a blend of structural strength and artistic detail, ensuring that each set piece enhances the performance and adds depth to every scene. Just as we create unique, high-quality designs for our clients, we’ve channeled our skills to make this stage truly unforgettable.
Lumen Academy is a brand-new non-profit day school in the heart of Waltham, focused on delivering rigorous and engaging academics in a nurturing environment. The creativity of this production is very much in-line with our ethos as a school. For that reason, we are so honored to host the multi-talented Pinocchio cast in our facilities and look forward to future collaborations!