Timeless lessons from Pinocchio's mistakes
Although "Pinocchio" was written more than 100 years ago, its lessons stand the test of time and are still very much relevant to today's youth.
At least that's what the Children's Theatre of Elgin will demonstrate this weekend through its musical production of "Hey Ho, Pinocchio," said producer Janine Kirkland, who also is a board member for the Children's Theatre of Elgin.
"If Pinocchio teaches the kids anything, it's to always be honest and true," Kirkland said. "... Not to listen to people you think are your friends, but you know are telling you something wrong."
The story, which many people remember from childhood, tells the tale of a wooden puppet who, while on the road to becoming a real boy, makes a series of blunders and has to prove he's worthy of being a person.
Pinocchio famously learns the consequences of his lies, when his nose grows right before his very eyes.
The production will attempt to show that growth with three different-sized noses - a nose that grows on its own would have cost $3,000, Kirkland said.
The musical features 81 local children who hail from all over the Fox Valley, from such towns as Elgin, Carpentersville, West Dundee, East Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Hampshire, Huntley, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Batavia, Elburn and St. Charles.
A tune called "Honest and True" is expected to be one of the show's highlights - the kids have been rehearsing four days a week for two months.
"The songs are really fun and I think people will really enjoy the music and the kids are just fantastic," Kirkland said. "I think people will be surprised at the talent we have."
The importance of education also is a running theme in this version of the musical.
In the story, Pinocchio ditches school to join a traveling puppet show and to run wild with "friends" on an island of decadence.
As a consequence, he transforms into a partial donkey.
"I think all throughout time, getting a good education and making education important has always been a top priority for kids," Kirkland said. "And the lesson about hanging out with the bad boys or gangs and listening to them, be honest and true. You always have to do what you think you know is best and not listen to your peers and that's always been the same."
The Children's Theatre of Elgin is a nonprofit organization reserved for kids between the ages of 7 and 15, who have not yet completed their freshman year of high school.
The group is sponsored in part by the city of Elgin.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> "Hey Ho, Pinocchio," presented by the Children's Theatre of Elgin</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday </p> <p class="News"><b>Where: </b>Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. </p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets and info:</b> (847) 931-5900 or <a href="http://www.cteelgin.com" target="new">www.cteelgin.com</a></p>