The A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute
and Piedmont Opera present
Based on the book The Adventures of Pinocchio
by
Carlo CollOdi
Book by Farren Timoteo
Music by John Davies
For Teachers and Students
Written by Diane LeBlanc, B. Ed and Craig Wilson, B.A., B. Ed
Complied and created by Alberta Opera.
Background
The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
Carlo Collodi was born Carlo Lorenzini in Florence in 1826. He took the name
Collodi after the hillside village where his mother was born. Collodi started his
career as a book seller, moved into journalism, and later became a magazine editor.
He turned to children’s fantasy, translating Italian versions of such fairy tales as
Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, and Puss In Boots that had been
reintroduced by the French writer Charles Perrault. Later, Collodi began to write
his own children’s stories.
In 1881 he sent a short episode in the life of a wooden puppet to an editor in Rome,
to see if he would be interested in publishing it in his newspaper’s children’s
section. The editor was interested and The Adventures of Pinocchio was serialized
in 1881-2, and then published in 1883.
The story depicts a wooden puppet carved by an old man named Geppetto.
Pinocchio is aggressive and selfish. He has to grow from an egotistical child, who
literally squashes his conscience (the cricket), to a responsible adult. He learns to be
generous through hard lessons. His feet are burned off, he is chained, and at the end
of the original series, he is hung by two robbers and left for dead. There was such an
outpouring of grief from the public over this dramatic ending that Collodi revived
Pinocchio with the help of the Fairy with The Blue Hair and continued the story. In
this second half of the story, Pinocchio is transformed into a real boy when he
reaches an understanding of life, or in the words of Pinocchio, when he has acquired
a “bit of heart”.
Although full of fairy tale devices such as talking crickets, boys who turn into
donkeys, and fairies, Pinocchio is rooted in reality. It depicts the need for food,
shelter, and the basic necessities of life. Written as an allegory, it mirrors the values
of the 19th century European middle class. These values included earning an honest
living and pursuing an education.
Children’s literature was a relatively new idea at this time and Collodi’s Adventures
of Pinocchio, considered new and modern, paved the way for other authors.
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Background
The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
Description
An operatic version of the children’s literary classic, Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi,
based on scenes from operas by W.A. Mozart, G. Donizetti, J. Offenbach, and G.B.
Pergolesi.
Stepping into a new and unknown world, Pinocchio is hoodwinked by Wolf and Cat
and persuaded to disobey his father by skipping school in order to meet Dr.
Dulcamara, a loathsome puppeteer. Dulcamara detains Pinocchio with the intention
of having him perform with his miraculous mechanical doll, Olympia. The puppet
and doll become friends, and when Dulcamara breaks Olympia in a fit of rage,
Pinocchio runs home to admit his disobedient behavior and ask his father's
forgiveness. Accompanied by a policeman (and an optional chorus of childrenpolice), Pinocchio and his dad lead the authorities to Wolf, Cat and Dulcamara, and
the bad guys are run out of town. As Pinocchio resolves to always tell the truth and
share his problems with trusted grownups, he and his father head home to repair
Olympia and begin life anew as a family of three.
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Pinocchio Resources for Teachers
There are many resources and websites out there.
To hear excerpts of the music, visit http://www.operatales.com/pinocchio.shtml
Here are a few of the best websites:
www.atozkidsstuff.com/pinocchio.html
Colouring pages, activities, and a pattern to build your own Pinocchio
Pinocchio gives this link 5 out of 5 gold coins.
www.childrensbooksonline.org/pinocchio/pages/004_pinocchio.htm
Read the original version by C. Collodi
Pinocchio gives this link 4 out of 5 gold coins.
www.pinocchio.it/uk/homeuk.htm
Visit this website to see the Pinocchio Park in Tuscany
Pinocchio gives this link 4 out of 5 gold coins.
www.coloring-book.info/coloring/coloring_page.php?id=51
Pinocchio pictures to colour
Pinocchio gives this link 4 out or 5 gold coins.
www.disney.go.com/create/#/characters/classics/pinocchio
Lots of games and activities
Pinocchio gives this link 5 out of 5 gold coins.
www.netplaces.com/kids-fairies-puzzles-activities/the-blue-fairy-from-pinocchio/
Activities
Pinocchio gives this link 3 out of 5 gold coins.
www.theatre.civilization.ca/narratives/details.php?lvl2=4812&lvl3=4824&language=englis
h
History of puppetry in Canada, world puppet traditions
Pinocchio gives this link 5 out of 5 gold coins.
www.albertaopera.com
Visit Alberta Opera’s website for more information and to print your own poster.
Pinocchio gives this link 5 out of 5 gold coins.
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The Characters
Geppetto:
An elderly Italian puppet maker and puppeteer, Geppetto is lamenting the
abandonment of his son, Vincenzo, and has written a plethora of marionette plays
regarding the issue.
Vincenzo:
Geppetto’s son and only child, Vincenzo has fallen in love with Tatiana and has left
home to be with her.
Tatiana:
The blue-haired woman who has stolen Vincenzo’s heart.
Isabella Mangiafuoco:
The owner of the Marionette Theatre and producer of Geppetto’s plays. She has
grown impatient with his perpetual brooding.
Pinocchio:
Geppetto’s latest creation and the vessel of Geppetto’s wish. He is keen, energetic,
and displays a positive attitude under some trying circumstances. He is the hero of
our story.
Volpe and Gatto:
A sly con-man, and his raggedy companion. Of the two, Volpe is the brains of the
operation.
Romeo and Lampwick:
Pinocchio meets these two brothers when he is sent to jail. Lampwick is responsible
for the crime that lands him and his brother in jail. Romeo feels unfairly
incarcerated. Pinocchio reminds them of the importance of family.
Judge Tony:
A stern, humourless judge who sentences Pinocchio to two hundred years in jail.
Mr. and Mrs. Grouper:
Thrill-seeking, Atlantic grouper fish on a Mediterranean expedition to see Squalo.
The Setting – Once upon a time…
Italy!!
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Play Overview
Our story begins at the Marionette Theatre where we are introduced to Geppetto, who is
regaling the audience with a sad tale. Using his marionettes, he tells the story of his son
Vincenzo, who is lured away from home by the blue-haired temptress, Tatiana. Geppetto
remembers the fine life he and Vincenzo had together as a family.
Enter Isabella Mangiafuoco who is the manager of the Marionette Theatre. She apologizes
to the audience for this sad performance. She promises an evening of excitement,
adventure and most importantly, a happy ending, if patrons return the following night. She
delivers a stern admonishment to Geppetto insisting he ‘lighten up’. Geppetto promises to
send his new marionette, Pinocchio, on an exciting adventure to find what he values most.
Isabella suggests a battle with Squalo, treasure, and marriage to a beautiful woman. Seeing
the defeated look in Geppetto’s eyes, Isabella asks “What do you want Geppetto? What
would it take to make you happy?” She leaves Geppetto to ponder these questions, and he
shares with the marionette his one true wish, to have his son Vincenzo back home with him.
He tucks the Pinocchio marionette into the trunk and closes it.
Suddenly, the trunk begins to shake! Geppetto screams and then calls out a shaky “Hello”. A
voice answers from inside the trunk, imploring him to turn on the light. Geppetto musters
up his courage, opens the trunk, and extracts Pinocchio. When he sees the marionette has
come to life, Geppetto drops him back in the trunk. The trunk opens and Pinocchio hauls
himself out, and straightens up. Geppetto is frozen in place by this walking, talking
Pinocchio.
Pinocchio encourages Geppetto to share his feelings and problems with him. He tells
Geppetto he is here to make him happy, reminds him of the wish he made, and declares that
from now on he will be Geppetto’s son. But Geppetto does not want Pinocchio for a son, he
wants his true son back home. He tells Pinocchio to go away, but Pinocchio has a destiny to
fulfill. Geppetto’s wish is his command and he must grant him the one thing he wants most,
Vincenzo. Geppetto doubts Pinocchio can deliver on this wish, but Pinocchio reminds him of
all that he is capable of doing, and urges Geppetto to believe in him. When Pinocchio asks
the whereabouts of Vincenzo, Geppetto reveals he does not know where his son is, and if
Pinocchio doesn’t know, all is lost. Pinocchio refuses to admit defeat, and states his belief
that a positive attitude goes a long way in overcoming obstacles.
Suddenly, a paperboy appears and reveals that Vincenzo can be found in Naples, and he is to
marry Tatiana. Needing money to begin his quest, Pinocchio sells his coat for 5 gold coins.
Unfortunately, five gold coins will not buy a train ticket to Naples. Undaunted, Pinocchio
seeks a solution to the problem.
Enter Volpe and Gatto. Upon hearing Pinocchio mention the 5 gold coins they immediately
begin their scheme to unburden Pinocchio of his money. Sensing he is in need of cash, they
tell him it is his lucky day, because they know how to turn 5 gold coins into one thousand.
They sing of the Field of Miracles, where money grows on trees. Pinocchio is dazzled by the
prospect of riches. They persuade him to enjoy a meal at the finest restaurant in Italy,
saying he will have the money to pay in the future. When the waiter presents the bill,
Pinocchio finds himself alone, and penniless, the 5 gold coins gone along with Volpe and
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Gatto. Pinocchio tries to explain, and attempts to find his new friends. Believing he is
fleeing the scene, the waiter calls the police.
Pinocchio is brought before a judge. He tries to tell the court that, although he could not pay
the bill, that was not his intention when he entered the restaurant. He implores the court to
find Volpe and Gatto to help clear up the confusion. When they cannot be produced he urges
the judge to trust him and his integrity. They submit him to a lie detector test, and although
he begins confidently, he falters when asked if he ordered food he could not afford. The lie
detector balloon begins to inflate. He tries to explain about the 5 coins and the Field of
Miracles, and the balloon grows bigger. Finally he shouts “money grows on trees” and the
balloon is full to the point of bursting. Pinocchio is declared guilty and sentenced to 200
years in prison.
Pinocchio is thrown into a prison cell where he meets Romeo and Lampwick, two young
delinquents. After a quick tour of the accommodations, they discuss what led to their being
incarcerated. Pinocchio proclaims his innocence and the two brothers reveal the events
that led to their incarceration. They blame each other for their predicament. Pinocchio
reminds them that they are lucky to have each other because family is the most important
thing you can have. Feeling his job is done Pinocchio produces a ring of keys, lets himself
out of the cell and catches the train to Naples.
A news anchor appears announcing that Vincenzo’s wedding has been called off. Vincenzo
has sailed away from Naples in search of Squalo the giant shark, vowing to slay him and win
back Tatiana. Determined to follow him, and undeterred by the unavailability of a boat,
Pinocchio dives into the water and sets out to find Vincenzo.
Underwater, Pinocchio meets a group of jellyfish who implore him to turn back, but he
continues on his quest. When he reaches the bottom of the ocean, he encounters Mr. and
Mrs. Grouper, who are tourists come from the Atlantic to get a glimpse of the giant beast.
They hear Squalo coming and leave quickly. Pinocchio is still optimistic about his plan as he
is swallowed by Squalo. Inside, he lights a match and suddenly someone appears at his side
and ushers him into a café.
After a brief conversation with the café owner, it is revealed that the proprietor is none
other than Vincenzo himself. Pinocchio is elated to have found Vincenzo and explains that
he has come to rescue him. Vincenzo is prepared to live out his life inside Squalo. He
believes he has nowhere else to go, spurned by Tatiana, and convinced his father would not
want to see him. Pinocchio informs Vincenzo of the wish his father made, that he wants
Vincenzo to come home more than anything else in the world. Vincenzo shares his wish to
be reunited with his father. They escape from inside Squalo on a make-shift raft. Upon
reaching land, the pair board a train back to Tuscany.
At the Marionette Theatre, Geppetto begins his nightly performance. He looks over and sees
Vincenzo. Geppetto cannot believe his eyes. Sensing a trick, Geppetto refuses to
acknowledge his son. Upon hearing Vincenzo speak, Geppetto realizes his son has returned
and wraps his arms around Vincenzo. Pinocchio has made Geppetto’s wish come true.
Pinocchio moves to the trunk, lowers himself into it and shuts the lid. As Vincenzo turns to
include Pinocchio in the reunion, he sees the trunk shake. Geppetto lifts the lid and extracts
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two handles. Pinocchio’s quest completed, he is a marionette once more. Geppetto holds
Pinocchio and looks at the marionette with love. He whispers a thank you.
Isabella enters, warmly greets Vincenzo, and gestures to the waiting audience. Geppetto,
Isabella and Vincenzo hold hands and finish the story together.
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DRESS REHEARSAL
Class Preparation and Activities Prior to the Performance
1. Crossword Puzzle
How well do your students know the story of Pinocchio? Have students
work through the crossword independently or in a group. With younger
students, you may want to complete this activity as a whole class. Project the
puzzle and discuss the answers. See if students can decipher all the clues.
*Note: The crossword puzzle can be used in two ways. One file is an
interactive .html file that can be opened in a web browser and
completed as a whole class. Click on grid to see clues and insert
answers. The puzzle can also be printed as a normal crossword.
2. Read a version of Pinocchio
Students should be familiar with the classic version of Pinocchio before
viewing the performance. (Post viewing activities will require that they use
this knowledge to make a comparison with the performance version.)
Brainstorm what students know about this story. Because there are many
variations of this classic story, you may notice that students come up with
different events and character names.
The original version of the story is quite graphic. You may wish to choose a
version that is kinder and gentler. There are many versions of this story
available. We suggest the Disney adaptation as one most students will be
familiar with and that is suitable for younger students. Older students may
be introduced to the original story written by Carlo Collodi. (See the links
page for the original). Books will likely be available in your school or public
library.
3. Students can be instructed to think about 6 specific ideas from the play.
a. How does the classic version of Pinocchio compare to Alberta Opera’s
performance? What are the similarities? What are the differences?
b. We all make wishes. What is Geppetto’s?
c. How does Pinocchio display a positive attitude?
d. How is Pinocchio influenced by others?
e. Does Pinocchio tell the truth in court?
f. What do you notice about families in the story?
These ideas are further developed in the section titled Class Activities Following the
Performance.
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10
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ENCORE
Class Activities Following the Performance
Once Upon a Time
Retelling and comparing the two versions of Pinocchio
Background:
This activity is suitable for all grades.
Activities:
1. Begin this activity with a whole group retelling of the performance
version of Pinocchio.
2. Have the class retell the story in their own words. Use a graphic
organizer to map their thoughts. Be sure to add a section for the message
of the story.
3. Go on to use a comparison organizer (Venn diagram) to determine the
similarities and differences between the two versions. This can be done
as a class or in small groups depending on the grade level. *The Notebook
file for this activity is located on the Alberta Opera website.
Closure:
You may choose to extend this activity by reading some other versions of Pinocchio.
Collodi, Carlo. Pinocchio: a Classic, Illustrated Edition. 1892.
Daynes, Katie. Pinocchio. London: Usborne Publishing, c2004.
Hillert, Margaret. Pinocchio. Chicago : Norwood House, c2006.
McEwan, Chris. Pinocchio. New York: Doubleday, c1989.
Riordan, James. Pinocchio. Oxford: Oxford University Press, c1988.
Walt Disney’s Pinocchio. N.p.: Disney Enterprises, c1986.
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If I Had One Wish…
Background:
At the beginning of our story, Geppetto wishes for the return of his son Vincenzo. Vincenzo
wishes to be reunited with his father. Pinocchio says “I’m your wish come true”.
Activities:
1. In our story, Geppetto sings:
If I had one wish,
If I had just one,
I would wish for my boy,
I would wish for my son.
I would wish for the one thing that cannot be done…
Vincenzo! Vincenzo!
I miss you!
2. Ask students to think about what Geppetto’s wish reveals about his character?
What did he value most in the world? What does Vincenzo’s wish reveal?
3. Do you know of any characters in stories or books who made wishes they later
regretted? (e.g. King Midas)
4. Pose the question:
If you could have one wish for yourself, what would it be?
For your family?
For the world?
Closure:
Have students discuss what they could do to help make a wish come true for themselves or
someone else? What small steps could they take today? Could they in fact be someone
else’s wish come true? Share the story of Ryan’s Well that tells how a child changed the
lives of a village.
www.ryanswell.ca/about-us/ryans-story.aspx
A Random Piece of Popcorn
Your students may be interested to know that the song “When You Wish Upon A Star” was
first introduced in the original Disney production of Pinocchio. It won an Academy Award
for best original song and is now the representative song of the Disney Company. The
American Film Institute ranked "When You Wish Upon A Star" seventh in their 100 Greatest
Songs in Film History.
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Change the Future
Positive Attitude
Background:
The power of a positive attitude is a strong message in this version of Pinocchio. In
fact, a positive attitude is a small thing that can make a big difference.
Activities:
1.
Discuss what it means to have a positive attitude.
2.
Pinocchio says: “Well, negativity never got anybody anywhere. If you
really want to achieve positive results, you need a
positive attitude.”
How can this outlook be incorporated into everyday life? Discuss a
situation where this might apply.
3.
Give some examples of how Pinocchio used the power of positive thinking
to overcome obstacles in his way. (e.g. no boat, he swam, even though he
did not know the whereabouts of Vincenzo, he set out to find him)
4.
How did Pinocchio’s attitude impact the story ending, and the other
characters in the play? Did their attitudes hinder or help them?
.
Closure:
Many cultures have proverbs about what it means to have a positive attitude:
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. – Maori Proverb
Those who wish to sing, always find a song. - Swedish Proverb
Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come. – Chinese
Proverb
Have students think of mottos or sayings they have heard that represent a positive
outlook.
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Wayne Gretzky
They can because they think they can.
Virgil
14
Without a Single String
Be Your Own Person
Background:
Pinocchio is a marionette and his movements are controlled by strings. Sometimes
we let people “pull our strings” and convince us to do things we know aren’t right.
Be your own person. Don’t let others lead you astray.
Activities:
1. Have students think about how Volpe and Gatto influence Pinocchio. Discuss
how they persuade Pinocchio to eat in the restaurant that is beyond his
financial means. What are the consequences?
2. Pose the question “Have you ever said ‘he made me do it’ as an excuse for
your misbehaviour?” Discuss whether or not someone can truly make you do
something that you do not want to do. Turn the discussion to one of how we
can take responsibility for our actions.
3. Sometimes we have to say no when other people try to influence us.
Think about a situation when you made the right choice. How did that feel?
Role play a situation where someone is trying to convince you to make a poor
choice. How might you respond?
Closure:
Make posters for the school with the slogan “Be Your Own Person” or “Without a
Single String”. Use some of the situations from the role plays as illustrations and
examples on your posters.
15
The Nose Knows
Truthfulness
Background:
The theme of honesty or truthfulness is very strong in all versions of the Pinocchio
story.
Activities:
1. In the original version of Pinocchio, the Fairy with the Blue Hair has a
conversation with Pinocchio:
“How do you know I am lying?”
“Lies, my boy, are known in a moment. There are two kinds of lies, lies
with short legs and lies with long noses. Yours, just now, happen to
have long noses.”
In the Disney version, the Blue Fairy says:
“A lie keeps growing and growing until it is as plain as the nose on your
face.”
2. In our story, Volpe and Gatto lie to Pinocchio to steal his 5 gold pieces.
Pinocchio
is left to try and defend himself in court. Discuss Pinocchio’s experience in
the courtroom. Was he telling the truth? How did he try to explain the
situation?
3. Think of a time when you didn’t tell the truth. How did you feel?
4. Think of a time when you told the truth even though you knew you would get
into trouble. How did you feel?
Closure:
Read other stories that deal with this character trait.
Sharmat, Marjorie. A Big, Fat, Enormous Lie
Mckissack, Pat. The Honest to Goodness Truth.
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Soto, Gary. Too Many Tamales.
Suess, Dr. And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street.
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La Mia Famiglia
Family
Background:
Pinocchio strives to bring together the families in our story.
Activities:
1. Pinocchio sings to Lampwick and Romeo.
It’s great to be a family
In some form or another.
A mom, an aunt,
A dad or two,
A sister or a brother.
Or sometimes even just a friend,
Whose life you choose to share.
We all can be a family,
We just need to be there.
I have a brother who’s a baseball bat.
I have an uncle who’s a chair.
There’s dear, old Auntie Rolling Pin
And Cousin Etagere!
Examine the families in Pinocchio and discuss the similarities and differences
between them. Pose the question to students, “How is your family similar
and different than the families in Pinocchio?” Follow up with the question,
“Do all families look the same?” For younger students, have them draw a
representation of their family.
2. Pinocchio continues:
A family is like a tree,
It roots you to the ground.
When you grow in all directions,
And life blows you around.
Sometimes branches break away,
Sometimes branches bend.
A family is like a tree,
In time it’s sure to mend.
We all can be a family,
Together ‘til the end.
All families have times of conflict. What conflicts occurred between
Geppetto/Vincenzo and Lampwick/Romeo? What kinds of conflicts do you
have with your parents? Siblings? How do you work through these as a
family? What can you do to avoid or prevent these conflicts?
Closure:
Make your own family tree. How far back can you go? Get help from other family
members.
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Just for Fun…
Here are some other activities you can do with your class:
1.
Pinocchio JEOPARDY
Test your students’ knowledge of Pinocchio and more by using the classic game of
Jeopardy. The teacher plays the role of host with this interactive Notebook file for
the SmartBoard. Look for the game file on the Alberta Opera website.
2.
Planting Gold in the Field of Miracles
Volpe and Gatto persuade Pinocchio to plant his gold coins in the Field of Miracles.
We all know that if Pinocchio would have planted his coins nothing would have
grown.
Try planting some beans with your class instead to see what happens. This will tie in
with science unit Needs of Plants and Animals for grade one, and science unit Plant
Growth and Change for grade 4. Data collected can be used for charting and
graphing in math
Go to www.first-school.ws/activities/science/seedsgrow.htm and click on Dottie’s
Garden. This story about growing seeds is great for Kindergarten to grade one
students. On this website, students can also examine seeds, discuss the needs of
plants, and chart the growth of their plant.
For other great websites with activities on this theme, visit www.2learn.ca/kids/
3.
Where in the World?
Find Italy on a map of the world. Using a map of Italy, follow Pinocchio’s journey
from the region of Toscana (Tuscany) to the city of Napoli (Naples) and back again.
Record famous places and landmarks. i.e. Firenze (Florence), Pisa, Roma
4.
Disney’s Pinocchio
You may choose to watch the classic Disney version of Pinocchio released in 1940.
Don’t forget to bring the popcorn.
5.
Do the Pinocchio Dance
Go to this website www.supersimplesongs.com/cd3-12.html for song and dance
moves.
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Reader’s Theatre
You Be the Actors
Background:
Reader’s Theatre is an excellent way to improve reading fluency. It requires no
props and little preparation. As there is no movement, the focus remains on the
reading.
Hint: Any part can be read in unison. You can pair less fluent readers with more
fluent readers for choral reading of a part.
Activities:
Use the script provided in this handout for this activity. Older students may
want to use scripts generated in the writing activity.
1. Explain to students they are putting on a Reader’s Theatre play, like the
radio plays from years ago. As there is no action involved they will be
expected to use their voices to provide excitement to the story.
2. Place a few statements on the board and demonstrate how you could read
them showing different emotions with your voice. (e.g. excited, mad,
scared)
Place a few more statements on the board and have students work with a
partner to practice different expressions. You may also want to direct
them to try different characters.
3. Divide students into groups of 5, assign a role to each one, and distribute
scripts. Have them highlight their part. Students can then discuss how
their character might sound. e.g. The giant has a thunderous voice.
4. Move from group to group as they read aloud providing feedback and
additional modeling. Give students plenty of time to rehearse so they can
add expression and fluency.
Closure:
Have students perform for other groups in the class, or for other classes.
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PINOCCHIO
A Reader’s Theatre Script
Parts: Narrator
Pinocchio
Geppetto
Fairy with the Blue Hair
Cricket
Fox
Narrator: Once upon a time there lived a wood-carver named Geppetto. His
workshop was a magical place filled with all kinds of wonderful toys. One day
Geppetto began working on a very special toy, a boy puppet made of wood.
Geppetto: I have just the name for you. I will call you Pinocchio.
Narrator: Later that evening, Geppetto put Pinocchio away for the night and
climbed into bed. Before he fell asleep, he thought about his life and he made a wish.
You see, Geppetto was very lonely and wanted a family.
Geppetto: I am so lonely. I would like to have a family, someone to love. I wish that
my little Pinocchio might be a real boy.
Narrator: That night, something magical happened and Pinocchio found that he
could talk and move about.
Pinocchio: I can move! I can talk! Am I a real boy?
Narrator: A little cricket was sitting on the hearth.
Cricket: Not yet! To become a real boy you must first prove yourself to be brave,
truthful and unselfish. You must learn to choose between right and wrong. A
conscience is that small voice that tells you the right thing to do. I will be your
conscience.
Narrator: The little cricket agreed to help Pinocchio. Meanwhile, Geppetto was
awakened by the voices and got out of bed. When he came into the workshop, he
could hardly believe his eyes! His puppet was dancing about and singing.
Geppetto: Can I be dreaming? My Pinocchio is alive! My wish has come true!
Narrator: The next morning, Geppetto walked outside with Pinocchio. He wanted
Pinocchio to go to school, and because he was very poor, he sold his coat to buy
Pinocchio’s school book.
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Geppetto: Now you are a real boy and you must go to school.
Narrator: Pinocchio hurried off to school. As he walked through the village, he
noticed a great crowd forming. They were lining up to see the marionette show.
Pinocchio: I must see the marionette show! That will be much better than school.
Cricket: Hey! Where are you going Pinocchio? That’s not the way to the school.
Pinocchio: Why, I am going to the marionette theatre to see the show.
Cricket: No! No! Pinocchio, you must go to school. Your father is expecting you to
go to school like a real boy.
Narrator: So, much to the dismay of the little cricket, who had been following him,
Pinocchio ignored his conscience. He abandoned the idea of school, sold his new
book, and spent the money on a ticket. When Pinocchio entered the theatre, he
caused quite a stir and the owner decided to keep this strange little puppet.
Pinocchio: Please let me go! My father Geppetto is expecting me to come home. He
sold his coat to buy my book and I sold my book to buy this ticket. Oh I am a selfish
puppet!
Narrator: The owner of the theatre felt sorry for Pinocchio, and gave him 4 gold
coins to take back to his father.
Pinocchio: Oh hello little cricket! I must rush home to my father and give him these
gold coins.
Narrator: A fox and a cat overheard the conversation and approached him.
Fox: Hello there little puppet. Where are you going in such a hurry?
Pinocchio: I must get home to my father. I have these 4 gold coins for him.
Fox: We can change those 4 coins into 4,000 gold coins. Come with us to the Field of
Miracles. We will plant those coins and grow you a money tree.
Cricket: No! No! Say thank you, but you have to go home.
Narrator: But Pinocchio ignored his conscience and went off with the Fox and the
Cat. The little cricket followed behind. Fox and Cat lured Pinocchio into the woods
and tricked him out of his money. Now Pinocchio had to find his way out of the
woods.
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Pinocchio: Oh where are we little cricket? What have I done!
Narrator: Suddenly a beautiful woman appeared before him.
Pinocchio: Are you a fairy?
Fairy with the Blue Hair: Yes I am, and I am here to help you become a real boy.
Pinocchio, why didn’t you go to school as your father wished?
Pinocchio: Two monsters caught me and tied me in a sack…..
Narrator: As Pinocchio told the lie, his nose began to grow. The fairy looked at him
and laughed.
Pinocchio: Why are you laughing?
Fairy with the Blue Hair: I’m laughing at the lie you told.
Pinocchio: How do you know that I am lying?
Fairy with the Blue Hair: There are two types of lies. Lies with short legs and lies
with long noses. You have the ones with long noses.
Pinocchio: I’m sorry, I’ll never lie again. Please help me find my way back home to
my father.
Fairy with the Blue Hair: Remember, that to be a real boy you must prove yourself
worthy.
Narrator: With that, the fairy pointed the right way, and Pinocchio and the cricket
hurried back home to Geppetto.
Continue the story with your own Pinocchio adventure.
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All About Us…
The A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute
and Piedmont Opera
History
“In America, we do not reserve arts education for privileged students or the elite.
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds, students who are English language
learners, and students with disabilities often do not get the enrichment experiences of
affluent students anywhere except at school.” – Arne Duncan, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Education
Piedmont Opera is dedicated to taking a leadership role in artistic training, arts
education, and audience development in the Greater Piedmont Triad.
We invite our patrons and donors to become engaged in supporting our traveling
opera that is in conjunction with the A.J. Fletcher Institute. Your gift—at any level—
helps the Company keep opera in the schools. Piedmont Opera and the A.J. Opera
Institute travel to schools across North Carolina to give students a taste of opera
while teaching important moral lessons.
The traveling opera is performed by graduate level students at the A.J. Fletcher
Opera Institute of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Students are
working on professional degrees in opera and many of them have performed with
professional opera companies throughout the United States.
The cost of this performance is $100 per performance. To sponsor a school, please
contact Piedmont Opera.
Thank you for bringing us to your school! We hope you enjoyed the performance!
Visit us at our website www.piedmontopera.org for more information.
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