Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s popular Off the Hill series starts the new year with "Pinocchio." The story, adapted by Toby Hulse from the original stories written by Carlo Collodi, plays on February 10^th at 7PM at the Blue Ash Recreation Center.

A well-loved story, "Pinocchio" is about a wooden puppet of the same name full of childlike whimsy that was brought to life by the lonely toymaker Gepetto. The play is packed with playful antics, magical creatures, madcap comedy and dollops of fun for the whole family from age 6 and up.

“I think Pinocchio is an irresistible character,” says Playhouse Senior Directing Fellow Cait Robinson, who directs the show. “I want children to be able to fall in love with and identify with him — his love of singing and dancing, his silly sense of humor and the way he grows wiser and kinder over the course of the play.”

Robinson invites the audience to expand their imaginations every step of the way. Three performers take on the script’s two-dozen characters of humans, animals and magical creatures, while donning original wardrobe pieces created by Playhouse artisans. Painted panels and curtains transform the world of the story from the comfort of Geppetto’s toy shop to the wild of the woods to the depths of the ocean.

“Pinocchio is a classic tale that is still relevant and exciting for kids as well as parents,” says Director of Education and Community Engagement Daunielle Rasmussen. “It is an intergenerational gem that is a joyful experience for the whole family from the youngest to the oldest member.”

Pinocchio is free and open to the public at the Blue Ash Recreation Center. For more information on the show, visit cincyplay.com.