Dateline Movies Goes to Ballet Manila's Pinocchio

Did I ever imagine I would enjoy watching a ballet show? Honestly no, but from the time I watched Ballet Manila's Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang with my family, I knew I will be coming back for more. Last Sunday, I watched Ballet Manila's Pinocchio - a timeless story of hope set in dance.


Most of us would associate the story of Pinocchio with the nose growing longer when lies are told. Beyond the lessons learned from untruthfulness however lies more lessons about unending hope even for the impossible and the good things that await those who are true, brave, and unselfish.


Pinocchio is choreographed by Osias Barroso, the Co-Artistic Director of Ballet Manila. From a 50-Minute Christmas ballet, Pinocchio is now staged into two full acts with the addition of a segment that is set in Pleasure Island. This in itself is very entertaining because of the inclusion of what I believe to be real circus performers. I am talking about real-life entertainers like acrobats, stilt walkers, and jugglers doing what they professionally do for the most of their lives. It's like watching two shows in one.



Scenes like these that showed much work for special effects were loudly applauded. The set design was impressive. Even the music felt part of every scene. When Tippy Dos Santos belted out "When You Wish Upon a Star" as the Pink Fairy/Storyteller, the audience clearly gave their approval. It should be noted that this song eventually became the representative song of The Walt Disney Company although it was originally written for Walt Disney's 1940 adaptation of Pinocchio.



Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde wanted a ballet that would be timeless and appealing to children. She got more than she wanted because judging from the audience's reaction that day, the show captures the hearts of both the young and not-so-young. If there is anything that the story of Pinocchio will leave with us is that wishes do come true at the proper time. Thus it would be best to keep the child within us alive. 

Bravo Pinocchio!

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

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


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

0 comments:

Post a Comment