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Pinocchio Script
Pinocchio Script
Pinocchio Script
PINOCCHIO
Adapted by Michele L. Vacca
Act 1
Scene 1
Opening Town
(Overture music, setting: Late afternoon on quiet street in a small town by the sea. At
center stage is Geppettos shop just outside the doorway he has a workbench set up. On
display are a few samples of his woodcarving work. There is a wooden chair nearby,
and a shabby coat hanging on a coat rack. In the center of the bench sits a life size
puppet, Pinocchio. Also on the bench: a bowl of fruit, paint jars and brushes, and a
paper jacket and hat. As the lights come up Geppetto appears, crosses to the bench,
and begins working on his wonderful puppet, soon to be named Pinocchio.
As Geppetto works neighbors and other trades people who live and work nearby begin
to appear. Children run past, shouting and laughing; some of them pausing to watch
Geppetto at his work, even though everyone is bustling about quite noisily, Geppetto is
so absorbed in his work he appears not to notice.)
ANGELINA:
VITTORE:
GIOVANNI:
SERAFINA
BERNARDO:
PORTIA:
I have flowers for Sale! Who will buy my beautiful fresh flowers?
Fresh baked bread! The finest bread in all of Italy!
Pizza! Piping hot pizza for sale! The recipe is a secret known only to my family!
(As Giovanni, Angelina, Vittore, Serafina, Lorenzo, Luigi and Candlewick, gather
around the food vendors eagerly, the children rush in. Francesca and Santino cross to
Geppetto.)
(To the children.) Be careful! Watch where youre going! Little ruffians.
Bringer/Pinocchio 1
2
SERAFINA:
GIOVANNI:
BERNARDO:
GIOVANNI:
BERNARDO:
PORTIA:
SERAFINA:
GIOVANNI:
ALL:
ANGELINA:
GIOVANNI:
ANGELINA:
GIOVANNI:
Ah, Bernardo, today your bread smells even better than usual.
A loaf for you? Or two, perhaps?
(Checking his pockets for money) Maybe later. Let me see if I can sell a few candles to
Geppetto. Giovanni, you know poor Geppetto has no money to buy candles.
Or bread.
Or pizza.
Or flowers.
Sad, but true. Poor Geppetto.
(With a sigh) Poor Geppetto.
But I can buy some candles from you, Giovanni.
(Eagerly) How many? Ten? Twenty?
I think perhaps three no four- no, three will do. Will you trade the candles for a fine
used book about the history of Rome? (Hands him a thick book)
(Gives it back to her) Id rather have the money.
(As Angelina and Giovanni conduct their business, Vittore, approaches Portia)
PORTIA:
VITTORE:
PORTIA:
VITTORE:
BERNARDO:
ALL:
VITTORE:
PORTIA:
VITTORE:
PORTIA:
VITTORE:
PORTIA:
BERNARDO:
GEPPETTO:
BERNARDO:
GEPPETTO:
BERNARDO:
GEPPETTO:
BERNARDO:
SERAFINA:
BERNARDO:
GIOVANNI:
PORTIA:
GIOVANNI:
ALL:
ANGELINA:
SERAFINA
PORTIA:
3
VITTORE:
SERAFINA:
BERNARDO:
SERAFINA:
GIOVANNI:
VITTORE:
ANGELINA:
PORTIA:
BERNARDO:
GIOVANNI:
VITTORE:
PORTIA:
ANGELINA:
SERAFINA:
MARIO:
GINA:
GUIDO:
SOPHIA:
FRANCESCA:
SANTINO:
FRANCESCA:
SANTINO:
MARIO:
(Mario and Gina race off, followed by Guido and Sofia. Francesca pulls Santino aside.
They watch Geppetto work.)
Look, Santino.
I see.
Thats a wonderful puppet, Master Geppetto.
He didnt hear you.
(Off) Francesca! Santino! Come on!
(They hurry off stage to join the others. Geppetto is briefly alone at last.)
GEPPETTO:
(As he works) A little paint here. And a little there. Ah! Ah, yes. Almost finished, little
puppet. Oh, the children will love you. You look almost real, almost alive. And so
handsome. (Stops working.) If only if only- you were real, little puppet. A real boy.
Ah, how wonderful that would be. If I had a real boy, a son, a son of my own. What a
foolish dream. Im a foolish old man. I must finish the puppet.
Scene 2
A Cherry Visit
(As Geppetto works, his good friend, Master Cherry, the jovial carpenter, enters)
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
4
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
God. Good. People always need chairs and tables. Hows business for you?
Slow my friend, slow. People dont need puppets as much as they need chairs and
tables.
I keep telling you, Geppetto, you should go into business with me. If we were partners,
there would be work for both of us. Then you wouldnt have to wear such a shabby
coat.
I am not ungrateful, my friend, but I enjoy woodcarving.
Bah!
And this puppet this puppet- is the best work Ive ever done.
(Looks at the puppet shrugs.) Its a nice puppet.
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
Just a puppet?
I supposed you will plan to make this puppet dance and sing and leap like an acrobat.
(Growing angry.) Thats right. This will be the most amazing puppet anyone has ever
been. When it is finished, we will travel all over the world, and make a nice little
fortune.
Geppetto, my friend, stop your dreaming. That is a ridiculous idea.
It is not!
Of course it is.
Its a wonderful idea.
But it will never work out. Geppetto, my friend, you spend too much time alone. You
do not know what is real and what is not.
I do so!
You do not!
I do so!
You do not!
I DO SO!
YOU DO NOT!
M. CHERRY:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
(As their childish argument continues they square off, raise their fists, and prepare to
fight, suddenly they stop when Master Cherry laughs.)
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
ALL:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
ALL:
GEPPETTO:
5
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
GEPPETTO:
GEPPETTO:
(to himself) Maybe Im the fool. Hes my oldest friend. Who knows? Maybe hes right.
Maybe I cant make such a wonderful puppet. Maybe no one could. Its late, and Im
tired. (To the puppet) Ill finish you tomorrow, little one. (Looks up) Ah, what a
wonderful star. (To puppet) Why do I talk to you? Youre only wood. A wooden puppet.
And Im just a lonely, foolish old man. Good night, little one.
Scene 3
BLUE FAIRY:
(speaks to the audience.) Poor Geppetto. He is so lonely and so sad. He makes the
children laugh with his puppets and toys, but he does not laugh himself. He wants to
make a wonderful puppet that can dance and sing, so that he will not be lonely any
more. Shall I give Geppetto his wish? (Various audience responses.) Very well. Now
what shall I name this little puppet? Will you help me? (Reactions from the audience.)
Pinocchio? Very well, Pinocchio shall be his name? (To the puppet) Pinocchio? Little
Puppet, open your eyes. Move your head. Now your arms. Now your legs. Speak.
Pinocchio?
(Pinocchio has moved stiffly at her command. Now he looks at her.)
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
Pinocchio?
You are Pinocchio. That is your name.
Name?
Yes, Pinocchio.
(Trying it out.) Pinocchio.
Yes
(Like the name very much.) Pinocchio! Pinocchio~ Pinocchio!
(Laughs) I am glad you like your name.
But who are you?
I am the godmother of all little puppets. I am your friend, Pinocchio.
Friend?
You will understand in time, Pinocchio.
(still playing with his name.) I am Pinocchio! Pinocchio! Pinocchio! (He laughs)
Now, little puppet, you must listen to me for a moment.
Bringer/Pinocchio 5
6
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
Listen?
Yes, Be a good puppet for Geppetto, and perhaps someday he will have a son after all.
I dont understand.
Sometimes a puppet who obeys his father and learns to tell the truth wakes up one
morning and finds he has become a real boy.
Oh. What is obey? What is tell tell- the tell the - ?
The truth, Pinocchio. Before I go, I will give you two things, which will help you
understand. First, I give you a magical nose
Nose?
(points to his nose) Nose.
(delighted.) Nose! My nose! Magical nose?
Yes, Pinocchio. It will grow to the size of the falsehoods you tell.
Oh.
Secondly, I leave you someone who will help you learn to be a good puppet.
(looking around) who? Who? Who?
Youll see. He will speak to you in time. Goodbye, Pinocchio. (She gives him a baby
bye-bye type of wave.)
(Sorry to see her go) Good bye?
I wont be far away. Ill be watching you, little puppet. Goodbye. (Using the same
wave as before)
PINOCCHIO:
(He waves back to her except that his wave is reversed; it looks as though he is
waving to himself, since that is how her wave appears to him.) Good bye (She is
gone, and Pinocchio is growing sleepy. As he falls asleep, he speaks aloud.)
PinocchioI am PinocchioPinocchio.,.(He is asleep)
Scene 4
GEPPETTO:
What a wonderful morning. Look at the sun. Good morning, little one. Youre almost
finished. Ill put your hat on. (He does so.) There. Very handsome. Lets see now. You
need a little more paint. Id bte turn your head this way. (He tilts Pinocchios head.)
Thats the right color. (As Geppetto turns away, reaching for his pain, Pinocchio turns
his head the opposite way.)
GEPPETTO:
No, I (sees Pinocchios head turned.) Im certain I turned your head the other way.
Oh, well. (He tilts Pinocchios head back in the Original direction.) Wheres my brush?
(As Geppetto looks for his brush, Pinocchio turns his head again, and crosses one leg
over his other knee.)
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
Her it is! No, I can (stares at Pinocchio.) I dont understand. I know I turned your
head the other way. And your leg wasnt crossed like that. (Walks away, shaking his
head.) I must be losing my mind.
Papa?
Bringer/Pinocchio 6
7
GEPPETTO:
(Looks around). What was that? Now, Im hearing things. Master Cherry is right. Ive
been working too hard. Ill finish you, little one, and then Ill rest. (Starts to work, then
pauses.) You know I havent named you yet, have I? (He turns away.)
(Pinocchio nods and agrees, at though Geppetto doesnt see this.)
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
I wonder what name I should give you. Let me think. (Starts to pace.) Maybe I will call
you
Pinocchio!
Yes, Pinocchio is a nice name.
Pinocchio!
You like that name, do you? Pinocchio is a good name.
Pinocchio!
Very well, Pinocchio it is. Now, I (he does a large double take and begins to stutter
and stammer.) I I I I you _ you _ you_ c c- can talk!
(agrees.) Talk.
(overwhelmed.) This is wonderful! A miracle! Oh, Im so happy! You can talk!
Talk. Talk. Talk.
(Laughs happily.) Yes (Collecting himself somewhat.) Well, Pinocchio, let us see if
you can walk.
Walk?
Ill teach you. Here, let me help you off the table. There. Now. Stand on your own two
feet. (He holds Pinocchio upright.)
(Looks at feel.) Two feet.
Yes. Two feet.
My own two feet.
Now lift one foot in the air. (Shows him.)
Up there?
(Helps him.) Then take a step - forward.
(as he steps.) Forward.
Good, Pinocchio. Now, lift the other foot and take another step.
(As he does so.,) Forward!
(Guiding him.) If you learn to take one step at a time, you will always get where you
want to go.
(taking tentative steps.) If I learn to take one step at a time, I will
always get where I want to go! (He has starting going faster, and stumbles.)
(Catches him.) Be careful, Pinocchio.
(As he walks around the room.) Look, Pap! Im walking!
I see!
Im walking! Look! (He starts going in increasingly faster and faster circles.,) I can
walk and walk and walk and walk and walk. And I can talk and talk and talk. I can
walk and talk and talk and walk and talk and
Wait! Stop, Pinocchio! You cant walk and talk all the time. You must be careful not to
hurt yourself. Youre made of wood, you know.
Oh. Are you made of wood?
No.
Why am I?
Because you are a puppet, little one. Youre not a real boy.
Why?
Real boys grow up to be men.
Bringer/Pinocchio 7
8
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
Scene 5
GEPPETTO:
VITTORE:
PINOCCHIO:
(Alone.) Coat. Warm School? I dont want to go to school Ill run away. (He starts to
walk in circles again.) I can walk and talk and walk and talk and walk and talk and
walk and talk
Scene 6
Pinocchios Conscience
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
Pinocchio?
(Stops) What was that?
Pinocchio!
Where are you?
Over her. On the ground.
Over here? (Follows sound of voice.) Oh! (When he sees the cricket.) Who are you?
I am the talking Cricket.
Cricket? Cricket! (Delighted, he reaches to grab the cricket in his hand.) Cricket!
Careful!
Oh. (stops) What do you want?
I just want to tell you something. (In a stern, quite melodramatic way) Woe, I say, woe
to puppets who disobey their fathers and run away from home!!
But I dont want to go to school. I want to run away.
PINOCCHIO:
Bringer/Pinocchio 8
CRICKET:
9
(In the same voice) then you will grow up to be a little donkey, and everyone will laugh
at you. Its better to go to school and learn a trade. Then you could earn an honest
living, and repay Geppetto for his kindness to you.
(Unseen by Pinocchio, Geppetto appears with Angeline. He hands her some coins and
she gives him a large colorful book. When Angelina goes off, Geppetto opens the book
carefully and admires it.)
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
Scene 7
Learning to Read
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
Where are you? Where did you go? Cricket? Cricket? Cricket? (Continues to search.)
(Returning to the workbench area frantic at first when he doesnt see Pinocchio)
Pinocchio! Pinocchio? (Bumps into Pinocchio who is still looking for the cricket.) Oh!
There you are. Look, Pinocchio, I have a surprise for you.
A surprise?
(Shows him) A brand new spelling book.
Spelling book. (Grabs it)
(takes it gently back, and shows Pinocchio the proper way to handle a book.) Its a
book of words. Words that you will learn to read.
Words?
Many words.
To read.
Yes, to read.
(Opens book, points to page.) Word?
Yes thats dog.
Dog. (Points again) Is that a word?
Thats cat.
Cat. (Gasps and points again.) Is that a word?
Thats a difficult word. Hippopotamus.
(tries it) Hippa hippa- hippa- hippa- hippa- hippa hippa hippa (gives up. Points to
another word.) Is that a word?
Thats coat.
Coat. Coat! Like your coat, Papa. Papa? Where did your coat go? (Looking for it) Its
gone. Where is it?
I sold it, Pinocchio.
Sold it?
It was too hot, anyway. Besides
Besides?
I needed the money.
Why?
To buy your spelling book.
Oh, Papa! (Hugs him)
I want you to have the books all the other boys will have. You cant go to school
without books.
Papa, I love you!
Bringer/Pinocchio 9
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
10
I love you too, Pinocchio. (They hug each other. Then Geppetto pulls out an enormous
handkerchief and blows his nose very loudly. Then he pulls himself together.) Now,
Pinocchio, its time for you to go to school heres a new jacket I made for you. Its
made of fine paper. (After some difficulty, not surprising with a new father, Geppetto
manages to put the jacket on him.) Let me look at you. Very nice. Let me straighten
your hat. There. Now, here is your spelling book. Put it under your arm. Now, off to
school. And Pinocchio, remember, to pay close attention to the teacher.
Pay attention.
The teacher will teach you many things; to read and write, and do arithmetic. Then you
can learn a trade. Now be careful, Pinocchio. Come straight home after school.
Straight home.
Off you go. Oh, wait. Here, Pinocchio. An apple for your teacher.
Apple!
Yes. Apple.
For the teacher.
Yes, Pinocchio. Remember to come straight home after school.
Yes, Papa.
Goodbye, Pinocchio. (Waving goodbye.) Goodbye.
(Waves back.) Goodbye, Papa.
(waves) Goodbye. (With a sentimental sigh he goes off into the back of the shop.)
(now alone, speaks to the audience.) Apple. For the teacher. Im going to school. I can
walk and talk and walk and talk. Its a beautiful day to go to school and walk and talk
and walk and school? I dont want to go to school. (He stops.)
Scene 8
Off to School!
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
Pinocchio!
Its the Cricket! Where are you?
Over here. On the ground. Im going to school with you.
(Looking down at Cricket.) Do crickets go to school?
Some of us do.
Well, Ive decided not to go.
What?!! After your poor papa sold his only coat! Just to buy youre a spelling book?
(stops to think, sighs.) Thats true. Poor Papa.
Why not try school?
Well, all right. Ill try. Today Ill learn how to read words, and tomorrow Ill learn all
about writing and the next day Ill learn about about what was that other thing?
Arithmetic.
Arithmetic. Then Ill learn a trade and buy my papa new coat!
Lets go. Well be late.
(starts to go.) Im off to school! Off to school! Off to school! Come on, Cricket (he
goes).
Wait for me! Pinocchio! Pinocchio!
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
(Transitional music plays. If there is a set change here perhaps some of the other
characters appear in brief crossovers to provide visual interest while it occurs.
Scene 9
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
11
(following the Fox, who ignores him.) Im hungry. I said, Im hungry. Hey, Im hungry.
I heard you. Im hungry, too. How much money do we have?
Well, I dont have any.
What? I gave you a whole penny yesterday. What did you do with it? You alley cat!
I dont know. I lost it, I guess.
You lost our last penny? You sniveling, spendthrift, simpering-you scoundrel! You
sardine head!
I didnt mean to lose it. Honest.
Honest? Honest? Ugh! Disgusting word. (Mocking him) You didnt mean to lose it.
Ha! Well, the fact remains that we must have some money. Soon. The sooner the better.
Because Im hungry.
Youre always hungry. (Sighs dramatically) You know, I cannot understand-why
someone so handsome and talented and delightful as myself cannot make a suitable
living. Its tragic. How, I ask you, ho can I live in a style that befits a gentlemen of my
position and expensive taste. Ah, tis sad.
(Tugs on Foxs sleeve.) Maybe you ought to get a job.
A what?
Well, it was only an idea.
A job? You mean work? Every day? With regular hours?
No, huh?
A job indeed! What an insult. No one in my family has ever had a job. And I certainly
dont intend to spoil a perfect record. A job, indeed! (Smiles) However, if theres a way
to get something for nothingYoull get it!
Right!
Im still hungry.
(as Pinocchio appears) Aha! What do my eyes perceive?
(Looking around.) What? Where? Is it something to eat?
No, tuna breath. (Points) Its a puppet! A live puppet! A living breathing wooden-head.
A walking, talking toothpick!
(who does not see them) Im off to school! I can walk and talk and walk and talk and
Here he comes!
Shhh! (As Pinocchio passes, the fox trips him.) My dear young man! A thousand
pardons, Mr. ah
Pinocchio.
Ah Mr. Pinocchio. Charming name, isnt it, Sidney?
Yeah. Sure.
Thank you.
(To Pinocchio.) Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Sandor S. Swindle.
The S stands for Sincere., Thats me.
(With a wave) Im Sidney.
How do you do, Sidney. And Mr. Sw Sw- Sw- ah- SwSwindle, lad. Sandor Swindle. Tell me, my lad, what can we take you for?
Huh?
I mean ah- that is my dear young lad, where were you going in such a hurry? You
were going so fast, so remarkably quickly, that I would hazard a guess, merely hazard,
you understand that you were going in the wrong direction.
Im on my way to school.
What? School? Nonsense, isnt it, Sidney?
Yeah.
Bringer/Pinocchio 11
12
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
Scene 10
13
(Carnival music plays. The barker for the puppet show enters, overseeing any set
changes that need to be made with Lorenzo and Luigi acting as stagehands. As soon as
the stage is ready, the barker begins calling the crowd to come and see the show.
When the Barker begins his spiel, vendors appear Candlewick selling balloons,
Lorenzo and Luigi selling candy and souvenirs. Bernardo, Portia and Serafina appear
selling bread, pizza, and flowers.
Some or all of the puppet performers also appear during the Barkers spiel, as an
inducement to the crowd to buy tickets for the show
Candlewick:
LORENZO:
LUIGI:
BARKER:
All other adult and child characters appear as part of the crowds who have come to
see the show.)
Balloons! Balloons!!
Candy! Ice Cream! Popcorn!
Souvenirs! Buy your souvenirs here!
Right this way, ladies and gentlemen. Right this way. See the worlds greatest puppet
show. See the puppets dance and sing. Laugh with them. Cry with them. Right this
way. See the great Fire-Eater.
(The cat and fox enter, followed by Pinocchio. The barker addresses them.)
BARKER:
PINOCCHIO:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
LUIGI:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
BARKER:
FOX:
BARKER:
FOX:
BARKER:
FOX:
CAT:
(To cat and fox and Pinocchio) HEY! Youre making too much noise over there.
(to Barker) Ah, my good man, you must be the world famous showman who is known
and adored by all theater lovers.
Huh?
Sir, my friends and I would like to see your magnificent puppet show, but we are
temporarily without the price of admission.
No dough, no show.
(to the cat.) We have a problem here.
Yeah.
Bringer/Pinocchio 13
14
(They retire to think things over. Candlewick approaches with a handful of balloons to
sell. Pinocchio is fascinated by the bright colors of the balloons.)
CANDLEWICK: Balloons! Balloons! (to Pinocchio,) Hey! Want a balloon? Two for a penny or five for a
dime.
PINOCCHIO:
I dont have any pennies.
CANDLEWICK: To bad. (walks away) Balloons!
FOX:
(having another inspiration) Aha! (to the Barker) Ah Sir, dont you need some
assistance taking tickets?
BARKER:
No!
FOX:
Perhaps you are in need of an extra pair of paws backstage?
BARKER:
No! If you want to see the show, you got to pay.
FOX:
(to the cat) Hes a scoundrel!
CAT:
Yeah. (they retire once again to ponder)
LORENZO:
Candy! Popcorn! Ice Cream! (to Pinocchio) Hey! You want some candy?
PINOCCHIO:
Well, I
FOX:
(Inspired again) Aha! (To Barker) Then, my good man, how would you like to make a
little deal.
BARKER:
What kind of a deal?
FOX:
(points to Pinocchio) See that little puppet over there?
BARKER:
(shrugs) So? What about him?
FOX:
No strings. Right?
BARKER:
(Doing a double take.) Say, thats right.
FOX:
For a small fee you could have him in your show. I have a great deal of influence with
him.
BARKER:
How small a fee?
FOX:
We can discuss details later.
BARKER:
Yes, yes. Wont you folks be my guests? Go on and see the show.
FOX:
Thank you, Sir. You are a gentleman and a scholar.
CAT:
Yeah.
BARKER:
Step this way.
CAT:
Have you got anything to eat in there?
BARKER:
Theres some popcorn on the floor.
(When the fox and the cat go into the puppet theater the performing puppets, the rest of
the crowd and the vendors go inside, too. Pinocchio doesnt notice until a moment has
going by that only the barker and Candlewick remain on stage.)
PINOCCHIO:
Sidney? Mr. Swindle? Where are you? (To Barker.) Did you see my friends? Where did
they go?
BARKER:
Theyll be back in a minute. (Motions Candlewick aside) Keep an eye on this puppet
for me, will you?
CANDLEWICK: Sure.
(The Barker goes inside presumably to make the deal with the fox. Pinocchio and
Candlewick are alone.)
PINOCCHIO:
(points to sign.) What does that say?
CANDLEWICK: Cant you read? It says The Great Puppet Theater
PINOCCHIO:
Oh. Puppet Theater. Are there many puppets in there?
CANDLEWICK: Sure. Lots of them. They dance and sing. (He demonstrates.)
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, have they started yet?
Bringer/Pinocchio 14
15
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
(to audience) I can sell this book in the market for ten times the price of a ticket.
(laughs villainously.) Right this way, ladies and gentlemen! See the great puppet show!
See the great Fire-Eater! Right this way!
(The Barker exits into the puppet theatre.)
(The lights have begun to dim. Geppetto enter, Looking for Pinocchio.)
Pinocchio? Pinocchio? Where are you? (to the audience) Have you seen Pinocchio?
Pinocchio! Pinocchio? Pinocchio??
(As he leaves, still calling for Pinocchio, the lights din, music plays, and it is the end of
Act !.)
Bringer/Pinocchio 15
16
ACT II
Scene 1
PINOCCHIO:
AUDIENCE:
When the musical intro is over, the play begins. The puppets movements and
speeches during the performance are stilted and stylized. Their manner becomes less
stilted when they break from the performance pattern to speak to Pinocchio. As the
music intro ends)
Thats wonderful! (he applauds.) I wish I could do that!
(to Pinocchio.) Shhhhhhhhhh!
(The puppets move into position to begin.)
PIETRA:
This is the Truthfully True
PIETRO:
And Tragically Tragical _
JULIETTA:
Chillingly ThrillingROMANO:
And Thrillingly Chilling
MIRANDOLINA:Tearfully Tearful
PANTALONE: But Cheerfully Cheerful
PIETRA:
Story of the Beautifully Beautiful columbine
PIETRO:
And the Foolishly Foolish Harlequin
JULIETTA:
And how they came to beROMANO:
So Famously Famous
MIRANDOLINA: So Tearfully Tearful
PANTALONE: And finally so Cheerfully Cheerful.
PIETRA:
Our story begins
PIETRO:
On a perfect summer day
JULIETTA:
A very very long time ago.
ROMANO:
On this summer day so very long ago
MIRANDOLINA: Foolishly Foolish
BOY PUPPETS: - but softhearted
MIRANDOLINA: Harlequin made one last desperate plea to
PANTOALONE: The Beautifully Beautiful
GIRL PUPPETS: - but oh! So cruel
PANTALONE: - Columbine.
HARLEQUIN:
Oh, Beautiful Columbine
COLUMBINE: What is it that you want, oh Foolish Harlequin?
HARLEQUIN: Since you say you cannot care for me
COLUMBINE:
Alas! That is true!
ALL:
(assuming tragic poses.) Woe is me!
HARLEQUINE: Perhaps you could grant me just one simple request.
Bringer/Pinocchio 16
17
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
ALL:
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
ALL:
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
COLUMBINE:
PINOCCHIO:
AUDIENCE:
18
PINOCCHIO:
ALL PUPPETS:
HARLEQUIN:
PINOCCHIO:
HARLEQUIN:
ALL PUPPETS:
COLUMBINE:
PINOCCHIO:
HARLEQUIN
COLUMBINE:
PINOCCHIO:
COLUMBINE:
HARELQUINE:
ALL PUPPETS:
Im glad to meet you, Brother Harlequin and pretty Columbine. But how is it that all of
you know me?
(speaking excitedly at once, each trying to explain.)
(cutting them off.) Are not all wooden puppets brothers and sisters?
I suppose they are. How wonderful to have brothers and sisters.
You must join our show.
(agreement)
Yes, you must. Wed love to have you with us, handsome Pinocchio.
You mean I could really be an actor? Like all of you?
: Of course. Why not?
Would you like to sing and dance? The way we do?
Oh, yes! Yes, I would! But I dont know how to dance.
I will teach you.
So will I.
And so will we!
(music plays and all the puppets and even some of the audience dance until a very a
loud voice is heard from off stage.)
FIRE-EATER:
(off) Whats going on?
HARLEQUIN AND BOY PUPPETS:
Oh, no!
COLUMBINE AND GIRL PUPPETS:
Oh, no!
PINOCCHIO:
(to puppets) Whats wrong? What is it?
HARLEQUIN: HE is coming!
PINOCCHIO:
Who? Who?
COLUMBINE:
The Fire-Eater!
PINOCCHIO:
Who?
FIRE_EATER: (entering dramatically.) Whats gong on her?????!!!!!
ALL PUPPETS: (assuming dramatic poses.) Oh, no!
HARLEQUIN: (to Pinocchio) Hide! (Pinocchio tries to hide behind the puppets.)
FIRE-EATER:
Whats going on her? (to Columbine) You! Why have you stopped the performance?
COLUMBINE:
I I I I- I I- I-I-I
HARLEQUIN: Where?
FIRE EATER: Behind you! Who is that? Who? Who? Who? (No reply from the trembling puppets.)
come over here, you! You! (Pinocchio comes out from behind the puppets.) Why have
you come here to raise a disturbance in my theater?
COLUMBINE: He didnt mean to disturb anyone
FIRE-EATER:
Silence, wood-mouth!
HARLEQUIN: (bravely) You leave her alone.
FIRE-EATER:
(to Harlequin.) Quiet! Or I will have you made into an end table!
HARLEQUIN: (Highly insulted) An end table!? Well!
PINOCCHIO:
Please, Sir
FIRE-EATER:
Pleas, Sir what?
PINOCCHIO:
I didnt mean to disturb your show.
FIRE-EATER:
(very sarcastic.) Oh, you didnt mean to disturb the show, Hmmmm? I suppose that
makes everything all right.
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, I hope so!
COLUMBINE: So do I!
HARLEQUIN: So do I!
Bringer/Pinocchio 18
FIRE-EATER:
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
PINOCCHIO:
FIRE-EATER:
PINOCCHIO:
FIRE-EATER:
19
(shouting) Well, it doesnt! And you, you puppet, you have disturbed my show, and you
shall pay for your crime!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
I dont understand, Sir.
You will. You will understand soon enough, you troublemaker.
Oh, but Im a good puppet. Really, I am. I obey my papa, and Im going to school, and
I didnt mean to disturb your show
(gasps and points) Puppet! What is wrong with your nose?
(Pinocchios nose has suddenly grown longer.)
PINOCCHIO:
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
PINOCCHIO:
20
PINOCCHIO:
FIRE-EATER:
I have wonderful, kind papa, who has been very good to me.
Ah! Who can say what a sorrow it would be to your poor father, If I threw you into the
burning coals. Poor man!
PINOCCHIO:
(with a sob) He would be very sad.
COLUMBINE: (with a sob) So sad!!
HARLEQUIN: (with a sob) So sad!!
FIRE-EATER:
Ah-choo! Puppet, I will spare you. Ah-Choo!
PINOCCHIO:
Thank you, Sir. Oh, thank you!
COLUMBINE: Pinocchio is saved!
HARLEQUIN:
Our brother is saved!
FIRE-EATER:
Now, puppet, here are five gold pieces for your poor father. Go home and learn to be a
good puppet.
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, thank you Sir. Youre very kind.
FIRE-EATER:
AH-CHOO! Nonsense! AN_CHOO! I just want to get rid of you. AH-CHOO!
Goodbye, puppet AH-CHOO! (To columbine and Harlequin.) What are you standing
around here for? Come along, theres work to be done. AH_CHOO! AH-CHOO! (He
goes off, still sneezing) AH-CHOO!
PINOCCHIO:
Goodbye Sir. Thank you.
HARLEQUINE: (Waving to Pinocchio, then following fire-eater off.) Goodbye, brother Pinocchio.
PINOCCHIO:
Goodbye, Harlequin. Ill come back and see you again. Thank you. Goodbye.
HARLEQUIN: Goodbye, Pinocchio. (he is gone)
COLUMBINE: Brother Pinocchio, I wish you could stay with us.
PINOCCHIO:
I must go home to my Papa/
COLUMB INE: (sighs) I know. I want to give you my rose.
PINOCCHIO:
Really?
COLUMBINE: For good luck.
PINOCCHIO:
Thank you, Columbine.
COLUMBINE: Goodbye, Pinocchio.
PINOCCHIO:
Goodbye, Columbine. I enjoyed the dancing. Goodbye.
(Columbine sniffles unhappily, then runs off loudly sobbing. Once she is gone
Pinocchio turns to leave; finally he is ready to go home.
Luigi and Lorenzo have entered and busy themselves with string the carnival set. They
ignore Pinocchio.)
PINOCCHIO:
Im going home. Poor Papa. He must be worried about me. (shakes money bag) Five
gold pieces! Papa can buy a new coat. A warm coat. I wish
Scene 2
Field of Miracles
(Candlewick enters just in time to hear the jingling of the gold pieces. Luigi and
Lorenzo continue working, paying some attention to but really not really very
interested in Candlewick and Pinocchio.)
- I wish I had my spelling book.
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
21
PINOCCHIO:
How can I do that?
CANDLEWICK: (grabs the gold from Pinocchio) Follow this road until you come to the Field of
Miracles. Then plant your gold in the ground and overnight a tree will grown. A money
tree! Covered with gold!
PINOCCHIO:
No!
CANDLEWICK: Yes!
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, thats for me! (he grabs the gold back and starts to go.) Thank you!
CANDLEWICK: (with a snicker.) Youre very welcome, Im sure. (As he goes off laughing.) Good luck
to you!
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
(alone) A money tree! Im going to be rich! Rich! Gold, gold, gold! (Starts to rush off.)
Pinocchio?
Cricket?
Dont listen to the advice of bad companions. Youll be sorry. Go home to your father,
Pinocchio.
PINOCCHIO:
But, Cricket, I want to bring all that gold back to my papa.
CRICKET:
Do not trust those who promise to make you rich in a day.
They are liars or thieves. Go back home, Pinocchio.
PINOCCHIO:
No, Im going on.
CRICKET:
Its late! And the night is dark!
PINOCCHIO:
Im still going, Cricket. Good night.
CRICKET:
Then, good night, Pinocchio. (calls after him) Beware of robbers!
(Pinocchio is gone. The fox and cat appear. They carry dark, loose capes with hoods.)
Scene 3
Thieves in Disguise
FOX:
There he goes!
CAT:
Who?
FOX:
The puppet, fuzzy face!
CAT:
Im hungry.
FOX:
(deftly donning his disguise cape) Ill buy you some sushi, as soon as we have those
five gold pieces..
CAT:
What gold pieces?
FOX:
The ones the puppet has, fur ball. Let us begone.
CAT:
Yeah.
FOX:
Put on your disguise.
CAT:
Im trying. (who is tangled up in the fabric of the disguise cape.)
FOX:
Hurry ( they sneak out after Pinocchio when the cat trips over the cape.) Shhhhhhhh!
CAT:
(as they go.) Im hungry
FOX:
Quiet!
CAT:
Well, I am. (they are gone.)
(At this point Geppetto again enters, looking for Pinocchio.)
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, where is Pinocchio? (to the audience) Have you seen him? Oh, poor Pinocchio!
Where can he be? Pinocchio? Pinocchio? (He goes off)
(The lights dim. It is late on the road. Mysterious sounds heard. Pinocchio enters,
making his way down the dark road.)
This road is so dark. Ive walked a long time. I must be almost there. Im tired, too. I
can hardly wait to plant these gold pieces. I bet a money tree looks beautiful.
(The cat and fox enter, following Pinocchio. They stumble in the darkness)
Bringer/Pinocchio 21
22
PINOCCHIO:
What was that? (listens) Nothing. I hope. Oh, why is it so dark? Well, Im not afraid.
(walks a little further. Stops suddenly.) What was that?
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
Sandor?
Quiet, Sidney!
Someones there. Oh, no! I want my pap! (as he sees the shapes of the two robbers)
Look! Oh, help!
(The robbers leap out of the shadows and advance toward Pinocchio)
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
23
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
Scene 4
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
Pinocchio? Pinocchio?
(looking up at her) Ohh! YouyouyouI remember you! You have the same voice,
and the same dress yes! You came to my papas house.
Yes, little puppet, I did. I brought you to life.
I remember! How did you know I was here?
A friend of yours told me. (she unties him)
Who?
The talking cricket.
The cricket? The cricket brought you here?
Yes, he did. He watches over you very well.
Watches over me? Oh, now I remember! You told me you would leave me someone
(tries to remember) someone who would help me learn to be a good puppet!
Thats right.
And have I become a good puppet?
What do you think? Are you a good puppet?
(sighs) I suppose not, I have tried, though.
have you? Truly?
Oh, yes! Yes, yes, yes. (He puts his head in his hands and once again while his face is
hidden his nose grows.)
They why is your nose growing longer?
(raises his head.) My nose? ( feels his nose) Oh, no! Why does my nose do that? Why?
You have a magical nose, remember? (he nods) Every time you say something that is
not true, your nose will grow.
Always?
Until you learn to tell the truth.
Oh. (pauses a moment) Will the rest of me ever grow?
Bringer/Pinocchio 23
24
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY
PINOCCHIO:
Puppets dont, grow, little one. They are always the same.
But Im tired of being a puppet! I want to be a real boy. I want to grow up.
Perhaps you could become a real boy, if you deserve it. But first, you must learn to be
good.
Oh.
Good boys try to obey.
But
_ and they go willingly to school.
But _
Good boys learn a trade, and help their fathers.
But _
And they learn to speak the truth, Pinocchio. They dont tell lies.
(hanging his head) And I always tell lies. What do I have to do?
You must obey me.
And if I do everything you say, Ill become a real boy?
I promise. But the rest depends on you, Pinocchio.
(in a big rush to share the good news) Oh, Im going home to my papa! I want to tell
him Im going to be a real boy. Thank you! Goodbye! (he rushes off, his voice rapidly
fading away in the distance.) Papa! Im coming home! Papa! Papa!
FAIRY:
CRICKET:
FAIRY
CRICKET:
Scene 5
25
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
26
COACHMAN: (from off stage) All aboard!
CANDLEWICK: Wheres the coach now!
CHILDREN:
(with much excitement) Its the coach! I can hardly wait! I want to get on first! No, I
do! (etc.)
(The coachman enters. His manner seems very friendly, but at heart he is a terribly
nasty fellow. His new employees, Luigi and Lorenzo accompany him. All three carry
large attractive baskets of candy, which fascinate the children.)
COACHMAN: (as he enters) All aboard! Destination Treasure Island. Coming, boys and girls?
CANDLEWICK: I am!
MARIO:
Me, too!
GINA:
And me!
GUIDO:
Im going!
SOFIA:
So am I!
COACHMAN: Good, good! Come along.
(Gina and Guido dash off stage eagerly. Santino and Francesca are uncertain.)
MARIO:
Are you going, Santino? (he dashes off)
SOFIA:
Come on, Francesca! (she dashes off)
CANDLEWICK: Coming, Pinocchio? (he dashes off)
COACHMAN: (to Pinocchio) Better hurry, lad. (to Santino and Francesca) Were leaving soon.
PINOCCHIO:
Yes, Sir.
(As he exits the coachman gestures to Lorenzo and Luigi who cross to Francesca and
Santino to lure them with the baskets of candy. Pinocchio is off to one side, tempted,
but still undecided.)
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
GEPPETTO:
Pinocchio? Pinocchio? Where are you? Pinocchio? Has anyone seen Pinocchio?
Pinocchio?
Bringer/Pinocchio 26
27
Scene 6
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
GINA:
SOFIA:
MARIO:
GUIDO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
PINOCCHIO:
28
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
COACHMAN:
(laughing wickedly) Go on! Enjoy yourselves. Play games Dont think about anything
but fun. And soon very soon, youll be ready. Its only a matter of time. Only a matter
of timeTra-la. Only a matter of time. (he goes off, laughing)
LORENZO AND LUIGI: (as they follow him off) Only a matter of time, Tra la. Only a matter of
time.
(Lighting and perhaps music indicate the passage of time. From off stage Pinocchios
vice is heard, moaning, when Pinocchio enters, he wears a large strange hat, which
conceals his ears. He holds his head down and has his arms wrapped around his
stomach as though it hurts.)
PINOCCHIO:
Ohhhh! I feel so strange. Whats wrong with me? Ohhhhh!
VOICE OF THE CRICKET: Whats wrong, Pinocchio?
PINOCCHIO:
Cricket? Is that you? Oh, Cricket, help me! Please!
Scene 7
Donkey Fever
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
Bringer/Pinocchio 28
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
29
Because I am a selfish puppet. Oh, Cricket, if ID kept my promises and gone home to
school, Id be a real boy by now, and none of this would have happened. (Moans)
Ohhh!!!! On no! Heres Candlewick.
(from off stage Candlewick moans, and then he enters. He also wears a strange hat that
covers his ears, and he, too, holds his stomach as though it hurts.)
Ohh! I feel so strange(sees Pinocchio, tries to act normally) Pinocchio! Fancy
meeting you here.
And how are you, Candlewick?
Fine, just fine. As well as a mouse in a cheese.
Are you sure?
Of course. Now shy would I lie to you, friend?
I just wondered why youre wearing that large hat it covers your head, and your ears,
and almost hides your nose.
Ah, you see, the-the- the doctor ordered me to wear this hat because because-because
I hurt my left knee. But tell me, my little puppet friend, why are you wearing that large
hat it covers your ears completely.
This hat? Oh, the doctor ordered me to wear it because I-I-I-stubbed my toe.
Thats too bad. I hope your toe is better soon.
And I hope your knee is better very soon.
(They look at each other.)
PINOCCHIO:
(after a pause) Candlewick, will you do me a favor?
CANDLEWICK: That depends on what it is.
PINOCCHIO:
Let me see your ears.
CANDLEWICK: Why not? But first, Pinocchio, Id like to see yours.
PINOCCHIO:
You first.
CANDLEWICK: No, you first.
PINOCCHIO:
What if we both take our hats off at the same time?
CANDLEWICK: Agreed!
CANDLEWICK AND PINOCCHIO: One! Two! Three!
(Simultaneously they remove their hats They both have donkey hears! They point at
each other and start laughing)
PINOCCHIO:
(laughing) Your ears!
CANDLEWICK: (laughing) (Look at yours!
(The sound of their laughter brings the other children on stage. They also laugh and
point at the donkey ears.)
PINOCCHIO:
Candlewick has donkey ears!
CANDLEWICK: Pinocchio has donkey ears!
PINOCCHIO:
Want some hay?
CANDLEWICK: How about some grass? Heehaw!
(Everyone stops laughing and stares aghast at candlewick)
PINOCCHIO:
Candlewick, was that you?
CANDLEWICK: Heehaw! Heehaw! Help! Help! Pinocchio!
PINOCCHIO:
Whats wrong?
CANDLEWICK: My back! I cant heehaw!-stand up straight. Heehaw!
Bringer/Pinocchio 29
30
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, no! The Cricket was right. Heehaw! Heehaw! Oh, no! Heehaw! Candlewick! I
cant stand up straight either! Heehaw!
CANDLEWICK: Heehaw!
PINOCCHIO:
Heehaw!
(Pinocchio and Candlewick bray frantically, while desperately trying to stand upright.
The other children cower off to one side, frightened and watching helplessly. The
coachman enters, accompanied by Lorenzo and Luigi. He gives a snickering laugh.)
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
CANDLEWICK:
COACHMAN:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
COACHMAN:
CANDLEWICK:
COACHMAN:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
MARIO:
CHLDREN:
GINA:
COACHMAN:
CHILDREN:
COACHMAN:
CHILDREN:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
Well done, lads! You bray very well indeed. You are very fine donkeys, both of you.
Heehaw! Help! Heehaw!
It will do you no good to call for help, little one.
Whats going to happen to us? Heehaw!
You will both be sold for very good prices. Youre a very fine pair of donkey. Two of
the best Ive ever had here.
Heehaw! You brought us to Treasure Island to turn us into donkeys!
(Gasp and tremble with fear.)
You turned yourselves into donkeys! You thought only of amusing yourselves. Boys
and girls who are greedy and selfish always end up as donkeys.
(sadly) Heehaw!
(sadly) Heehaw!
You, Candlewick, have already been sold. Theres a man waiting to take you home. He
needs a donkey to pull his wagon to and from the market.
Heehaw!
Go on, stupid one. Hes waiting now. (chasing him off ) Go on! (to Lorenzo) Take him
away!
(sadly, as Lorenzo leads him away) Heehaw! Goodbye, Pinocchio. Heehaw.
(sadly to Candlewick) Heehaw!
(to Coachman) Whats going to happen to the rest of us?
Fearfully echo his question)
Are we Are we _ going to turn into donkeys, too?
(with a sneer) Its only a matter of time, my dear. Only a matter of time.
Oh, no!
(To Luigi) Take them all to the salt mines!
(Moaning as Luigi prods them off) Oh, no! What have we done? Well be good. We
promise!
(When they are gong, the coachman turns to Pinocchio. Lorenzo brings him a large
hoop, and a cane.)
(To Pinocchio.) As for you, little donkey, you are going to be in the circus!
(sadly) Heehaw
You must learn to jump through hoops, to bow, and dance. Let us see what you can do.
(growing more afraid.) Heehaw! Heehaw!
Heres a hoop. (Can be any large circular frame) All you have to do is jump through it.
Ready?
(Backs away) Heehaw!
Come now. Lets see how graceful you are. Jump~
(starts to run through the hoop, but stops at the very last moment) Heehaw!
No, no, no! try again, and do it right this time! Come on, jump!
Bringer/Pinocchio 30
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
Scene 8
FAIRY:
COACHMAN:
FAIRY:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
FAIRY:
PINOCCHIO:
31
Heehaw! (starts toward the hoop again at the last moment he falters, and runs around
it, instead of going through it.)
NO! no! No! Once more! Jump! You lazy donkey! Jump!
(still afraid, starts forward very tentatively) Heehaw! Heehaw!
Jump! Jump, you fool!
(dashes to the hoop, tries to jump. Catches his leg and falls moaning) Heehaw! Ohhhh!
What have you done, you fool?
(moans) Ohhhh!
(Looks at Pinocchios leg) Lame! A lame donkey! What good are you to me now! Ill
be lucky to sell you for a few pennies. You stupid, cowardly fool! (raises his fist or a
riding crop to strike Pinocchio.) No one would buy a lame donkey! (he is about to
strike when the lights dim a little, dramatic music plays. The fairy appears, perhaps
wearing a dark cloak over her dress, disguised to the Coachmans eyes, appearing to be
a woman just passing by.)
To the Rescue
Wait! Why are you beating that poor little donkey?
(Suddenly exceedingly polite.) Hes lame. Madame, and no good to me. Id sell him
gut who would buy a lame donkey?
I have use for such a donkey. Sell him to me. (gives the coachman a small bag of coins)
Gladly, Madame, gladly. Hes all yours, and good luck to you! (He laughs wickedly,
and goes off counting his money)
(still on the ground, moaning) Ohhhh!
Pinocchio! Everything is all right now. Pinocchio, its your friend. Look, little one.
Pinocchio?
Is it really you? Youve saved me from that terrible coachman. He was going to sell me
to the circus.
I know. I know.
My leg! Its all right. I can stand up straight, too. (feels his ears) But I still have donkey
ears. Will they go away?
If you are a brave puppet. Now, Pinocchio, you must go find your father.
(ready to start off) Oh yes!
(stopping him with a gesture) I saw him three days ago 0 at the seashore.
What what was he doing there?
He set sail in a little boat to cross the ocean. For months hes been looking for you
everywhere. At last he decided to cross the ocean to look in other places.
Oh, no!
Thats not all, Pinocchio. Geppetto had no sooner set sail when a storm came up, and
sank his little boat.
Oh, Papa!
He was swallowed by the huge whale who lives in the ocean.
Swallowed by a whale? Oh, no!
hes still alive inside the whale but hes growing weaker and weaker. (she quietly
begins to back away.)
(who has bowed his head and does not notice.) Oh, my poor papa. Ive been so wicked
and selfish. Now Ive lost my papa. And its all my fault (While his head is turned
away the Fairy leaves quietly. Pinocchio raises his head.) Where did she go? (Looks
around) Shes not here. Im all alone. Maybe the cricket is here. Cricket? (no reply) No
one. No one here. I must decide what to do all by myself. I know! Ill rescue my papa!
Thats it! Ill save him! Papa, Im coming!
Bringer/Pinocchio 31
32
CAT:
FOX:
CAT:
(He races off stage. Music plays and the lights change. If necessary to help cover the
set change this optional crossover; with the fox and cat may used they briefly appear
or perhaps are heard as voice overs during the set change. The fox counts money and
Sidney as usual is thinking only of food.)
Seventy-nine, eight-five, ninety, ninety-five, one hundred! A good sale! Imagine that
old fool Geppetto buying that leaky boat. Just to chase after a puppet.
Yeah.
Come, on, Sidney.
Hey, Im hungry. (they go off)
Scene 9
Ocean
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
(as the other characters float around him) Papa! Im coming to save you! (as the
other characters disappear) Oh, Cricket, the waters so deep. The waves keep pushing
me. Im coming, Papa!
Keep swimming, Pinocchio!
Oh, Cricket! Look! Theres the Whale! Oh, Cricket, hes so big!
Keep swimming, Pinocchio!
I am, Cricket! Look! The Whale 0 hes coming toward us!
Look out, Pinocchio! There he is!
Look at his teeth! Hes opening is mouth!
Hes coming closer!
Cricket? Cricket! Hes going to swallow us! Cricket?!
(The noise rises to a crescendo, then stops suddenly. Perhaps there is a blackout, but as
soon as possible the lights begin to come up, very dimly. Everything is now very still
and quiet except perhaps for the sound of distant waves. A small light can be seen, a
candle or lamp, something which Geppetto managed to save for himself from this
boat).
(As the lights come up) Cricket? (Tentatively Cricket? Are you still with me?
Over here, Pinocchio!
Are you all right?
A little wet, thats all.
(looking up and around) Are we are we inside of the whale?
I suppose we are. (gasps) Look, you can see his ribs. (Lighting effect can create this
illusion.)
Oh, hes so big! I hope we can find my papa. (points) Look, Cricket! A light! Do you
think thats my papa?
Well, dont just stand there. Go look and see.
Bringer/Pinocchio 32
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
33
(perhaps music plays as he gropes his way across the stge. At last he reaches Geppetto,
who is on the other side. Geppetto sits sadly with his head in his hands.) Papa? Oh,
papa, Ive found you at last! Ill never leave you again! Never, never again!
Pinocchio? Can I believe my eyes? Is it is it really you, Pinocchio?
Oh, yes, Papa! Its really me!
(hugs him) Oh, my boy! Its so good to see you. I thought I would never see you again.
Do you forgive me, Papa?
Of course, Pinocchio. Of course, I do.
Ive been a very bad puppet, but Ive paid for it, Papa Ive been robbed, and almost
burned
Oh, no!
-and I ran away, and became a donkey see? I still have the donkey ears
I dont see any donkey ears.
But I (reaches up to feel the ears) theyre gone!
Donkey ears??
That means Ive been brave!
Certainly youre brave, little one. You came to find me, didnt you?
Oh yes, I did, Papa! Ive come to save you!
Save me? How? Thats impossible.
There must be a way out of here.
(sits again in despair) I dont know what way that could be, Pinocchio.
Ill think of something, Papa.
Psst! Pinocchio! Over here.
(To Geppetto.) Excuse me, Papa. What is it, Cricket?
I we have an idea. No, listen carefully. PsstPsst(The cricket whispers busily for a
moment. A few words are clear here and there) Psst.psstlanternpsstwhale
escapepsstpssstcough. (coughs).psst! (Aloud) Get it?
Got it!
Good!
Thank you, Cricket! Thats a wonderful plan! Papa!
What is it Pinocchio?
I that is we have an idea, Papa. Well escape through the mouth of the whale into
the ocean. Then well swim to shore. Bring your lantern, Papa, and follow me.
Very well, Pinocchio. Ill try it. We cant stay here, or well die. Why do you want the
lantern?
(As they make their way across the stage to the whales mouth) The smoke from the
lantern will make the whale cough and sneeze so much that hell have to open his
mouth. Then well escape.
Its a good idea.
(by now they are at the other end of the stage.) All right, Papa. Now, wave the lantern,
papa, so the smoke will make the whale cough.
(Geppetto swings the lamp gently)
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
34
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
Ready, Papa?
(Not at all sure that he is) I suppose so.
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
G;
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
(A monstrous roar as the whale coughs and opens his mouth. Sound and light effects as
before. Possibly during this sequence the other characters float by again just as they
did previously)
(Shouting) Come on, Pap! Hold on to my hand.
Pinocchio! Pinocchio!
I have you, Papa. Hurry! Before the whale catches us again!
Pinocchio! Help! Help me!
Im here, Papa.
Where is the shore? All I see is water. Were going to drown.
No, Papa. Ill find the shore.
(shouting) Follow me, Pinocchio!
Cricket! Lead the way! Were saved, Papa! Hold on to me
Save yourself, Pinocchio. Im going to die
No, Papa, no. Ill help you.
Follow me, Pinocchio! Follow me!
Were almost there, Papa!
Pinocchio! I see it! I see the shore! Were saved, Pinocchio! Were saved!
(Sound effect of an enormous wave. The lights are very dim, or perhaps there is a
momentary blackout)
GEPPETTO:
(As the sounds of the waves die out, the lights come up. Its the sunlight! Both
Pinocchio and Geppetto can be seen lying upon the shore as he speaks Geppetto
crawls over to Pinocchio, who remains very still on the ground.)
Were saved! Look, Pinocchio, were saved! Pinocchio? Pinocchio? (he realizes
Pinocchio is apparently dead.) Pinocchio! Oh, no! No, no no! Oh, Pinocchio, poor
brave little puppet. He saved my life. He was so brave. Poor Pinocchio. Now I will be
more lonely than I ever was before.
(Geppetto holds Pinocchio close to him, head bent. At this point Pinocchios false
puppet nose if not already removed during the blackout can be removed by
Geppetto, who can hide it coin a pocket. While Geppetto is bowed with grief the blue
fairy appears, accompanied by appropriate music.)
Scene 10
Becomes Real
FAIRY:
(Unseen my Geppetto) Little Pinocchio, to reward you for your good and brave heart,
you are forgiven for all that is past. You have proven yourself to be brave and unselfish.
You are a good son, Pinocchio. Geppetto shall have his wish at last. Awaken,
Pinocchio.
(She waves her want, and steps back. She then remains in the background until the end
of the play.)
Bringer/Pinocchio 34
35
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
(At this point the other characters from Pinocchios adventures slowly begin to
migrate on to the stage. They take positions in an attractive tableau keeping their eyes
and the focus on the action between Pinocchio and Geppetto. The actors should be
grouped in a logical way; the merchants from act one together, the children together,
the puppets as a group together and so on.)(Pinocchio crosses first to his very good
friends, the puppets.)
COLUMBINE: Oh, Pinocchio, were so happy for you.
HARLEQUIN: Congratulations, little brother.
MIRANDOLINA: At times it was all so tearfully tearful
PANTALONE: But it turned out to be quite cheerfully cheerful.
PIERTRA:
(sobbing on Pietros shoulder) I just love happy endings!
PIETRO:
(Sobbing on Pietras shoulder) So do I!
(everyone laughs happily. Pinocchio crosses to the coachman)
PINOCCHIO:
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
PINOCCHIO:
Bringer/Pinocchio 35
36
Bringer/Pinocchio 36