Cathedral City, CA
If you were enchanted by last year’s Snow White at Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep), get ready to fall in love all over again with Pinocchio! Returning with the same creative powerhouse team — playwright Greg Banks and composer Victor Zupanc — this year’s family production promises laughter, imagination, and heart in a fast-paced “play-within-a-play” reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s 1883 classic, The Adventures of Pinocchio: The Story of a Puppet.
Unlike the traditional tale or the animated Disney favorite, CVRep’s Pinocchio invites audiences into a clever, interactive theatrical world where five actors perform multiple roles and encourage children to join in the storytelling. The adventure follows Pinocchio’s journey from a wooden puppet to a real boy, testing his will, courage, and curiosity along the way — from puppet shows to Playland and even the belly of a whale.
To make live theater accessible to all families across the Coachella Valley, CVRep is offering Pinocchio on a “Pay-What-You-Want” basis, with a limit of four seats per order. This inclusive pricing structure ensures that cost won’t stand in the way of sharing the joy of live performance with children and loved ones.
Performance Schedule:
- Thursdays & Fridays: November 6, 7, 13 & 14 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays & Sundays: November 8, 9 & 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Creative Team and Vision
The production is directed by Howard Shangraw, head of CVRep’s Conservatory and Youth Programs, known for his recent direction of the anti-bullying play Power Play and last year’s hit Snow White. Shangraw also helms CVRep’s upcoming mainstage comedy, One Man, Two Guvnors, debuting in early 2026.
Interviews are available with the talented multi-role cast and with Shangraw himself, who continues to bring innovative, youth-focused theater to the Coachella Valley.
For more information on tickets and performance details, visit cvrep.org.