As the audience cheered for the cast of “Once Upon A Pine,” the children’s story Pinocchio was brought to life in a new way. Written by Tommy Jamerson and directed by James Winter, the cast was able to make what was once a dark and eery story into a light and whimsical storm of laughter.  Above are actors Taylor Sinclair and  Cody Sires playing characters Geppetto and Candlewick.
The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

One of the opening lines in the Alpha Psi Omega production of “Once Upon A Pine” was, “I will name him Pinocchio to always remind him where he came from, pine seed,” the character Geppetto said to the little wooden boy. 

“Once Upon A Pine,” a humorous children’s play is based off of the children’s story ‘Pinocchio.’ It was performed on Apr. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Vonnie Borden Theatre. 

Although based off of “Pinocchio,” the play was not directly quoted from the story. Written by Tommy Jamerson, “Once Upon A Pine” had its own twist of humor that made it into a success. 

“Tommy and I wanted to continue to put on children’s plays,” said director Jim Winter. “It was a choice between ‘The Lion King’ or ‘Pinocchio.’ You always hear people remake ‘The Lion King,’ but hardly ever the story of ‘Pinocchio.’” 

The actors had a blast putting on the show. The star of the play, sophomore biology major Briana Rogers played the character of Pinocchio. 

“I loved the style of the play, it was so fun,” said Rogers. “Making a mistake on stage turned into a joke so easily and the audience was so great and supportive. I feel like this is a great start towards my theatre career.”

Narrator/Hop and senior English education major Emily Nodine was also greatly pleased about the successful turnout.

“This is my last performance here at the Vonnie Borden Theatre,” said Nodine. “Everyone involved with the play was so wonderful and supportive of my leaving. I felt like it was a great turnout and everyone worked together perfectly to make it happen.” 

Usher of the play and sophomore communication major Bruce Javery II was very supportive of the cast.

“I think the entire play was magnificent and everyone of the cast members gave their 200 percent all of the time preparing for this performance,” said Javery. “I am amazed that the audience had such support. Every joke that was made, the audiences’ response grew more and more in a positive way. Jims’ directions were like a dream come true, it was an effort of love.”

Member of the audience and junior new media animation major Austin Cradic enjoyed the contrast of the play.  

“It was a great play, I enjoyed the differences that they could not display due to copy rights,” said Cradic. “I especially enjoyed the character Jiminy Cricket and how they completely changed his character and made him life sized. This is my first play that I have seen this semester and I’m very happy. I enjoyed it.”

Audience members left filled with a great sense of happiness that the beloved children’s story was brought to life.

“I’m really proud of them, this kind of thing you never know how it’s going to turn out, but the audience had fun with it and the cast pulled it off perfectly,” said Winter. 

If you missed the production, it will be performed at the Dance Center and School of Performing Arts in Baton Rouge on Sunday, May 8 at 5 p.m.

Star of the play character Pinocchio played by Briana Rogers perform the very successful children’s play Pinocchio performed last Thursday on Apr. 28.
The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

character Hop played by actress Emily Nodine, character Officer/Scotch played by actor Tyler Meyer and character Candlewick played by actor Cody Sires work together to perform the very successful children’s play Pinocchio performed last Thursday on Apr. 28.
The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit