“Buongiorno!
Buongiorno!
Buongiorno!”
This cheerful greeting sets the tone for a magical theatrical journey as Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. presents Carlo Collodi’s PINOCCHIO, a heartwarming musical adaptation of one of the world’s most beloved stories.
Set to captivate audiences on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026, at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City, the production promises an enchanting blend of music, movement, imagination, and timeless life lessons.
For generations, the story of Pinocchio has fascinated children and adults alike.
At its heart is a simple yet profound dream: a wooden puppet longing to become a real boy. Along the way, Pinocchio discovers that becoming “real” is not merely a matter of appearance, but of character, integrity, and love.
Ephesus Teatron’s stage adaptation embraces these enduring themes while adding the excitement and spectacle of musical theater. Audiences can expect vibrant choreography, memorable songs, colorful costumes, and a cast committed to bringing the classic tale to life with energy and heart.
Leading the production is seasoned musical theater artist and director Sweet Samaniego Buchanan, whose passion for storytelling and dedication to the performing arts have helped shape numerous successful productions. Under her direction, Pinocchio becomes more than a fairy tale—it becomes a celebration of growth, resilience, and the choices that define who we are.
The musical arranger is Pipo Cifra.
Leading the cast is Brie Mosquito in the title role of Pinocchio, joined by an accomplished theater performers, including Red Nuestro as Geppetto; Sweet Buchanan as the Blue Fairy; Sheila Gamo as Angelina; Bhen Espina as Antonio; Nazer Salcedo as the Coachman; and Dusty Suarez as The Coachman / Geppetto / Town’s People.
They will be joined by a cast of promising young artists whose performances highlight the company’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in Philippine theater.
They are as follows:
- Althea Ruedas as Candlewick / Gino
- Sofia Gabrielle Magno as Candlewick
- Jay Paulo Danganan as Signore Volpone “The Fox”
- Paulo Esteva and Ed Vincent Bonoan as Signore Gatto “The Cat”
- Vinz Cantillo as Signore Volpone “The Fox” /Toy / Town’s People
- Sofia Yzabel Mallares as Candlewick/Town’s People
- Erika Mae Salas and Joahnah Marie Sevilla – Blue Fairies / Town’s People.
Adding further excitement is a talented ensemble of performers who bring youthful energy and enthusiasm to the production. Their participation reflects Ephesus Teatron’s continuing commitment to developing emerging artists and fostering a love for theater among the next generation.
They are as follows:
Understudy
- Michelle Ann Lacorte: as Angelina and Jethro Leone Ting as Pinocchio
- Ensemble – Fairy/s / Town’s People / Toys: Kheem Evelio Pedrosa, Lloyd Pilapil, Lunelenne Darilay and Clara Bianca Esteva
- Toy / Town’s People: Paul David
- Town’s People/Pizza Maker: Jan Keith Campus
- Town’s People: Mattea Recana, Ann Charlotte Gamo, Solana Mel 18 Lacorte and Jordin Louise Ting.
Beyond the music and spectacle, Pinocchio carries lessons that remain remarkably relevant today. In an age when young people navigate a world filled with distractions, pressures, and difficult choices, the story reminds audiences of the importance of honesty, responsibility, courage, and compassion. It speaks to parents, educators, and children alike, offering wisdom wrapped in entertainment.
For Ephesus Teatron Group Inc., theater is more than performance—it is a vehicle for education, inspiration, and community building. Through productions such as Pinocchio, the company continues to demonstrate how the arts can spark imagination while reinforcing values that help shape responsible and caring individuals.
As the curtain rises this October, audiences will be invited to laugh, sing, dream, and reflect alongside a wooden puppet whose greatest wish is to become real.
In the process, they may discover that the journey toward becoming one’s best self is a story that belongs to all of us.
Whether you are a longtime theater enthusiast, a parent seeking a meaningful family outing, or a child experiencing the magic of live performance for the first time, Pinocchio promises an unforgettable theatrical adventure.
The musical will be staged on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026, at the Activity Center, 2nd Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Amang Rodriguez corner J.P. Rizal, Barangay Dela Paz, Pasig City.
For ticket reservations and inquiries, contact Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. at 0945-991-1840.
This October, follow the adventures of a wooden puppet, believe in the power of dreams, and rediscover the timeless truth that what makes us truly real comes from within.
Synopsis
Long ago, an old carpenter named Geppetto carved a puppet in the shape of a boy and named it Pinocchio. He wished the boy to be a real one.
A fairy heard his words and fulfilled his wish. She added life to the puppet, but she wanted that if he was to be a real boy, he must always be a good boy.
Geppetto loved him dearly, but Pinocchio was quite naughty and rarely spoke the truth. As soon as he lied, his wooden nose grew long. He always promised to be a good boy from then on. But he soon forgot his word and left the school with his friends to join a circus.
One day, he heard that his father had been swallowed up by a huge whale. He immediately went to find the whale; The whale swallowed him as well. Inside the whale’s belly, Pinocchio and Geppetto were so happy to see each other. They made a plan to get out and began tickling the whale’s stomach. As soon as the whale opened his mouth and sneezed, Pinocchio and Geppetto slipped out. They reached home safely.
The fairy was pleased with Pinocchio’s bravery, and she turned him into a real flesh-and-blood boy. From that day, he was a very good boy and never missed school. The father and son lived happily ever after.
Relevance of PINOCCHIO
The stage musical Pinocchio remains highly relevant in today’s social media era because its themes reflect many of the challenges people face online. Pinocchio’s struggles with honesty, peer pressure, and poor decision-making mirror issues such as misinformation, fake news, online deception, and the constant pressure to seek approval through likes, followers, and trends. His journey reminds audiences of the importance of truth, critical thinking, and making responsible choices in a digital environment where information spreads rapidly.
Moreover, Pinocchio highlights the value of authenticity and conscience in an age where people often present idealized versions of themselves on social media. Just as Jiminy Cricket guides Pinocchio to do what is right, individuals today must rely on their own moral judgment when interacting online. The musical ultimately teaches that integrity, accountability, and staying true to oneself are essential qualities for becoming responsible digital citizens in the modern world.
Why in Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig?
There are several reasons why Pinocchio is being staged at Ayala Malls Feliz.
First, bringing the arts closer to the community. Staging Pinocchio at Ayala Malls Feliz makes quality live theater more accessible to families and communities in eastern Metro Manila and nearby Rizal Province. Instead of requiring audiences to travel to traditional theater venues in central business districts, the production brings professional performing arts to a familiar and convenient community space.
Second, promoting family-centered entertainment. Pinocchio is a timeless story that appeals to children, parents, and grandparents alike. Ayala Malls Feliz provides an ideal family-oriented venue where audiences can enjoy meaningful entertainment that promotes values such as honesty, kindness, courage, responsibility, and perseverance while spending quality time together.
Third, making theater more inclusive because one of the goals of the production is to make live theater more inclusive and approachable. Presenting the musical in a shopping mall removes many of the barriers often associated with theater—such as distance, unfamiliarity, or perceived exclusivity—and invites first-time audiences to experience the performing arts.
Fourth, supporting local Arts and Culture. The production demonstrates that shopping malls can serve not only as commercial centers but also as cultural spaces that promote creativity, artistic excellence, and community engagement. Hosting Pinocchio contributes to the enrichment of the local cultural landscape while supporting Filipino artists, performers, musicians, and creative professionals.
Fifth, providing a platform for emerging artists, as the musical showcases the talents of young performers, musicians, and theater practitioners who have undergone extensive training. It allows aspiring artists to perform before a live audience, helping them build confidence, discipline, and professional experience. By staging the production at Ayala Malls Feliz, the organizers create opportunities for schools, families, local organizations, and neighboring communities to gather around a shared cultural experience. The event strengthens community ties while encouraging appreciation for the performing arts.
Sixth, highlighting the importance of arts education. Many cast members are students of performing arts programs, demonstrating how training in music, acting, and dance develops creativity, confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and discipline—qualities that benefit young people beyond the stage.
Ayala Malls Feliz aims to provide experiences that go beyond shopping. Hosting Pinocchio the Musical transforms the mall into a vibrant cultural destination where visitors can enjoy world-class live performances alongside dining, recreation, and family activities.
Source: Beautiful Feature
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