Following the internationally acclaimed "Alice in Wonderland," which was performed in Detroit Lakes two years ago, Theatre Tout à Trac returns to the Historic Holmes Theatre this Friday, Oct. 26 to present the tale of the world's most famous puppet: "Pinocchio."
Born from a talking piece of wood carved by the old artisan Geppetto, the rebellious, cheeky and careless Pinocchio discovers the meaning of growing up through a thousand trials. To become a real boy, he will have to face Mangiafuoco, the terrible Puppet Master; suffer the malice of the Fox and his sidekick, the Cat; escape from Toyland; and save his father from the belly of the giant fish!
But according to Pinocchio's portrayer, Milva Ménard, this production delves a bit deeper than the Disney version with which most kids (and parents) are familiar.
"Pinocchio already is a 'real boy,' who hides himself behind the puppet," said Ménard in a Tuesday interview.
As he faces each obstacle in his path, "the little boy discovers himself, and gradually leaves the puppet behind him," she added.
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"It's about a boy growing up and learning to question himself, and make decisions for himself," Ménard continued.
What makes this production particularly exciting, she added, is the transitions between the various scenes, from Geppetto's workshop to the forest inhabited by Fox and Cat, Toyland and "the bowels of the monster," as Ménard put it.
"It's kind of magical, the way things appear and disappear from stage," she said. "There are little hidden doors everywhere... it's like a show in and of itself."
And of course, the technology behind the fabled growth of Pinocchio's nose is a sight to behold, she added.
"It's really a fun show," Ménard said, adding that the banter between Fox and Cat is particularly entertaining and humorous. "They have a great dynamic."
Thanks to the sponsorship of Arvig, this amazing journey into the heart of kids' imagination hits the Holmes stage at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 26. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for students, and may be purchased online at www.dlccc.org/holmes.html , by phone at 218-844-7469, or at the Holmes Theatre box office located at 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the show.
Also this week
• Children in grades K-5 are invited to "Boo-palooza" at the Detroit Lakes Public Library (1000 Washington Ave.), starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26. Participants are encouraged to come in costume to listen to a Halloween-themed story, plus join a costume parade and decorate a mini pumpkin. This event is offered free of charge.
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• Also on Thursday, Oct. 25, the library will be hosting a presentation by "Being at Home in the World" author Laetitia Mizero Hellerud at 7 p.m. Hellerud, a writer, teacher and social justice advocate originally from Burundi but currently making her home in Fargo, will share stories of her struggles as a four-time refugee, and her journey to find peace. This event is offered free of charge and all are welcome.
• Musical comedy duo Bruce Williams and Terry Ree, popularly known as "The Indian and the White Guy," will return to the Shooting Star Casino stage this Friday, Oct. 26 for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets start at $10 and are on sale now. They can be purchased by phone at 1-800- 313-SHOW (7469), online at www.StarCasino.com/tickets , or via the "Buy Tickets" tab on Shooting Star's Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ShootingStarCasino .
• On Saturday, Oct. 27, seven local bars are getting together to host the 2nd Annual Halloween Pub Crawl in Detroit Lakes. Starting at 6 p.m., ticket holders can travel between the participating businesses - Northside Bar, Roasted, Brygge Taps & Tastes, Hub 41, Lakeside Tavern, Zorbaz and the American Legion - and have their cards punched for a chance to win a special commemorative mug. You must get a punch from each location to qualify for the drawing, which will be held at Hub 41 at the end of the evening. Hub 41 will also be hosting live music by Young Country starting at 8 p.m., and other prizes and specials will also be offered at each participating location. Because this is a Halloween celebration, costumes are encouraged, though not required. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at Hub 41, (104 W. Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes).
• Also on Saturday, join the Frazee Area Community Club from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Frazee Event Center for "Spuds & Suds," featuring a free will potato bar with all the fixings, to help raise money for replacing the Frazee welcome sign on Highway 10. There will also be music entertainment by acoustic guitar player Mike Morse, raffle box items and a cash bar available.
• The Halloween Hoot returns to Detroit Lakes' Washington Square Mall this Saturday, Oct. 27, with free activities and costume party fun for the kids from noon to 2 p.m. Call 218-847-1679 for details.
• Richwood Winery's end-of-season Customer Appreciation Party will get underway at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, featuring live music from GC & the Kruse. For more information please call 218-844-5990.
