Pinocchio Script

1
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:
Read a book today! Fine books for sale!

Used clothing for Sale! Almost new! A bargain!
Candles! Buy candles today! My candles are the best in town! They last for hours!
(Serafina and Portia and Bernardo carry trays of their wares. Perhaps Angelina, Vittore,
and Giovanni have small pushcarts that contain their wares.
Luigi, Lorenzo and Candlewick lounge idly nearby. Master Cherry passes by, waving
and nodding to the others. Perhaps the cat and fox stroll by.)
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.)
FRANCESCA: Hello, Master Geppetto. Is that a new puppet?

MARIO:
(Points off) Look everyone!
SANTINO:
Whats going on?
SOFIA:
Its a carnival coming to town!
MARIO:
And theres a bi puppet show, too!
GUIDO:
Lets go see!
GINA:
Follow me!
FRANCESCA(As the others dash off) Wait! Wait for me!
(The children noisily exit, followed by Lorenzo, Luigi and Candlewick. As they go
they almost topple Vittore and tip over his pushcart of used clothing.)
VITTORE:
(To the children.) Be careful! Watch where youre going! Little ruffians.
Bringer/Pinocchio 1
2
SERAFINA:
(To Vittore.) Are you all right, Vittore?

(Angelina and the others help Vittore gather up his wares.)
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:
Ah Signora Portia, I see your shawl needs mending.

It does?
See? (Shows her the tear)
Can you fix it for me, Vittore?
Of course. Am I not the best tailor in town?
(Aside to th4e others.) Of course. Hes the only tailor in town.
(Laugh.)
(Ignoring them, addresses Portia.) I will even make you a very fine price.
Oh? And how fine a price is that?
Two slices of your magnificent pizza.
Two??
Well, make it three and I will load you a jacket to wear wile Ill fix your shawl.
Its a bargain.
(Crossing to Geppetto.) Geppetto? Would you like to try some of my fine fresh bread?
(Not haring, he continues to work.)
Geppetto!
(Still working) What?
Bread. Its a good batch today. Would you like some?
Oh. No, not now, Bernardo. Thank you.
(Shrugs, to the others) I tried.
Bernardo, you know Geppetto has no money to spare.
I know that. I was trying to give him some bread.
He would never take it.
Hes too proud.
Sad, but true. Poor Geppetto.
(with a sigh.) Poor Geppetto.
He sold me all of his books so he could buy paint for that puppet. (Points to Pinocchio)
He sold his books? What a shame.
Poor Geppetto.
Bringer/Pinocchio 2
3
VITTORE:
SERAFINA:
BERNARDO:
SERAFINA:
GIOVANNI:
VITTORE:
ANGELINA:
PORTIA:
BERNARDO:
GIOVANNI:
VITTORE:
Now all he has left is that shabby coat.

And his beautiful puppets and toys- that no one will buy.
I would buy them if I could. But first someone has to buy my flowers.
Well, I for one have no money for puppets or flowers.
Nor do I.
Poor Geppetto.
(To Angelina and Serafina as she gestures toward Geppetto.) he has no family, you
know.
Well, I do. And if I dont sell my brad my wife and my eight children and my twentyfive cousins will go hungry.
Its late. Look, the sun is setting.
So it is. And I have work to finish before dark.
(Bernardo, Giovanni and Vittore hurry off stage. The three women continue to watch
Geppetto as he works.)
PORTIA:
ANGELINA:
SERAFINA:
(Sighs) Poor Geppetto.

(Sighs) Hes all alone.
(Sighs) He has no one to call his own.
(They go off stage. Suddenly the children dash back on stage, shouting and laughing
excitedly.)
MARIO:
GINA:
GUIDO:
SOPHIA:
You see? I told you its a carnival!

And I want to be the first to tell everyone all about it!
I want to be the first!
Its not your turn! Its my turn!
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:
Geppetto! Geppetto! Old friend!

Master Cherry! Come and sit down, my friend. Hows the carpentry business?
Bringer/Pinocchio 3
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:
Nice? Nice??? Hes beautiful! Magnificent! Stupendous!

Its just a puppet.
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:
Ha! Ha! Ha!

(still angry) and what is so funny?
(Laughs) Come, come, Geppetto, lets not argue. Two old friends like us. Its silly.
(smiles) true enough, my friend. (Laughs) Were a pair of old fools.
Not that old.
Old enough to know better.
Perhaps. I still wish youd forget this foolish idea about your wonderful puppet.
Its not foolish!
A man of your age wandering from place to place with a puppet. You should go into a
more stable business.
(agreement)
Like yours?
Like mine. And whats wrong with that?
Right. Whats wrong with that?
I dont want to.
Bringer/Pinocchio 4
5
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
M. CHERRY:
GEPPETTO:
GEPPETTO:
(Angry again.) Then youre an old fool!

(Angry also) It takes one to know one!
Oh, it does, does it?
And Im going to finish this puppet, and it will be the most fantastic puppet the world
has ever seen.
Ill believe it when I see it!
Youll see it!
(starts to go) Ha! Let me know when youve made your fortune! (Laughs) A dancing
puppet! That will be the day!
(Shaking his fist). Youll see! Just wait! Youll see! Then youll laugh out of the other
side of your face! You old fool!
(Master Cherry exits)
Ah, I shouldnt have called him an old fool.
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
Pinocchio and the Fairy

(He exits into the back of the shop to go to bed. The lights dim. Soft music plays. The
blue fairy enters. She is a kindly woman of an indefinite age and she is, of course, very
beautiful.)
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
A Father Meets His Son

(The lights come up gradually: sunrise. It is the next day. Perhaps some of the various
townspeople appear in brief crossovers. After a moment Geppetto enters, yawning.
Pinocchio is very still and quiet on the table, just as he was when Geppetto went to
bed.)
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:
Will I grow up?

No, Pinocchio, you will always be a puppet.
Oh.
But you will be the finest puppet in the whole world. And the smartest. Ill send you to
school.
School?
(Thinking out loud) Youll need some books. Where will I find the money? (Picks up
his nearby coat) Ill have to sell my coat.
Coat? What is coat?
A coat is well, its to keep you warm.
Warm?
You see, Pinocchio, when the north wind blows, and the snow falls, and theres ice all
over the ground, you need a coat to keep you warm.
Oh. Do I have to keep warm?
No, little one. You are made of wood, so you dont need a coat to keep you warm. Now,
Pinocchio, Im going to buy your schoolbooks. You wait here, and Ill be back very
soon. (To Pinocchio who has started to follow him.) No, wait there, Pinocchio. (He
takes his coat and waves sentimentally to Pinocchio as he leaves Pinocchio alone.)
Goodbye, Pinocchio.
PINOCCHIO:
(Waves back; this is something he knows how to do!) Goodbye, Papa.
Scene 5
Coat for Sale

(While Pinocchio looks curiously about, Vittore appears on the street, Geppetto waves
to him.)
Vittore! Wait!
Good morning. Geppetto. What can I do for you today?
(Geppetto hands his coat to Vittore, who takes it, looks it over and gestures for
Geppetto to follow him. They exit.)
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:
Learn a trade? But I want to play.

Poor Pinocchio.
Why do you say that?
Youll see. Youll see. (The voice fades away)
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
Meet Fox and Cat

The cat and the fox enter. They are both somewhat tattered and hungry looking. )
Bringer/Pinocchio 10
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.
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:
Complete and utter nonsense.

Yeah.
Why should a bright young lad like yourself go to ugh-school?
My papa told me to go to school and learn a trade.
Oh, come now. Youre much too talented to waste your time in school.
I am?
Of course, my lad. Why, with a face like that
Look at that face!
With a face like that, you could be an actor. Right, Sidney?
Yeah, sure.
An actor? You really think so?
No doubt about it.
An actor! Oh, Papa will be so proud of me! Is that a trade?
Its a rough trade.
(to cat) Hush!
(to Pinocchio) Gee, thats a nice apple.
Its for my teacher.
Do you think I could have a bite?
Well, I
Let me see that apple. (takes apple) Hum. Very nice. Um (takes a bite) Yum. Delicious,
no Mackintosh. Um, yes, this is a good one.
Can I have a bite?
(Still crunching) Um. Yes. Good.
(Reaching for the apple.) But thats for my teacher.
Not any more. (tosses it off stage) Besides, you dont need it now. Youre going to be a
great actor. (Watching the apple sail off into the horizon.,) Can I have a bite?
(Totally ignoring Sidney as he speaks to Pinocchio) Theres a puppet show nearby that
would jump at the chance to have an actor such as yourself. Youll be a great success,
take my word for it. WE will make a fortune!
Now I get it.
We?
Naturally Ill have to charge a small fee for my trouble. But youll have so much
money, youll hardly miss it.
Oh, I could surprise my papa! With all that money I could buy him a lot of new coats!
Right you are, my boy. Ah, to be an actor, what a life. To tread the boards, to entertain
thousands of screaming, adoring fans. (to the audience) I love you all. (to Pinocchio)
Ive done a bit of acting myself, you know.
(to Fox) You have?
(aside to cat) Quiet, you fool. Were going to make a fortune from this little wooden
headed pipsqueak.
Were you really an actor?
Was I an actor?
Well, were you?
Just watch!
(Laughs and launches into a song/dance routine. Sidney joins in the dance while
Pinocchio watches. After the big finish Pinocchio simply follows them offstage.)
Scene 10
The Puppet Show Comes

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:
Right this way, folks. See the great puppet show.

Oh, I want to see.
Yeah, me too.
So would I. However, there is a small problem. I am temporarily without funds.
Huh?
No money, tuna breath.
Oh, yeah. (they retire to ponder their next move)
Souvenirs! Get your souvenirs right here. (to Pinocchio.) Hey, you wanna buy a
souvenir, kid?
Well, I
(Has an inspiration.) Aha! (To Pinocchio) Excuse me, my lad, do you happen to have
any money for a small load perhaps until my ship comes in.
I dont have any loans. All I have is my spelling book.
(grabs book.) Aha! Let me see!
Wait! Please dont take my spelling book.
(The cat and fox toss the book back and forth over Pinocchios head. Their voices rise
in volume.)
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.
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?
15
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
Its beginning now.

(starts to rush into the theater.) Oh, Im going to see the puppets.
Wait! You have to pay to go in there. You said you dont have any pennies.
I have to pay?
Sure. Nothings free, you know.
Oh. Do you have any pennies?
(Suspiciously) Why?
Do you think I could have some of your pennies?
(Laughs) No. Not today.
Well, then how many pennies would you give me for my jacket?
What would I do with a paper jacket?
But I want to see the puppets! (Then he holds out his book) How many pennies would
you give me for my spelling book?
(Unseen by the boys the Barker has reentered. He stands listening.)
CANDLEWICK: Spelling book? What do I want with a spelling book?
PINOCCHIO:
But its brand new!
BARKER:
You want to sell your spelling book, lad?
PINOCCHIO:
Yes, yes, I do! I want to see the puppets dance and sign. Its a brand new spelling book.
Do you want it?
BARKER:
Well, Ill tell you what Im gonna do. Ill trade you a ticket for this spelling book.
PINOCCHIO:
You will? Oh, thats wonderful. Here. Oh, thank you, Sir. Thank you! (he dashes
toward the entrance of the theater).
BARKER:
Go right in, lad. Good work, Candlewick. Why dont you go in and see the show too.
(Candlewick goes inside)
BARKER:
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 !.)
16
ACT II
Scene 1
Inside the Puppet Show

(Music. Part of the stage is now the inside of the puppet theater, which is perhaps a
small raised platform with a canopy top for the puppet performance. There might be
ribbons or streamers hanging from the top of the puppet stage to suggest marionette
strings. If this is not possible, the actors can create the illusion with pantomime.
Perhaps the act begins with the puppet actors performing a brief parade of dance,
during which the cast members who are part of the audience can take their places.
Pinocchio enters last, and takes his place in the front.
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.
17
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
ALL:
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
ALL:
COLUMBINE:
HARLEQUIN:
COLUMBINE:
PINOCCHIO:
AUDIENCE:
And what is it you wish from me?

I wish to have that rose you carry in your hand.
(assuming dramatic poses.) Ah!
But why?
So that I may remember you always.
(assuming more dramatic poses.) Ah!
Oh!
Will you let me have the rose, oh Columbine?
Oh, my Foolish Harlequin
(carried away.) Oh! Please! Let him have the rose!
(to Pinocchio) Shhhhhhhhhhh!
(The puppets al break out of character and look at each other, puzzled.)
COLUMBINE: (Looks out into audience.) What was that?

HARLEQUIN: I dont know.
PIETRA:
Where were we?
PIETRO:
(prompting) oh, my foolish Harlequin
JULIETTAL
(To Petro.,) Are you sure?
ROMANO:
Woe is me is the last thing I remember.
MIRANDOLINA: Oh, you never know your lines!
PANTALONE:
(always an optimist.) Lets start with cheerfully cheerful!
HARLEQUIN:
Quiet, everyone. Its Columbines line. Lets continue.
COLOMBINE: (going on) Oh, my foolish Harlequin, I
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, please! Give him the rose!
AUDIENCE:
(to Pinocchio) Shhhhhhhh!
COLUMBINE
(Angrily looking again) Who is speaking?
ALL:
(reacting variously with confusion and annoyance.,) This is too much. Who is that? Is it
my line? I cant work like this! Wheres the stage manager? Whats going on? Whats
happening?
HARLEQUIN: (Looking into the audience.) Aha!
COLUMBINE AND ALL: Where? Where?
HARLEQUIN: (points) THERE he is!
COLUMBINE:
(who is finally looking in the right direction) Pinocchio! It is indeed Pinocchio.
ALL PUPPETS: (who now see him too.) Pinocchio!
PINOCCHIO:
(to audience proudly.) They know me.
HARLEQUIN:
It is Pinocchio!
COLUMBINE:
It is our brother Pinocchio.
ALL PUPPETS: Brother Pinocchio!
PINOCCHIO:
(to audience) They call me brother!
HARLEQUIN:
Pinocchio, come up here to me. Throw yourself into the arms of your wooden
brothers.
COLUMBINE:
And sisters!
PINOCCHIO:
Yes! Yes, I will! (He climbs onto the stage.)
HARLEQUIN:
(Embracing him stiffly.) Brother Pinocchio!
COLUMBINE:
(curtsies.) Brother Pinocchio.
ALL PUPPETS: Brother Pinocchio!
(All of the puppets gather around Pinocchio, greeting him and completely forgetting
about the performance.)
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!
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:
(feels his nose) My nose?

(who is feeling faint) Oh! Whats happening?
Why is it growing longer?
Oh, no! (to himself) Thats what she meant. A magical nose. Oh, what have I done? (he
puts his head in his hands, and while his head is down, unseen by the audience, he can
make sure his nose goes back to its normal size)
FIRE-EATER:
(loudly) Stop mumbling!
PINOCCHIO:
(raising his head) Sir, I was wrong. Im not a good puppet, and I didnt obey my papa.
Oh, poor papa! And Im sorry I came here, and I wish
FIRE-EATER:
Enough! I have decided upon your fate, puppet. You will provide the firewood to cook
a roast for my supper. You will burn, puppet, burn. You will burn from your little paper
hat to your little wooden shoes!
COLUMBINE: Oh, no, please!
HARLEQUIN: No! Not that!
FIRE-EATER:
Quiet, you two! Or you will join your friend in the firs.
COLUMBINE AND HARLEQUIN: Oh.
FIRE-EATER:
What a wonderful blaze youll make, puppet, and what a beautiful fire!
PINOCCHIO:
Oh no! Please, Sir. Dont throw me into the fire! Pap! Help! Pap, help me! No, Sir.
Please ! Papa! Save me! Oh, Sir. Please!
COLUMBINE: Oh, please
HARELQUIN: Oh, please
FIRE-EATER:
Come along puppet. I am hungry for my supper.
COLUM BINE: (to the world at large) Oh, save him!
HARLEQUIN: Poor Pinocchio! (they weep on each others shoulders.)
PINOCCHIO:
Please, Sir, no! Dont do this! Help!
FIRE-EATER;
Silence! (his nose begins to itch, until - ) Ah-choos!
COLUMBINE: (aside to Pinocchio) Take heart, dear brother. The Fire-Eater has sneezed. That means
he pities you. Youre saved!
HARLEQUIN: (aside to Pinocchio.) Keep crying, just a moment longer, little brother, and youll be
saved.
PINOCCHIO:
(with a loud sob) Oh, Sir, please, Sir, dont burn me! Please! Oh, Im so Sorry!
FIRE-EATER:
Ah-choo? Silence Ah-choo! Have done with your tears! Ah-choo! All of you! Stop this
weeping! (they all suddenly stop crying) ah! All this crying and moaning as given me a
pain in my stomach. Ah-choo!
PINOCCHIO:
Bless you.
FIRE-EATER:
Thank you. AH CHOO! (wipes his eyes on his cape) I cant stand it when puppets cry.
Ah-CHOO! Tell me, puppet, what brings you here? Have you no home, no family, no
little wooden friends?
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:
Hey! How was the show?

Oh, hello. I liked the puppets very much, but no Im going home.
Why? Youll just have to go to school.
I know. I dont mind. Look. See what the Fire-Eater gave me? (shows Candlewick the
gold pieces.)
CANDLEWICK: Gold! Say, listen, how would you like to have lots and lots of gold? A hundred times
that much?
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)
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:
Robbers! Oh, I cant run! My legs wont move!

(In a semi-disguised voice.) Ho, there!
(Shaking and trembling) Ohhhhhhhhhh!
Your money or your life!
(In a normal voice) Yeah.
(to cat) Careful, chicken bone!
(In a disguised voice) Yeah!
P-p-p-p-please, Mr. Robber, Sir, I-I-I, that is please dont hurt me. Im only a poor
puppet.
Come now! Stop wasting time! Out with the money!
B-bbb-b but I dont have any money!
Give us the money, or you will die!
Yeah!
And after we have killed you, we will kill your father!
Yeah!
Oh, no, no! Not my papa!
Then give us your money!
Yeah, the money!
No! I wont! (he dodges them and starts to run away)
After him!
(hopelessly tangled in the disguise cape) Im trying!
Come on, tuna breathe! After that puppet! There he goes! Come here, puppet!
No! Ill run and run and run, and youll never catch me!
Thats what you think, wooden-head!
Yeah, wooden-head.
After him!
(A chase ensues, which can be either long or short, depending upon space or effects
involved. The chase ends when the fox and the cat and Pinocchio are all too tired to run
any more.)
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
Oh, no! Here they come! I cant run any more.

Now you are at our mercy, puppet.
Help! Help!
Silence! Now, where was I!
(prompting) Your money or
I know! Your money or your life!
(still trying to resist as fox grabs for the gold.) But its all the money I have.
Too bad. (grabs the gold, and says to cat.) Let us begone.
23
CAT:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
FOX:
PINOCCHIO:
FOX:
CAT:
Yeah, Lets get outta here.

(as they go) Oh, please. Dont take my money. Its for my papa. Please.
Tie him up, so he cant follow us.
Yeah. Sure. (ties a piece of string around Pinocchios wrists.)
Goodbye puppet. (laughs)
Help! Help!
(to cat) Come on.
(to fox) Can we eat now? Im hungry.
Scene 4
Tied up in Strings ~ Nose Grows

(They go, poor Pinocchio, exhauster, is left behind)
Oh, Papa! Papa! If only you were here!
Pinocchio?
Cricket?
Pinocchio, why didnt you listen to me?
Oh, Cricket, you were right.
Puppet; you will make your poor father die of a broken heart.
Dont say that, Cricket, please (tearful) Ill try to do better. I love my papa and I want
to go home. But Im afraid, and my hands are all tied up. Oh, Cricket, what can I do?
(no reply) Cricket? Cricket? Where are you? Hes gone. Oh, Papa, Ill never see you
again.(He cries.)
(Lighting effects, beautiful music plays, and the blue fairy appears. She glides
gracefully over to Pinocchio.)
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?
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:
Pinocchio? (sighs) Too late. Hes gone. Cricket?

Here I am.
Take care of him
Ill try.
Scene 5
Finding Out About the Promise Land

(She goes off. As lights return to normal Pinocchios excited voice is heard from one
area of the stage, and Candlewicks is heard from another. A group of other children
accompany Candlewick: their excited voices can also be heard. Pinocchio re-enters, on
his way home. At the same time candlewick and his companions also enter. Pinocchio
is happy to be going home, and candlewick seems to be very happy. Also, since hes
skipping and jumping along, he and his companions do not see Pinocchio, nor does
Pinocchio notice them.)
CANDLEWICK: (chanting off ) No more school! No more books!

CHILDREN:
(off) No more school! No more books!
PINOCCHIO:
Im going home! Home!
(Candlewick and the other children Gina, Sofia, Francesca, Mario, Guido and
Santino now enter.)
CANDLEWICK: No more school!
CHILDREN:
No more school!
CANDLEWICK: No more books!
CHILDREN:
No more books!
PINOCCHIO:
Im going home!
(predictably, Candlewick and Pinocchio bump into each other, and both fall down. The
other children laugh)
CANDLEWICK: You!
PINOCCHIO:
and you!
25
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
Its the puppet!

Its the boy from the puppet show!
(rising) Candlewicks the name.
(rising) Im Pinocchio.
Where were you going in such a hurry?
Home to my papa. Im going to be good from now on, and go to school.
(laughs) Well, much good may it do you! Were going to a much better place far, far
away.
PINOCCHIO:
Where?
CANDLEWICK: The most wonderful place in the world
PINOCCHIO:
Where? Where?
CANDLEWICK: Its called Treasure Island. Do you want to go?
PINOCCHIO:
(tempted) Me? Oh, no! I promised to be good>
CANDLEWICK: Listen, Pinocchio, you dont know what youre saying. In this country there are no
schools, no teachers, and no books.
CHILDREN:
(enthusiastic approval)
CANDLEWICK: Nothing but games and holidays all year long.
CHILDREN:
(even more enthusiastic approval)
CANDLEWICK: Cake and candy and
MARIO:
Pizza and
GINA:
Ice Cream and
GUIDO:
Hot dogs and
SOFIA:
Spaghetti and
CANDLEWICK: - everything boys and girls like to eat.
PINOCCHIO:
Are you going all by yourselves?
CHILDREN:
(laugh)
CANDLEWICK: There are more than a hundred boys and girls!
PINOCCHIO:
A hundred!
CHILDREN:
Right!
CANDLEWICK: And were going in a coach
CHILDREN:
(excitedly to each other) A big coach! I can hardly wait! Me, too! Do you see it
coming?
PINOCCHIO:
A coach!
CANDLEWICK: - drawn by a hundred donkeys!
PINOCCHIO:
Oh!
CANDLEWICK: Stay a little longer, and you can see us off.
PINOCCHIO:
I should go home
CHILDREN:
(Laugh at Pinocchio)
CANDLEWICK: Do what you like. Its nothing to us. (they start to leave, obviously eager to go)
PINOCCHIO:
Wait!
CANDLEWICK: What is it? The coach will be here soon.
PINOCCHIO:
No schools?
CANDLEWICK: None.
PINOCCHIO:
Or books?
CANDLEWICK AND MARIO:No!
PINOCCHIO:
Or teachers?
CANDLEWICK AND THE BOYS: No!
PINOCCHIO:
And you do nothing all day long?
CANDLEWICK AND ALL THE CHILDREN: Thats right!!
PINOCCHIO:
Oh, that sounds wonderful! Id love to go there.
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:
Oh, I want to go.

Youll be sorry, Pinocchio.
I wont stay long, Cricket. Just a little while. Then Ill come home, and go to school,
and be a good puppet.
Youll be sorry.
I dont care. Im going.
(reappearing on stage) All aboard! Leaving for Treasure Island! Cake and candy and
games for everyone! Come along, boys and girls!
(He exits, followed by Lorenzo and Luigi. Francesca and Santino remain behind.)
PINOCCHIO:
Goodbye, Cricket. Im gong! Goodbye! Goodbye!

(Pinocchio eagerly runs offstage to join the others.)
CRICKET:
Wait for me, Pinocchio! Wait for me!

As dramatic music plays and the lights darken Geppetto enters, still looking for
Pinocchio. Francesca and Santino try to show him which way Pinocchio went, but
Geppetto is too upset to listen to them.)
GEPPETTO:
Pinocchio? Pinocchio? Where are you? Pinocchio? Has anyone seen Pinocchio?
Pinocchio?
27
Scene 6
Exploring the Land
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
GINA:
SOFIA:
MARIO:
GUIDO:
Come on, Candlewick!

This way, Pinocchio!
Youre it, Mario!
Cant catch me!
Oh, yes, I can!
Come on, everybody! Lets play!
(All the children enter, running and laughing. After a lively game they slow down for a
brief rest from play)
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:
Theyll never find us here. We know the best places to hide.

(agreement)
(sits) Whew! Im tired.
(sits) Me, too.
(who has a large lollipop in his hand) Want some candy?
No, I dont think so. I feel a little sick. I ate too much candy yesterday.
Suit yourself. Nothing makes me sick.
(admiringly agree; no one can eat as much as Candlewick can!)
Sure you dont want any of this? Its good.
Candlewick, how long have we been here?
Who know? A month, a year, who can tell?
Ever day is just like every other day.
So?
SO??
I jut wondered.
You dont want to go home, and go to school, do you?
DO you?
No, no,
Thats good.
But I do miss my papa.
Oh, poor Pinocchio. (mocks him) You miss your papa.
(mocking) Awwwwwww.
(a little tearful) Well, I do.
Crybaby.
(mocking) Boo-hoo-hoo!
Crybaby!
I am not!
You are too!
Am not!
Are too! You want to fight?
(gather around, eager for the fight)
No, Candlewick. Youre right. Who wants to go to school?
Not me!
(in total agreement with this)
Look whos coming.
(The coachman enters accompanied by Lorenzo and Luigi. They each carry a large
basket of candy.)
28
COACHMAN:
PINOCCHIO:
CANDLEWICK:
CHILDREN:
COACHMAN:
Well, hello everyone. How are you?

Fine, Sire.
Great. Just great.
(agree enthusiastically)
Good, good. Just keep on amusing yourselves. Have some more candy, play games be
happy!
CANDLEWICK: Oh, we are!
COACHMAN: Gad to hear you say that, Candlewick. Listen, children, the rest of the boys and girls are
over on the next street having a big party.
CANDLEWICK: A party?
CHILDREN:
(enthused) Party!!! Party time! Time to party!
CANDLEWICK: Lets go! (starts off )
COACHMAN: (To Pinocchio) And thers ice cream and cake.
PINOCCHIO:
Ice cream? Wait for me, Candlewick!
(They dash off with happy shouts.)
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:
How can I help?

I feel so strange. I feel very warm and dizzy, too.
Pinocchio, I have some bad news for you.
What is it?
You have a very bad fever.
A fever? What kids of fever?
Its called Donkey Fever.
Donkey Fever? I dont understand.
Boys and girls who are lazy, and who do not go to school, or obey their fathers, and
who think only of themselves sooner or later end up as donkeys.
Oh, no!
In a short time you will no longer be a puppet or a boy, but a little donkey!
But its not my fault, its all Candlewicks fault!
Then why did you listen to him?
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
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!
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!
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!
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:
(A swell of dramatic music, accompanied by appropriately dim lighting, sound effects,

flashes, flickers and shadows which all help to create the illusion of the depths of the
ocean As Pinocchio appears trying to swim through the water, many, if not all, the
other characters he has met also appear floating or swimming around hi as he
struggles in the current. Possibly at one end of the stage Geppetto sits: he is inside
the whale, while Pinocchio and the others are in the ocean
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
CRICKET:
PINOCCHIO:
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.
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:
Good Papa. Listen

The whales starting to cough.
A little more smoke, Papa.
(Sound effects and louder music indicate the whales growing annoyance with the
smoke.)
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)
VOICE OF PINOCCHIO: Papa?

VOICE OF GEPPETTO: Pinocchio, where are you?
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.)
35
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
(after a moment stirs, awakens) Papa?

Pinocchio?
(Rises slowly aided by Geppetto) Papa, I had the most wonderful dram. I dreamed 0 I
dreamed that I became a real boy. (touches his face.) And look. Papa, its true! Im real!
Im a real boy!
(overjoyed) Oh, Pinocchio, this is the happiest day of my life!
(they hug each other)
PINOCCHIO:
GEPPETTO:
Oh, Papa, me, too! Look at me! Im a real boy!

I see, my son, I see
(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:
See, Mr. Coachman? Im not a donkey any more.

Well, done, lad. Of course, now youll have to go to school.
Oh, I dont mind, Mr. Coachman. (looking at Geppetto.) I dont mind at all.
(holding out his hand) Come, Pinocchio, its time for us to go home.
Oh, yes, Papa!
And this time Im going to take you to school myself. I dont want to lose you ever
again.
Oh, yes, Papa!
(Pinocchio steps forward alone and addresses the audience and the other characters on
stage)
PINOCCHIO:
Look everyone. Im finally a real live boy.

(The audience cheers. The actors gather slowly around Pinocchio to congratulate him.
Music plays. The fairy waves her wand and it is
THE END
36

Pinocchio Script

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1

Read a book today! Fine books for sale!

FRANCESCA: Hello, Master Geppetto. Is that a new puppet?

(To Vittore.) Are you all right, Vittore?

Ah Signora Portia, I see your shawl needs mending.

Now all he has left is that shabby coat.

(Sighs) Poor Geppetto.

You see? I told you its a carnival!

Geppetto! Geppetto! Old friend!

Nice? Nice??? Hes beautiful! Magnificent! Stupendous!

Ha! Ha! Ha!

(Angry again.) Then youre an old fool!

Pinocchio and the Fairy

A Father Meets His Son

Will I grow up?

(Waves back; this is something he knows how to do!) Goodbye, Papa.

Coat for Sale

Learn a trade? But I want to play.

Meet Fox and Cat

Complete and utter nonsense.

The Puppet Show Comes

Right this way, folks. See the great puppet show.

Its beginning now.

Inside the Puppet Show

And what is it you wish from me?

COLUMBINE: (Looks out into audience.) What was that?

(feels his nose) My nose?

Hey! How was the show?

Robbers! Oh, I cant run! My legs wont move!

Oh, no! Here they come! I cant run any more.

Yeah, Lets get outta here.

Tied up in Strings ~ Nose Grows

Pinocchio? (sighs) Too late. Hes gone. Cricket?

Finding Out About the Promise Land

CANDLEWICK: (chanting off ) No more school! No more books!

Its the puppet!

Oh, I want to go.

Goodbye, Cricket. Im gong! Goodbye! Goodbye!

Wait for me, Pinocchio! Wait for me!

Exploring the Land

Come on, Candlewick!

Theyll never find us here. We know the best places to hide.

Well, hello everyone. How are you?

How can I help?

(A swell of dramatic music, accompanied by appropriately dim lighting, sound effects,

Good Papa. Listen

VOICE OF PINOCCHIO: Papa?

(after a moment stirs, awakens) Papa?

Oh, Papa, me, too! Look at me! Im a real boy!

See, Mr. Coachman? Im not a donkey any more.

Look everyone. Im finally a real live boy.

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