WIESBADEN, Germany -- For many people the story of "Pinocchio" brings back memories. The tale of a young puppet boy awakened by a blue fairy who tells him he can become a real boy if he proves himself "brave, truthful, and unselfish" is a part of many people's childhoods.
Sixty Wiesbaden youths, with the help of the Missoula Children's Theatre, brought the Pinocchio story to life July 17.
The annual weeklong theatre workshop was supported by the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden DFMWR Child, Youth and School Services and Entertainment Branch.
Children from all grades gathered in the Wiesbaden Middle School Gymnasium to audition for a role in the production July 13.
Directors of the production Mallory Mousseau and Shawna Smith said there were three things needed to participate - a loud and clear voice, a big and expressive body and an ability to listen and follow directions. During the auditions children expressed their individual creativity doing expressive, fun and wacky things as directed by Maousseau and Smith.
Children had different reasons for participating.
"I love acting" said Kai Hohman.
"I knew it was my last year to participate in the Missoula Theatre because I would be too old next year" said Lili Stiefel.
After five days of rehearsals they presented their production to audience members. Judging from the smiles and grins plastered on the performers' faces, it was obvious they enjoyed portraying the roles of Jiminy Cricket, Blue Fairy, Pinocchio and the other characters.
"It was fun, cool to meet new people, and it reminded me how much I missed acting," said Tyler Haner.
"I feel inspired because I was always too scared to act and I got sucked into it," said Navis Merceron.
It turns out dreams do indeed come true, sometimes, especially for those involved in a Missoula Children's Theatre production.
(Anna Marie Yu is a Summer Hire employee with the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs Office)
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