High and Main Productions of Vankleek Hill premiered Pinocchio on Friday, June 12 with wonderful reviews from audiences and excitement among the cast and crew.

The play was written by Konstantine Malakos with original music and lyrics by Ben Tremblay. It is based on the novella by Carlo Collodi. For both Malakos and Tremblay, Pinocchio is the first original production they have each written.

Malakos has been involved with theatre since he was eight years old and went to theatre school in New York. He helped organize High and Main Productions in 2025. As the writer and Director of Pinnochio, he is immensely proud of what the organization and cast has achieved.

“This is a production we’re taking to another level in many ways,” Malakos said.

Tremblay expressed satisfaction in seeing his work come to the stage.

Social media was full of positive comments about the June 12, 13, and 14 presentations on stage at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI).

“We just saw Pinocchio and it was awesome,” said one audience member.

“Great dancing, great story, great costumes,” commented another.

“So much fun to watch,” yet another individual added.

“The puppets’ faces were mesmerizing, and the huge sea monster was pure creative genius,” remarked one person who had watched the show.

The actors and production team were excited about the premiere of Pinocchio, after rehearsing for months.

“I think it will be good. The set looks really good,” said Maddie Janacek who plays a sea spirit, Matchstick, and is a puppeteer in the production.

“I’m really excited. Nothing’s perfect, but I think it will turn out really good because of all the time the actors, backstage, and crew put into it,” said Charlie Kazak, who plays Lucignolo and a sea spirit, along with assisting as a puppeteer.

“I’m only nervous when I’m backstage!” he added.

It is Pinocchio’s Stage Manager Andrea Barbusci’s first involvement in theatre.

“We’re ready to make Pinocchio come alive!” she said.

Reg Harden has long been known for his involvement with music in Vankleek Hill. With Pinocchio, he has turned to acting, portraying Gepetto.

“It’s been a fabulous experience,” said Harden.

Joan Gottman plays the production’s namesake, Pinocchio.

“We’re as ready as we’re going to be!” said the theatre and circus veteran.

One of the standout characteristics of the Pinocchio story is that whenever he tells a lie, his nose becomes longer. High and Main Productions had a special nose constructed for Gottman to wear which indeed does extend in length whenever Pinocchio is not truthful.

For Lexie Wood, who plays Candlewick, a sea spirit, and a puppeteer, Pinocchio is her first theatre experience in Vankleek Hill.

“We’re very excited for it all to come to life,” she said.

High and Main Productions is a sort of rebirth for local theatre. Rae-Anne St-Pierre, who portrays Lucia in Pinocchio was previously in productions staged by the former Prescott Players. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with the cast and crew at High and Main.

“They’re super friendly, all encouraging each other,” St-Pierre said.

The Fox and Technical Director in Pinocchio is Taras Stasiuk.

“I’m excited to put this in front of an audience,” he said.

Kelsey Scotcher, the Cat and Choreographer has loved being part of the production.

“I really love the script, and it’s just been such an amazing time with everybody,” she commented.

The bonds of friendship developed among the cast of Pinocchio were also evident in comments made by Cynthia Martin, who plays Joanne Cricket.

“I’m loving this cast. We all get along so well,” she said.

Further performances of Pinocchio by High and Main Productions will take place at VCI on Friday, June 19, Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21. Tickets are available online at https://highandmainproductions.com, or in person, weekdays between 9:30 am and 3 pm, at The Review office at 76 Main Street East in Vankleek Hill.

Photos: Jan Amell