The Bell Summer Theatre Festival returns this week to the steps of the historic Bell Homestead.

Loyal community theatre fans may recall a 2009 presentation of The Misadventures of Pinocchio written by Toronto actor and writer Paul Amato.

“We have reworked the script to about 90 minutes long,” said Peter Muir, artistic director at Brant Theatre Workshops. “It’s full of action, lots of colour, and very funny actors. Anyone ages five and up will love it.”

In the original story, Pinocchio was carved by a woodcarver named Geppetto in a Tuscan village. He is created as a wooden puppet, but he dreams of becoming a real boy.

Penned by Italian writer Carlo Collodi in 1883, the classic has been adapted into film, television, and other media.

BTW general manager and writer-in-residence Sharyl Hudson describes The Misadventures of Pinocchio as “an hilarious and whimsical version of the classic.

“As usual, Pinocchio finds himself in many hilarious and precarious situations where he must decide what makes a ‘real boy.’

Performances are July 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on July 9 and 16 – weather permitting — at the Bell Homestead, 94 Tutela Heights Road in Brantford.

Bring a lawn chair or use one on site.

Admission is by donation.

For more information visit www.branttheatre.com.

Photo: Austin Silversmith as Pinocchio. © 2023 Brian Thompson.