Children’s Theatre Company
Pinocchio
Adapted and Directed by Greg Banks
September 8-October 18, 2026
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is thrilled to announce the complete cast and creative team for the first production of the 2026-2027 Season, Pinocchio, based on Carlo Collodi’s timeless classic. Adapted and directed by Greg Banks, Pinocchio will run from September 8-October 18, 2026, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. Opening night is Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7pm.
“Pinocchio has endured for generations because it asks one of childhood’s biggest questions: What does it mean to become a good person?” said Rick Dildine, Artistic Director. “Greg Banks’ inventive adaptation is filled with humor, music, and theatrical magic, but beneath the adventure is a story about empathy, accountability, and finding the courage to make better choices. It reminds us that imagination isn’t an escape from growing up—it is one of the ways we learn how. That’s what makes Pinocchio the perfect way to begin a season celebrating the imagination, resilience, and possibility that live inside every young person.”
“I am thrilled to find myself back at the Children’s Theatre, and even more thrilled to be remounting our production of Pinocchio, a fabulously fast-moving show full of fun,” said playwright and director Greg Banks. “I am lucky enough to be getting the chance to work once more with some of our favorite actors from the theatre, as well as a couple of fresh new faces, and, of course, the wonderful composer/musician Victor Zupanc. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I am looking forward to directing it!”
Using only the tools of their trade—paint brushes, scaffolding, wallpaper rolls—five theatre painters inventively stage a spontaneous retelling of Pinocchio’s quest to become a “real boy.” Get real answers to burning questions, like: How do he and Gepetto end up inside a whale? Will the good fairy actually fly? And what’s up with Pinocchio’s nose anyway? Discover the truth, amidst a few lies, in this music-filled play where Pinocchio learns empathy and accountability, things that truly bring a person to life.
CTC’s production of Pinocchio is recommended for ages 5-10. Tickets may be purchased at childrenstheatre.org/Pinocchio or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $25.
The cast of Pinocchio features Antonisia (Nisi) Collins (member, CTC Core Company) as Pinocchio, Reed Sigmund* (member, CTC Core Company) as Geppetto/Honest John, Autumn Ness* (member, CTC Core Company) as Policeman/Cat/Lampwick, Dean Holt* (member, CTC Core Company) and Chauncy Thomas* (member, CTC Core Company) sharing the role as Cricket/Showman/Fairy/Coachman/Old Man, and Victor Zupanc‡ as Musician.
The understudies for Pinocchio are Anya Naylor (member, CTC Acting Cohort) and Jeffrey Nolan (member, CTC Acting Cohort).
In addition to Greg Banks, the creative team and production staff for CTC’s production of Pinocchio includes Joseph Stanley (scenic designer), Mary Anna Culligan (costume designer), Rebecca Fuller Jensen (original lighting designer), Karin Olson (lighting designer), Victor Zupanc (sound designer), Reid Rejsa (associate sound designer), Stacy McIntosh* (stage manager), Taylor Engel (assistant stage manager), and Jada B. Smith (stage management fellow).
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
‡Member of the Twin Cities Musician Union, Local 30-73, AFM.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/Pinocchio or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $25.
School groups interested in attending can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.
Pinocchio is proudly sponsored by Ameriprise and Best Buy.
Pinocchio has a run time of 1 hour and 35 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission.
This production is recommended for ages 5-10. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.
Pinocchio
By Carlo Collodi
Adapted and Directed by Greg Banks
September 8-October 18, 2026
UnitedHealth Group Stage
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) activates the creative lives of children and families—strengthening imagination, connection, and belonging to help young people thrive and communities grow stronger. Participating in year-round programming, theatre attendees and arts learners represent diverse racial, cultural, socioeconomic, neurocognitive, and geographic backgrounds. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of A Year With Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
For 200,000 people annually, CTC aims to be a destination where families create lasting memories and grow together through the power of story and play. We seek to build emotional connections and position CTC as essential to family life and childhood development Every year, thousands of children experience theatre for the first time at CTC. Our innovative education programs demonstrably benefit the community, from the resilience-based Creative Play program for early learners to the pre-professional skill-building in our Theatre Arts Training. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org
TICKET GIVEAWAY
Enter to WIN Ticket Vouchers to Pinocchio at CTC. Entries will be accepted from August 20, 2026 through September 8, 2026.
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