"Geppetto and Son" has been revised since its debut production last year in Kansas City. This production at the Barn marks its world premiere in its new form. The show is adapted from a "Wonderful World of Disney" telemusical produced in 2000 with music by Stephen Schwartz.

    Writer David Stern creates a clever take on the Pinocchio story with this script. The story looks in on toy-maker Geppetto (Roy Brown) after his puppet Pinocchio (Ryan Stutz) has been animated by the Blue Fairy (Courtney Reed). Geppetto wants the Fairy to take back the puppet, who he claims is defective because it won't follow instructions, show respect, or behave like a "proper" child.

    A series of flashbacks tell the story of Pinocchio adapted by Disney in its 1940 film that made famous the company's signature song: "When You Wish Upon A Star." As in that story, Pinocchio runs away from home after overhearing Geppetto tell the Fairy that he doesn't want the boy. First, Pinocchio is a prisoner of the greedy puppeteer Stromboli (Eric Peterson) and later the puppet boy finds his way to "Pleasure Island," where he is assailed by the cruel Ringleader (Eric Parker) and turned into a donkey.

    Eventually, Geppetto learns how to be a loving father who wants his child, and Pinocchio learns that there's no place like home. One of the best aspects of this version of the puppet story is the often snarky interactions between the Fairy and Geppetto. Roy Brown is the perfect straight man and turns in a rock-solid performance as the toymaker father. Courtney Reed has many magical moments as the Blue Fairy. Her sweet voice is perfectly suited to "When You Wish Upon A Star" and her sarcastic, scathing dialogues with Geppetto are funny and endearing. However, there seems to be something missing in Reed's performance. Whether because of directorial choice or acting interpretation, the role's potential seems unfulfilled in that Reed does not own the character fully. Likewise, Ryan Stutz possesses a sterling-clear singing voice and manages a wide-eyed and wonderful version of Pinocchio, but he seems to miss chances to further detail the role.

    Whatever chances are missed with some of the leads are more than compensated for by the fantastic work of the character actors. Eric Peterson is probably the best thing about this show in the role of Stromboli and clearly earned the loudest ovation during the curtain call. Scott Burkell and Justin LeClaire are hilarious as children-creating mad scientists. Eric Parker could have been sleazier but riffs powerfully as the Ringleader, and Jeff Baker has some scene-stealing moments as Stromboli's dummy.

    This company is not at fault for the greatest weakness of "Geppetto and Son," which is the music. Stephen Schwartz composed the music for the Disney films "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and "Prince of Egypt" as well as for some of the best modern theatrical musicals: "Pippin," "Godspell," and "Wicked." However, with "Geppetto and Son," he has not done his best work. The additions of songs from the original film  – "When You Wish Upon A Star" and "I've Got No Strings" – are recognizable and loved by the audience, but in style, they stick out in glaring contrast to Schwartz's compositions. And his songs are mediocre at best. "Toys," "Pleasure Island," "Geppetto and Son," and "Satisfaction Guaranteed" are as wooden as the puppets featured on stage. Schwartz redeems himself with other marginally better songs, such as "Empty Heart," "Bravo Stromboli," "Just Because It's Magic," and "Since I Gave My Heart Away"; however, if not for the excellent cast to administer CPR to these tired tunes, the show would have been dragged down by the mediocre music.

    "Geppetto and Son succeeds despite its shortcomings. In part, this is due to creative direction by Brendan Ragotzy and clever choreography by Larry Nye that keep the show moving at a brisk pace, never giving the audience time to dwell on the inadequacies of the music or script. The show clocks in at under two hours, a perfect length for children.

    Happily loaded up with flashing tiaras and other goodies while captivated by the magical cast and production values by talented technical designers and managers, "Geppetto and Son" won roaring applause and cheers at its conclusion. Though the musical may never rank with Disney's greatest stage shows, it's a fun and thoroughly entertaining night or day matinee of theater for the whole family. A family-friendly, toy-themed musical cabaret follows the mainstage show and was attended and enjoyed by many children on opening night. If you have not yet seen a show at the Barn Theater this season, "Geppetto and Son" is a worthy choice as a first toy for children of all ages.