Stephen Rothman stages the production, which Hall (Billy Elliot, The Pitman Painters) adapted from Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel. Taking inspiration from the commedia dell'arte form, Pinocchio will officially open Feb. 25 and run through March 26.

The cast of deaf and hearing actors includes Amber Zion (My Sister in This House) as Pinocchio, with James Royce Edwards (Pippin, Hairspray, Mamma Mia), Lindsay W. Evans (My Sister in This House), Matthew Henerson (Romeo and Juliet), Tommy Korn, Lexi Marman (Hamill), Colin O'Brien-Lux, Darrin Revitz (My Sister in This House) and Vae (Big River).

Pinocchio has set design by Evan Bartoletti, lighting design by James Moody, costume design by Ann Closs-Farley, sound design and original music by Joe Cerqua, wig, hair and make-up design by Carol Doran and properties design by Alexandra Dunn.

“Pinocchio’s story is hilarious and comical, full of old-fashioned slapstick and true theatrical magic," Rothman said in a statement. "But we’ll also be sneaking some serious thematic material into the fun. Right around the time Pinocchio was written, something called the Milan Conference took place in Italy, which promoted the idea that sign language was not acceptable and that people who were deaf should learn to read lips. Similar forums wanted to prevent deaf people from marrying one another so that deafness would not be passed down to future generations. Using improvisation, we’re working some of these concepts into our story."

For tickets phone (818) 762-2773 (voice) or (866) 954-2986 (video phone), or visit DeafWest. The Deaf West Theatre is located at 5112 Lankershim Boulevard in
North Hollywood, CA.