"What roisterous revels are these!" the Dallas Times-Herald exclaimed about the Hip Pocket Theatre on the outskirts of nearby Fort Worth. The reporter, John Bloom, goes on to praise the "energetic lunacy" and "the kind of inspired comedy that would make Harelquin bend his head and weep with envy." He was referring to a Commedia dell'arte adaptation of Carlo Collodi's classic by Johnny Simons.

Commedia dell'arte versions of popular plays are the hallmark of Simons' Hip Pocket Theatre. Simons created refreshing productions, he said, because "people are bored with what's available on professional and community theatre stages." This Harlequinade version of Pinocchio is one of his theatre's most successful productions. Simons uses the original Italian commedia names, such as Arlecchino, who later became the French Harlequin. The name "Pinocchio" may be spoken with its Italian pronunciation—PEE-no-KEE-o. In true commedia fashion this wild and uninhibited play begins with a troupe of strolling players exploding into the theatre with their noisy props and crude scenery. Arlecchino plays a Cricket; Pantalone plays Geppetto; Razullo, a Fox; Beltrama, a Cat; Pulcinella, the Wicked Puppetmaster; Pedrolina, a Donkey and a Fool; Columbina, a Spirit, and Pinocchio plays himself. The commedia flavor gives the story vigor and makes it entertainment for adults as well as children without losing the charm and significant message of Collodi's famous story.

Two acts; Set, bare stage; Improvised commedia costumes and masks to represent change of character.

"We are planning to perform this play for two matinee performances each day outdoors."—Rachel Tompkins, Arts League Players, Edwardsville, Ill.

Other plays with Commedia Dell'Arte flavor: The Comedy of Errors, The Divine Commedia, Fables, Happily Ever After, Of Winners, Losers, and Games, Professor Zuccini's Traveling Tales

See also: Pinocchio by R. Eugene Jackson