We are delighted to launch Pinocchio Pop, the newest creation by Simona Rodano (The Italian Fairy), from the Italian Cultural Institute of New York. Children of all ages and their families are invited to this special showcase—an opportunity to meet the artists and discover a fresh, contemporary take on Collodi’s masterpiece, in the year of the 200th anniversary of Carlo Collodi’s birth. The Institute is proud to support this project in recognition of Simona Rodano’s long-standing commitment to teaching Italian through the arts.
Inspired by an Off-Broadway spirit, Pinocchio Pop features an award-winning cast including Simona Rodano, Pasqualino Beltempo, Arianna Stendardo, Giuseppe Agostaro, Giorgia Picano, Jasmin Cicchino, Emanuele Fiore, and Giovanni Soave, with production management supervised by Luigi Rosa. Visual and stage design includes Ryve Obien (3D mapping), Christian Tourdot (stage design & animation), makeup by Angie Valentino, costumes by TDF Costumes (NY), and props by Johna Mancini (known for work with Federico Fellini’s And the Ship Sails On).
The first full premiere will take place on March 18, 2026, at the Williamson Theatre (College of Staten Island), followed by a tour across the NYC Tri-State area, including The Rosen Theatre (NJ), The Welte Auditorium (CT), Queens Theatre in the Park (NY), and The Bayway Arts Center (NY).
The tour is expected to reach over 4,000 students, offering a bilingual, experiential learning experience through music and theatre. The production also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the legendary Italian band Pooh, whose songs—created by historic members and collaborators including Valerio Negrini, Roby Facchinetti, Dodi Battaglia, Red Canzian, and Stefano D’Orazio—bring a distinctive Italian sound enriched by a New York energy.
Supported by the Italian Cultural Institute in New York (Director Claudio Pagliara) and partners including the Education Office of the Italian Consulate in New York (Director Daniele Castellani), ITALEA Piemonte, UNICO National, Morris Borea, Esq., and the Global EduLanguage Foundation, Pinocchio Pop is directed by Simona Rodano and Andrew Rasmussen (Cardinal Theatricals). The script is by Simona Rodano and Sebina Montagno, with multilingual adaptations by Pasqualino Beltempo.
Simona Rodano Bio
Simona Rodano is an internationally recognized producer, educator, and singer, Founder of Incanto Productions and President of the Global EduLanguage Foundation.
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