An engaging, accessible show for families of all ages and stages.
Family-Friendly Performances performed by Kansas City Ballet Second Company Dancers
When a wooden puppet learns to be real.
Part of Kansas City Ballet’s Family Series, Bruce Wells’ Pinocchio is an hour-long, narrated ballet that brings the beloved story to life through captivating dance, colorful characters, and imaginative storytelling. Follow the wooden puppet’s extraordinary journey as he dreams of becoming a real boy, encountering mischievous adventures, unexpected dangers, and life-changing lessons along the way. Filled with humor, heart, and dazzling choreography, this enchanting, family-friendly production celebrates honesty, courage, and the power of love—perfect for young audiences and first-time ballet goers.
Inspired by “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi.
Run time is 55 minutes with no intermission.
Choreography
Bruce Wells
Music
Nicola Piovani and Amilcare Ponchielli
Costume Design
Pacific Northwest Ballet Costume Shop
Scenic Design
Edith Whitsett
Supporting Sponsors
Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund
Season Sponsors
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation
Missouri Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts
The Story Of Pinocchio
The Story Of Pinocchio
The ballet opens with a grown-up Pinocchio revisiting his past as small puppets ask to hear his story, and a mirror reveals his former puppet self stepping into the present alongside beloved figures like Geppetto, the Talking Cricket, the Fox and Cat, and the Blue Fairy. The story then shifts back to Geppetto’s workshop, where he creates Pinocchio and sends him to school, only for the curious puppet to sell his spelling book to attend a puppet show instead. After earning gold coins for dancing, Pinocchio is tricked out of his money by the Fox and Cat and comforted by the Blue Fairy, who urges him to find his father, lost at sea while searching for him. Diving into the ocean, Pinocchio encounters Neptune and ultimately rescues Geppetto from a whale. Moved by his bravery and love, the Blue Fairy rewards Pinocchio by transforming him into a real boy, and he joyfully reflects on how far he has come from his foolish beginnings.

















