EUGENE, Ore. -- (June 27, 2011) -- Mad Duckling Children's Theatre, a summer theatre company associated with the University of Oregon Department of Theatre Arts, will return to Amazon Park in Eugene with two plays, The Commedia Pinocchio and The Commedia Puss in Boots, as part of its Commedia season.

Both plays feature elements of Italian commedia dell'arte, the broad physical comedy of troupes that traveled throughout Europe during the Renaissance. Today's audiences may be most familiar with Italian commedia dell'arte through the work of the Marx Brothers, the Three Stooges and Charlie Chaplin.

The first play, The Commedia Pinocchio, tells the story of a wooden puppet who becomes a real boy. Pinocchio springs to life from a block of wood and has many adventures, including encounters with a savvy cricket, a helpful Blue Fairy and a great fish. Pinocchio runs July 5 to July 9, and July 12 to July 16, at 11 a.m. in Amazon Park. The play is directed by Tricia Rodley.

The second play, The Commedia Puss in Boots, is a tale of a young man who follows the advice of a clever cat in extraordinary footwear to achieve nobility and a fine marriage. With swordfights and tumbling, this play is a comic ride as Puss in Boots outwits many foes, including the great laundry giant. Puss in Boots runs July 26 to July 30, and Aug. 2 to Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. in Amazon Park. The play is directed by Brian Cook. Both plays are written by Lane Riosley.

On two Saturdays, July 9 and July 30, the audience is invited to bring a picnic lunch to the performance and to stay after the show for a "Lunch with the Characters." More information is available at: http://pages.uoregon.edu/madduckling/.

Tickets for the plays are $5 for ages 3 and above, and can be purchased at the door. Ticket discounts are available for groups of 10 people or more. Healthy food and beverages will be available for purchase.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Cook, Mad Duckling Children's Theatre, 541-346-4204, madduckling@uoregon.edu

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