A musical adaptation of Carol Collodi’s classic Pinocchio is the next performance due at Hutton’s Hamlet in Oakdale.

When teenager Carl wants to run away from home, he applies for a job with the mysterious Professor Pinecone and his traveling marionette puppet show. He quickly discovers that the position comes with all kinds of strings attached. Once he feels the magical jolt in the professor’s handshake, he embarks on the audition of his life.

In this play-within-a-play, Carl becomes Pinocchio and improvises his way through the story, meeting some memorable characters – including a cricket with an attitude (“I’m Gonna Bug Ya”), the devious fox and cat (“Easy Money”), and the memorable Blues Fairy (“Blues Fairy Mama”) – as well as some new ones.

With the help of this cast, Carl stumbles upon life’s lessons and he’s forced to make important decisions. After a string of poor choices, which make his nose grow and lead him to make a donkey of himself, he finally does something good by saving Geppetto from the mouth of a giant shark.

Showtimes are Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 24 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for those 12 and under.

Hutton’s Hamlet Performing Arts Center is at 132 West G Street, Oakdale. Call 209-848-1216 for more information.