“Pinocchio” will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 in the McComas MainStage theatre.

According to Tim Matheny, the play’s director, “The True Adventures of Pinocchio” is set in 1943 Italy at the height of the war. A small group of actors are trying to make their way across the border. They end up in an old puppet theatre and meet an eccentric old man.

“‘The True Adventures of Pinocchio’ is a classic tale of learning right from wrong and the importance of helping others,” Matheny said.

Matheny said  Pinocchio’s story comes alive as the old man tells it. In the words of the old man, “the story is not only true but real.”

Matheny said the play will run about one hour and be performed in an older style. Live sound effects and theatrical scenic conventions will be used throughout the play.

“Many of these devices such as a wind machine, thunder sheet and sea drum are not common in theatre performance today but are great fun to see in action,” Matheny said.

The play is presented by Theatre MSU and the Department of Communication. This year, the theatre has had its largest number of ticket reservations in its history.

 The tickets are five dollars for children 10 and under, and $10 for adults. The play will be performed for local schools earlier in the week.

“The play is great fun for all ages. It is of course a great event to bring the little ones but it will prove to be a fun time for all,” Matheny said. “Whether you are four or 64 you can enjoy this light hearted adventure.”