The Deaf West Theatre’s production of “The New Adventures of Pinocchio” proves  anything is possible — through the use of American Sign Language, visionary stage direction and a little bit of magic dust.

Director Stephen Rothman, a veteran of the theater, has re-imagined and updated this classic “cautionary tale” of the mischievious boy-puppet’s misfortunes and tailored it to fit a hearing-impaired audience.

Yet, the biggest challenge that derives from a stage production of this sort is to be able to accommodate both hearing-impaired and hearing audiences equally in order to keep the suspension of belief alive.

This is where a brilliant cast of performers and a slew of creativity become crucial aspects of this production, which contribute to make the play both a feast for the eyes and ears.

Rothman did not choose a male actor to portray the title role of Pinocchio, but two actresses: Amber Zion to do the sign language and Darrin Revitz to be her voice. Although it's Zion who interacts with the other actors, both actresses perform side-by-side and are able to complement each other’s comedic timing, not to mention hide each other’s flaws.

In fact, almost every part has the combination of signed and voiced pairings that work so effortlessly with one another. With only nine people comprising the cast, the performers showcase a wide array of skill and talent by portraying several characters through the duration of the play.

While the plotline of this play remains relatively true to the original, this adaptation is not a carbon copy of the watered-down Disney film that people grew up watching. Instead, the play brings light to deeper and more adult issues such as coping with disabilities, drugs and death.

Despite the voiced roles, this type of production might be off-putting to hearing audiences, as most can't even begin to comprehend sign language. But people would be surprised to see just how universal basic communication can be.

The deaf actors in this production are some of most talented stage performers. What they lack aurally and vocally, they make up for with their emotive expressions and physical gestures, both of which are a treat to watch.

One of the most chilling voice performances is James Royce Edward, who plays the cold-hearted and deceitful ringmaster. While his acting is notable, it's his singing that leaves the most lasting impression.

The thought of a musical number in a deaf theater might seem odd at first, but in the case of “The New Adventures of Pinocchio,” the songs elevate the production to another level that extends beyond any clear-cut genre of theater. Other actors chime in by signing to the chorus of the song. 

Cute and kitschy backdrops that look like they belong behind a second-grade recital more than a professional theater only add to the intimate setting of the Deaf West Theater. The smaller scale of this production also allows for some interaction between the actors and audience, making the experience of watching a live show more enjoyable and personable.

As the theater's 44th production, “The New of Adventures of Pinocchio” marks the 20th anniversary of the Deaf West Theater in North Hollywood. The show will run until March 27. 

Reach staff reporter Candice Aman here.