Mezzo-soprano Grace Denton plays the role of the wooden puppet that becomes a boy. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Second graders Vivienne Gibson, left, and Carlontae Hammitte laugh during the presentation. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Tenor Eric Botto, who plays the role of Geppetto, rolls Pinocchio out on to the stage. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Bass baritone Hosea Griffith, who plays the role of the Mr. Wolf, tells Pinocchio that a small fib will not hurt. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Soprano Olivia Russell plays the role of Old Lady Blue. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)