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This will be a retelling of Pinocchio, with Greek mythology putting in the mix, where Hephaestus, the God of Fire and Blacksmiths, is presented as the father instead of Geppetto. As a deaf character, Hephaestus also chooses to have Pinocchio being deaf, which leads to conflicted reactions from others, including Pandora, Aphrodite, and Ares.

Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection. Now in its sixth year, Cannonball presents more than 100 artists across five stages, representing nearly 30 percent of the overall Philadelphia Fringe Festival. From rebellious circus and delicious dance to fearless theater and activist art, Cannonball pushes the boundaries of live performance while creating a vibrant, artist-centered ecosystem for independent performance makers and adventurous audiences alike.

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Details
Run Time: 60 mins
Ticket Price: $25

PWYC Options $5+

Venue: Icebox Project Space Gallery

Dates: September 16, 2026 - September 25, 2026

September 16, 2026 7.00pm

1400 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 22, 2026 7.00pm

1400 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 25, 2026 7.00pm

1400 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options


About the Artist

Beth Applebaum - Beth Applebaum is a Deaf Equity actress, artist, interpreter and avid advocate for the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing/Disability community. She is Philadelphia, PA born, but hails from West Trenton, NJ and has lived in NYC over several years previously before returning back to her hometown, NJ. Beth has an extensive background in theatre, dance, and film. She earned her BFA in Theatre/Film at RIT, and her Masters’ in Education at NTID. While she continues to do theatre and film work, she is also an interpreter, activist and advocate for Deaf/HOH, Disabled, BIPOC, LGBTQIA +, Mental Health Awareness, Animal Rescues, and is earning her certification in Deaf Interpreting. Daniel Brucker was born and raised in Schenectady, NY. Growing up in an American Sign Language environment at home, Daniel also attended mainstream schools through his entire childhood. In 2005, he enrolled in Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in Film / Video / Animation, with a stagecraft track. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2010, he immediately started graduate school in National Technical Institute for the Deaf's Master of Science in Secondary Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. He graduated with a Master's degree in 2012, and moved to Philadelphia, PA in 2013, where he has been employed and residing in since then. Daniel has been a consultant for ASL interpreting teams with various theatrical productions in the Greater Philadelphia area in the last seven years.

  • Beth Applebaum Co-Director BlessedB1122@gmail.com
  • Daniel BruckerCo-Director/Writer danbrucker@gmail.com

Accessibility & Content Considerations

Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.

This event is appropriate for ages 7+

Strobe/Flashing Lights

Audience Interaction

There will be two non-graphic combat scenes in this play.

Covid-19 Safety policy

This event does not require masks to be worn


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