By Roxy Ekberg
Republican Staff
The Little Red Hen Theatre’s production of Pippin swung its way through town last weekend.
The show was unlike any previous production. Cast members performed aerial acrobatics, flying through the air on silks. Pippin held the largest cast of the theater’s season and demanded the most from participants.
“The amount of physicality required from all of our performers was extraordinary, and they rose to the task valiantly and created a beautiful production,” said managing director, Adam Goos.
Running for four nights, July 13-16, the show nearly sold out every performance. Many seats were available at the beginning of the week, but once people started seeing the show and the amazing work that the cast was doing, the tickets started flying out of the box office, said Goos.
Considering Pippin isn’t as well known as past productions, Goos knew ticket sales could be a challenge. Despite this, more seats were sold in the last week of Pippin than any previous shows.
Outside of rehearsals, the theater was open as an “aerial gym” for extra practice. A professional instructor taught the troupe basic safety and advanced techniques and wraps. Goos commented on the bravery of the actors, and geared casting towards each performer's comfort level. However, the physical feats from the show did not limit casting; it was one of the major reasons for selecting Pippin. The ensemble spent as much time on stage as the lead characters, highlighting everyone’s artistic talent and contributions.
“Pippin is not a straightforward story,” said Goos. The production follows Pippin, a young prince who fights tyranny, falls in love with a widow, and struggles to decide what life he wants. It’s thought-provoking with hidden undertones and requires the audience to remain present.
“Audiences who came to Pippin were treated to a spectacle of the eyes and ears. We had amazing signers, vibrant and sparkling Vegas-themed costumes, and aerial acrobatics. What better way to deliver a complicated message than with a lot of sparkle and razzle-dazzle?”
The production was made possible by a volunteer cast and crew, the 2023 Season Patrons, the Gardner Foundation, Nebraska Arts Council, Dixon County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Little Red Hen Theatre’s next event is the Riders of the Hoot Owl Trail on September 17th.
More pictures of the LIttle Red Hen Theatres production of Pippin can bef ound on page 4 of this edition of the Republican.