Quote of the Day: You’ll never know where you’ll go or who you’ll be until tomorrow comes. Pippi, from the grand finale.
“Can we have Pippi over for a play date?” asked the little girls who attended the show with me. “She’d really mess up our house,” they also said.
I watched the show with these two little Pippis.
They give it four thumbs up!
These two little monkeys acted like Pippi’s pet, Mr. Nelson, climbing under and up the seats, riding them down, until the play started. Then, their eyes were glued to the stage, mouths open. I loved watching the show with them, hearing their shrieks of laughter, comments to Mom, and seeing their hands over their mouths when they were worried. One, or both of them, would stand up when the action got really exciting.
Pippi Longstocking is a high-energy, rollicking good show. Katie Adducci, who plays Pippi, is so athletic. I chatted with a woman at intermission who has seen several productions of Pippi. She thought Kate was one of the oldest girls to play Pippi (she seemed youthful to me). I said she looked like she’s a good gymnast. The woman replied, “That’s probably why they chose her.” She’s everywhere on stage. Big movements. Animated dancing. My heart rate went up from watching it!
The entire show is so well choreographed. Every movement, not just the dancing, but the scenes where they run in and out, up and down, over, under, above, doors opening and shutting. The scene with the thieves reminded me of Home Alone, and it was all a game to Pippi.
The thieves. Love the “Per Gynt” style costume.
These two were like cartoon characters.
The guy in red reminded me of the scarecrow in Wizzard of Oz, the way he could move his body. He’s like a rubberband.
I think the carnival scene was my favorite.
The costumes were like traditional Scandinavian ones, the bunads, wool vests, embroidered aprons. I felt reconnected with my own Scandinavian roots. (Here’s a link to my sister’s blog, I’ts a Joy, with a photo of her wearing the one that she made.)
Pippi has the kind of freedom that kids dream about, especially when they’re doing chores or sitting long hours in school. They want to be independent, have adventures, and never worry about bedtime…until the thunderstorms strike in the middle of the night.
Pippi is a fictional character. She’s like Astrid Lindgren’s imaginary friend, brought to life through her stories, and animated on stage through wonderful productions like these. And, now, she can be our imaginary friend, too.
Hey, girls, maybe when she’s done with her shows, Pippi will be available for a play date. I think we’d have grand adventures with her. Until then, let’s put on our longstockings and make up our own stories.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What fictional character would you like to invite over for an adventure?
Photos from the Children’s Theatre Company production are by Dan Norman. Thank you for the show, the rollicking good time, and the wonderful photos.
Great review! It’s energizing just to read it. Wish I could see the production!
I’d love to spend some time with Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables.
Beth
http://www.bethstilborn.com
Looks like that was a fabulous show. I need to think more on which character I’d want to come over. There are so many, maybe we’d have to have a Big party.
I so enjoyed your post and the pictures. Sounds like a wonderful production. It’s so much fun experiencing something like that through the eyes of a young child.
Stopped by your sister’s blog and left a comment.
Susanne
PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER
This was one of my favorite books. Sounds like the play was delightful.
What a great review. Oh, how I would love to see this production, Mary! The costumes are wonderful. And the guy in red is super dancing man. Ha! I can just tell from looking at him. 🙂
I think I would most love to invite Black Beauty. (He could talk, yanno?) *waving*
Pippi Longstocking rocks!
the girls are still talking about PiPi!!! What a great show! Thanks for taking us with you Mary!
The show sounds wonderful and the pictures are too. Alex sent me over, and it’s nice to meet you! Julie