A BEHIND-THE-SCENES INTERVIEW WITH CAST MEMBER, EMMA ELLIOTT

Happy Theatre Thursday! My name is Emma Elliott and I’m currently in the cast of Pippin! I sat down with two of our incredible aerialists, Deidra Johnson who owns 417 Aerial, and Jordan Dykstra student at 417 Aerial to hear their take on the show.

 Emma- How are you handing your own studio schedule while coming to all of our Pippin rehearsals?

 Deidra- we were really proactive with setting our schedule to make sure all of our classes ended before 7 since most of our teachers are in the Pippin cast. Then it’s really balancing not overdoing it. They have been proactive about working their opposite side verses their dominant side.

Emma- The strength that you all have is amazing! What are you finding to be the most challenging part of the rehearsal process?

Deidra- the most challenging thing is we can’t spin as much as we would like. Spinning adds another layer to our skill work just to give the audience more pizazz. I love spinning.

 Jordan- I was going to say something similar, also the closeness of space on stage is something we’re having to balance out.

 Emma- Oh yes!  Most of us are not used to having performers on silks above our heads so that has been a new challenge for all of us. How was it teaching our cast members who are new to all of this how to use the hoop?

 Deidra- I love teaching beginner students. That’s my passion. They’re really excited and nervous. Wesley was the most nervous. I could see him shaking once he got up there. Judy was ready to go for anything and everything which is exciting but also makes me nervous when they’re brand new. Sally has come to me three times now to get her choreography down. She’s ready to try anything and she’s having to do it in her 4 inch heels which adds a different dynamic to the hoop.

 Emma- oh I’m sure! Pippin is such a complex and interesting story, what was your inspiration behind the choreography?

 Deidra- we listened to the broadway soundtrack, and kept to traditional circus moves. In aerial the things that gets the big Oohs and Ahhs are splits and spins so we kept that in our bag of tricks. For the particular scene I referenced Paula Abdul’s “Cold Hearted Snake”

 Emma- We love your circus moves! Why do you think people should come see this show?

 Jordan- you should come Because it’s such a unique and fun circus filled experience. You get the whole musical aspect but also that circus theme, being here I have a whole new appreciation for the show.

 Deidra- it’s really blended a musical program with an aerial arts program seamlessly it’s so unique when we’re able to come and merge the two together and make this great show. Just now it’s going to be really magical once it hits the stage.

 Emma-you guys have been amazing to have with us, you’re doing such beautiful work, I can’t wait for everyone to see!

 

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. With familiar songs such as “Magic to Do”, “Glory”, and “Corner of the Sky” you’ll be dazzled by these powerful lyrics and powerhouse voices!

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippinis in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

The revival version of Pippin is a circus inspired version full of dazzling performance acts such as hoops, silks, jugglers, and aerialists. We are thrilled to be producing this show in conjunction with 417 Aerial, which is a Circus Arts Studio. This show is for mature audiences due to language and sexual content.

 

TICKET INFORMATION

Come see this circus inspired spectacular live on the Landers stage April 14  through April 30.

 Platinum seating:

Adult: $37.00

Senior (62+)/Student/Military $34.00

Children (ages 12 and under) $25.00

 

 Gold seating:

Adult: $35.00

Senior (62+)/Student/Military $32.00

Children (ages 12 and under) $23.00

 

 Special Pricing:

Value Seating: $17.00

Rush: $15.00 (available at the door only – 30 minutes prior to the show to students and seniors)

 

 For tickets call the box office at 417-869-1334 or visit http://SpringfieldLittleTheatre.org

 

Photography in the blog is courtesy of 417 Aerial