Tomorrow, Quirk Theater hosts the opening of “Pippi Longstocking,” directed by Pam Cardell. This childhood classic features the ever-lovable Pippi, who is waiting for the return of her swashbuckling pirate father, evading children’s welfare and making some new friends along the way. Doing things her way, Pippi Longstocking invites the audience to forget about being an adult and learn how to have fun again.
“Originally I was not supposed to do this show, so when presented with the chance I was grateful for the opportunity to direct Pippi,” Cardell said. “This is my first musical so I’m going into uncharted territory. I’ve done shows that might have a small dancing or singing moment but never something of this magnitude.”
This is Cardell’s second main stage production at Eastern Michigan University in addition to directing once a year at Huron High School. Cardell creates a show full of fun, bright, colorful costumes and looks for a matching cast.
“I love working with Pam,” junior Daniel Millhouse said. “We had three weeks to put this show together, and Pam gets things done. Not only that, but she takes care of all her actors and I’ve had a blast working with her again.”
The setting of the show takes place in PippiLand, Sweden, during Pippi Time. Though it is set in Sweden, the actors do not have Swedish accents, but two of the songs feature the Swedish language.
“When we got the score it was in Swedish,” Cardell said. “We found someone in Ann Arbor to help translate and in the end everything worked out.”
One of Pippi Longstocking’s trademark is her messy pigtailed, red hair.
“Pippi’s hair is a Weapon of Mass Destruction, and the trick is making the cast comfortable and natural around her hair,” Cardell said.
Pippi has to have practice hair so the cast can find out how much room it actually has on stage.
An interesting aspect about this show is how it focuses on being youthful rather than a particular age.
The director and cast did not want to disrespect kids by being too silly or over the top, so assistant director Jennifer Graham did movement work to build characters that were still playful without being offensive. As a result, cast members portray characters ranging from 8-12 years while trying to maintain an innocent playfulness.
“Playing a kid is so much fun!” senior Sarah Leahy said. “We’re not trying to ham it up or be cliché— we act like true kids up there— curious about everything and seeing the good in everyone. It’s a euphoric feeling.”
Cardell said, “It is important for EMU students to know that it’s the students who help build the set, costumes and direct. For me it hasn’t felt like work because my favorite part is working with students. We had a great time playing together. We have pirates, a horse and a gorilla, come see and don’t miss out!”
Pippi will be playing at 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday and Monday at the Quirk Theater. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Center and Quirk Theater box offices.
