With her pet monkey and horse, spunky 9-year-old Pippi Longstocking travels and experiences a variety of adventures — usually without adult supervision.
“Her mother is in Heaven and her father is a pirate,” Director Donna Steele said. “So she’s all on her own.”
Of course she makes friends along the way, including neighbors Tommy and Annika, who join her as she experiences places such as school, the circus and zoo for the first time.
Audience members can join them as well, when Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles presents “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical” from Saturday to Oct. 18. Performances are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays. Evening performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16-17.
Based on the classic children’s books by Astrid Lindgren, the fantasy tells the story of the oddly dressed Pippi, who is very self-reliant and in possession of great determination, strength and wealth. Her adventures have her dancing with burglars trying to steal the gold coins her pirate father gave her, and playing tag with police officers. At the circus, she challenges the strongest man in the world.
“I think it’s fun for the whole family,” said Steele, founder of Steel Beam Theatre. “It really does reach a broader audience. It’s not just a fairy tale for preschoolers.”
The musical, Steele said, offers a theme of “always be yourself and try your best.”
The cast of 18 features students from throughout the suburban area, as well as two professional actors portraying the adult roles. The role of Pippi is double cast, with Grace Lagattolla of Elburn and Molly Babczek of Geneva tackling the lead role in alternating performances.
“It’s an enormous role for a young girl,” Steele said. “When we did ‘Junie B. Jones’ we also double cast.”
With the lead being such a large part, double casting it also means there is another person ready to step into the role should one of the actresses get sick.
“It’s a very large responsibility, and kids do get sick,” Steele said. “So you have to cover the bases.
“It also gives the girls the opportunity to tackle a big role,” Steele said.
“Pippi Longstocking” is the first Youth Stage production this season. Other upcoming shows include the annual “Sing-Along with Santa” and “The Hobbit.” Youth Stage productions are part of Steel Beam’s education program. At about 90 minutes with intermission, an adult cast often performs the musical “Pippi Longstocking”, Steele said
“All the kids are working hard at it,” Steele said. “The kids are really stretching and learning.”
Kathy Cichon is a freelance writer.
‘Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical’
When: Saturday-Oct. 18
More Top Picks Samsung Galaxy Fit3
Where: Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles
Tickets: $15 adults; $10 children (16 and younger)
Information: 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com