The reviews are in for CTC's 'Pippi Longstocking'

Posted at 9:39 AM on May 7, 2012 by Marianne Combs
Filed under: Criticism, Theater

Pippi Longstocking may be the archetype for the truly liberated woman. She's strong, livers on her own, doesn't conform to current fashion trends, and has a little bit of magic about her.

Children's Theatre Company has brought back the classic tale, and Pippi appears to be as beloved as ever. Scroll down to read excerpts of reviews; click on the links to read them in full.

Katie Adducci is Pippi Longstocking at Children's Theatre Company

From Rohan Preston at the Star Tribune:

Pippi Longstocking, the mischievous, independent-minded youngster who thwarts authority for pleasure, has returned to the Children's Theatre stage with freshness and fun. Director Peter Brosius' production... with newcomer Katie Adducci as the rambunctious title character, teems with physical humor, including door-slamming and pratfalls.

Dean Holt and Reed Sigmund in Pippi Longstocking at Children's Theatre Company
Photo: Dan Norman

From John Olive at HowWasTheShow.com:

Brosius takes the energy level to 11 and leaves it there for long stretches. No one taps anyone on the shoulder without a scream and pratfall. The two bungling burglars, Bloom and Thunder (played brilliantly - as always - by Dean Holt and Reed Sigmund), are so over-the-top they make the Three Stooges look Chekhovian. Autumn Ness's Mrs. Prysselius (one of the finest character names in theatrical history) is a bumbling and shrieking hoot and a half. She tries so hard to be nasty you want to kiss her on the nose.

The cast of Pippi Longstocking
Photo: Dan Norman

From Renee Valois at the Pioneer Press:

CTC's version of "Pippi" includes serious scenes not found in Astrid Lindgren's lighthearted book, such as a stunning interlude in which Pippi dreams of her missing parents. Swirling dancers and changes in lighting and sound skillfully move the fantastical sequence from joyful to nightmarish.

Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking may be a little long for very young children, but the two-hour show will fly by for older ones - because every child would like to meet her - or be her.

Pippi Longstocking runs through June 10 at Children's Theatre Company. Have you seen Pippi Longstocking? If so, what did you think? Share your review in the comments section.