"Ruthless!' auditions set next week

HIBBING—Mesabi Musical Theatre’s 2024 summer production is “Ruthless!” described as “a killer comedy about a little girl who isn’t as innocent as she appears. Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she will do anything to win the part in her school musical. ‘Anything’ includes murdering the leading lady! Tina’s antics also change the lives of her doting mother and dramatic talent agent.”

Auditions are scheduled for May 21-23 (Tuesday through Thursday) at Lincoln Elementary School in Hibbing. Singing and acting auditions begin at 6 p.m. both nights. Those wishing to audition may attend either Tuesday or Wednesday night and should expect to be present for about an hour and a half. Callbacks are reserved for Thursday. A list of scheduling conflicts is requested for May 24—July 28.

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Pippi Longstocking (Swedish: Pippi Långstrump) is the fictional main character in a series by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Pippi was named by Lindgren’s daughter Karin, who asked her mother for a get-well story when she was off school.

Wikipedia describes Pippi Longstocking as a “red-haired, freckled, unconventional and superhumanly strong—able to lift her horse one-handed. She is playful and unpredictable. She often makes fun of unreasonable adults, especially if they are pompous and condescending. Her anger comes out in extreme cases, such as when a man mistreats his horse. Pippi, like Peter Pan, does not want to grow up. She is the daughter of a buccaneer captain and has adventure stories to tell about that, too. Her four best friends are her horse and monkey, and the neighbors’ children, Tommy and Annika.”

After being rejected by Bonnier Publishers in 1944, Lindgren’s first manuscript was accepted by Rabén and Sjögren. The three Pippi books were published from 1945 to 1948, followed by three short stories and a number of picture book adaptations. They have been translated into 76 languages.

This “aggressively outrageous” musical hit garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run. Broadway veteran Laura Bell Bundy played Tina during the show’s first performances, and her understudies were Natalie Portman and Britney Spears.

Characters include, in the words of the Mesabi Musical Theatre news release, are:

Tina, a precocious and ambitious girl with dreams of stage stardom—no matter the cost.

Judy, Tina’s mother, a happy and polite housewife who adores her daughter.

Sylvia St. Croix, a no-nonsense manager who specializes in guiding the careers of talented children.

Miss Thorn, Tina’s third-grade teacher who takes the school musical a bit too seriously.

Louise Lerman, an ordinary fourth-grader who need not dream of the spotlight.

Lita Encore, Tina’s grandmother and a ruthless theatre critic.

Eve, a Broadway star’s assistant whose mind tends to exit stage left.

Frederick, Tina’s father.

Despite the age of the youngest characters, planners ask that those auditioning be at least 16 years old. There will also be opportunities to help with set construction, hair and makeup, and ushering.

For more information about the musical and a full list of characters, visit https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/2149/ruthless.

The production team includes Susan Nelson, director; Emily Hixon, vocal director; Ben Nilles, conductor; Mary Creighton, costumer; Dustin Davidson, lighting and sound designer; and Kasie and Demetri Johnson, choreographers.

“Ruthless!” will be presented at the Hibbing High School auditorium Thursday, July 25, and Friday, July 26, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 28. at 2 p.m. Tickets will go on sale in June.