GRAND RAPIDS — A traveling show is nothing new in the world of theater. As far back as ancient Greek times, there were traveling theater troupes. However, in Northern Minnesota it’s a unique experience.
The Grand Rapids Players are taking the locally written show Sir Valourant and the Dragon on a short tour in Minnesota: downtown Hill City on Thursday, July 2, at a golf course in Bigfork on Saturday, July 11 and at the Depot in Remer on Friday, Aug. 7. The Hill City and Remer shows begin at 6 p.m., and the Bigfork show is at 7 p.m. All three shows are free to attend.
Sir Valourant and the Dragon is a comedic fairy tale in the same vein as The Princess Bride or Shrek. There will be a dragon, a prince and princess, a sword fight, and an 8 ft tall storybook, with a painting on every page by assistant director Lindsay Miller.
The show’s director Marie Sippola told Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show that audiences can expect some breaking of the fourth wall as well in this show.
“It allows the audience to kind of see maybe things that might happen when you're putting together a play,” said Sippola.
As for why this show is going on tour, Sippola said that was the Grand Rapids Players Board’s decision. They received a grant from the Blandin Foundation with the purpose of bringing shows to communities that normally don’t have theater productions.
They’re currently rehearsing at the Reif Performing Arts Center, but the cast and crew are ready to adapt for all three locations. The actors are learning to project for the outdoors, and the crew is prepared to haul the props to any town.
Sippola added, “That's what I love about doing projects like this because all of us have to work really closely together. There's so much collaboration, and we kind of have to figure it out together. It's definitely an adventure from day one to the last day.”
The script didn’t provide very descriptive on-stage directions, and actor Tayler Emerson, Sir Valourant, said it’s been fun seeing everyone add their own spin to their characters. It’s a small cast, but everyone adds their voice to the final show.
Overall, everyone is excited to bring this show on the road across Minnesota.
Sippola said, “Exposing people to the wonders and magic of theater and storytelling is so rewarding. To be able to bring this experience to people that might not have ever seen something like this is beyond exciting.”
Another challenge of doing an outdoor show is the weather. Sippola recommends theater goers to watch the Grand Rapids Players website or Facebook page for the latest updates on weather related issues. Also look to those pages for a possible Grand Rapids homecoming show.
Listen to the full conversation with Sippola, Miller and Emerson by clicking above
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
