Courtesy Bit’s N’ Pieces Theatre.
“I can do it, if I try,” Holli Rubin said, when asked what her favorite line in the “Three Billy Goats Gruff” musical is.
Rubin is an expert on the subject, as an actress with and co-founder of Bits ‘N Pieces GIANT Puppet Theatre. “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” is one of its productions and will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. When a musical is performed with larger-than-life puppets, the energy must be absolutely animating.
“That’s the theme, that’s the whole idea,” Rubin said. “People can watch this musical and know that they can make the best of their situation and make a difference. There’s just a lot of energy.”
The story revolves around the age-old tale of three goats trying to cross a bridge, beneath which a troll lurks. Bluff Gruff, Fluff Gruff and Big Tuff Gruff must work together to best their obstacle: troublesome but silly, bridge-dwelling Upchuck the Troll.
“Anyone who loves the arts, puppetry, music and costumes will enjoy themselves,” Rubin promised.
Ford Center marketing director Kate Meacham is confident that the troupe will put on a great show.
“We choose shows based on whether we think they will appeal to local audiences as well as whether they will contribute to the mission of the Ford Center to ‘enrich the intellectual and cultural environment’ of the university and the region,” Meacham said. “Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre has performed here several times before, and we know that it will be a great performance.”
The show employs giant puppets, shadow puppets, rod puppets and actors in costume.
“Every seat in the theater is the best seat in the house when you have 9-foot-tall puppets,” Rubin joked.
Rubin plays the part of Fluff Gruff and made the puppets for the show.
The Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre has dedicated everything to bringing its love of puppets to children all over the world. This is its 40th season, and it has traveled all over the world to share its masterful tale. Countries such as Japan, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Germany, Trinidad, Guatemala and Kazakhstan have all been host to the “Three Billy Goats Gruff” production.
“It is a traditional fairy tale, but it still thrills the modern audience,” Rubin said. “We want to inspire. We want kids to rush home to build their own puppets.”
This musical of puppets is true theater art, and Bits N’ Pieces is very excited to come and perform here.
Rubin stressed the positive energy and arresting artistry of “Three Billy Goats Gruff.”
“It’s a delight to the eyes,” Rubin said. “From the very beginning, right away, you enter the world of giants.”
— Audrey Hall
alhall3@go.olemiss.edu
