‘Shy Hag’ revived for anniversary

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    By JENI DEERY

    The Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company will perform “The Shy Hag’s Magic Shadow Show” at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake.

    The modern dance performance is a family show that doesn’t contain magic in a traditional sense, but it does have several stage tricks, according to Eugenie Hero, Ririe-Woodbury director of publicity and promotion.

    “Linearly, there is no real plot. It’s just a crazy, nutty family show,” Hero said.

    The show consists of modern dancing with improvisation and storytelling. It uses shadow dancing, sound, exotic costuming and humor to create stage tricks, Hero said.

    Gigi Arrington, a former company member and current Education Director, plays Shy Hag. Hag is the teller of tales who keeps rainbows in her pockets, grants secret wishes and makes children magically appear from her cauldron.

    The Hag travels through forests and ice castles and meets witches, spiders, gypsies, pirates and princesses she encounters along the way.

    According to Hero, “The Shy Hag’s Magic Shadow Show” was created in 1979 and was performed every year on Halloween until 1987. The show is being recreated in honor of Ririe-Woodbury’s 35th anniversary season.

    “The Shy Hag” was written and designed by Lorrie Sue Keller with choreography by Shirley Ririe, Joan Woodbury and the Ririe-Woodbury dancers.

    When the show was a yearly tradition, the Hag was played by Ririe and Woodbury, artistic co-directors and founders of the dance company.

    In addition to Arrington, there are six dancers and seven children in the show.

    “This is a fun, wonderful show. Everyone will enjoy it,” Hero said. “The costumes are amazing and the dancing is beautiful.”

    Audience members are invited to join the cast for a post-performance pizza party in the lobby of the Capitol Theater. Donations of $2 will be accepted the day of the show.

    Hero said the show lasts about an hour.

    Tickets cost $25 and $12. Tickets for children ages 12 and under are half-price. There is also a family price of $36. They can be purchased at any ArtTix outlet or by calling (801) 355-ARTS. The Capitol Theater is located at 50 W. 200 South in Salt Lake.

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