Columbus, Ohio’s Short North Stage will be present the Off-Broadway musical Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly as its second Virtual Production. Columbus’s own Nina West (Rupaul’s Drag Race) will guest star in the musical accompanied by Short North Stage favorites Thom Warren and other notable guest artists. The production will be available for streaming on Vimeo, September 21- 30.
Short North Stage’s production of When Pigs Fly will premiere brand new songs and sketches written by the show’s original writer, Mark Waldrop (Pete n’ Keely, Whoop De Doo), who is working closely with Short North Stage’s creative team on this project. The production will also feature numerous avant-garde and drag costumes designed by local Columbus designers. Artistic Director Edward Carignan will direct and choreograph and New York City guest artist Jonathan Parks will musical direct.
An invitation-only Zoom Launch Party will take place on September 20 at 7p.m. The party will feature a Q&A with Nina West, Mark Waldrop (the original Off-Broadway writer) and the production’s cast and creative team. Invitations will be sent to ticket buyers who donate $25 or more at checkout.
About the Show
When Pigs Fly is an over-the-top musical review featuring songs, sketches and hilarious avant-garde costume designs. The show tells the story of Howard, who is having trouble producing his fantasy musical review because of constant setbacks, a disagreeable cast and technical problems. Also, he is haunted by the discouraging words of his high school guidance counselor, Miss Roundhole, who told him he would work in the theater “when pigs fly.” As Howard tries to navigates the evening of skits and songs, he learns that the problem isn’t that he has “gone too far,” but instead has not gone far enough. The show commences with an unbelievable drag showgirl finale reminiscent of Beach Blanket Babylon and Ziegfield’s Follies.
The original production won the Drama Desk Award (Outstanding Revue), the Outer Critics Circle Award (Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical, Outstanding Costume Design), and a special citation for Howard Crabtree and the creative team from the OBIE Awards. The original ran for two years and played 840 performances at the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre.
Here’s a look at the 2018 revival (which was canceled prior to opening):
