This month, a fantastical new show comes to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Children’s Theatre stage. “An Unlikely Hero” is set in a school packed with super powers where our hero (or villain?) Jordan must find his way. The show is part of the nationwide TYA BIPOC Superhero Project and is a joint production between AMFA, Bentonville’s Trike Theater and the Metro Theatre Company in St. Louis.
Directing the show is Fergie L. Philippe, AMFA’s first resident performing artist who is best known for his Broadway roles as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison in “Hamilton” and Sir Sagramore in “Camelot.”
We caught up with Philippe between rehearsals and artist in residence events to talk about his inspiring new show and what’s on his Little Rock to-do list.
How would you pitch “An Unlikely Hero” to a first grader?
FP: “An Unlikely Hero” is about a kid named Jordan who goes to a villain school, but realizes that maybe he’s actually a superhero instead. Follow Jordan as he proves to himself that he really is a hero.
Is there a moment in the show that stands out as something you needed to hear or see as a kid?
FP: There’s a moment when our main character’s best friend Chelle tells him that he’s there for him. I think everyone at a young age should be told by someone who loves them that they’ll be supported, especially in their lowest moments.
At the heart of the show is a message of belonging, something a lot of people find through the arts. How does hosting this show with AMFA affect how it resonates with you?
FP: That was definitely the case for me. I struggled socially both before I got into the arts and even when I got into them. The themes of listening to your intuition and believing in yourself are very important to me, so when the folks at AMFA asked me to come helm this project, it was a no-brainer. And if that wasn’t enough, the staff at AMFA has made me feel like one of them. They walk the talk and are true to their intentions, and that’s been a great gift to have an institution identify with the beliefs of the show they present.
How are you digging into your role as AMFA’s first resident performing artist, and what does that title mean to you?
FP: One of the really exciting things about this is the amount of community engagement that I’m getting to do. I have masterclasses, artist talks, puppet workshops, meet-and-greets, student talkbacks and more. Being an artist in residence, to me, means enveloping myself into the community that surrounds the artistic institution. In a lot of ways, I have the pleasure of being a local artist, and alongside other local artists, we get to create unique experiences. It’s very special.
You’ve noted this is a “full circle moment” for you after working with the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre years ago. What are some of the must-see places you wanted to revisit in Little Rock?
FP: I’m a foodie, so it’s really about restaurants that I like coming back to — Taziki’s, Tacos 4 Life, The Purple Cow … all out in Conway and, of course, the fantastic River Market here in Little Rock. If the weather was a bit better, I’d make sure to get out to Petit Jean for some hiking.
“An Unlikely Hero” takes the stage for six shows Jan. 18-26. Learn more and get your tickets on the AMFA website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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