The Birds *World Premiere
Adapted from Aristophanes' The Birds by Nicole Samsel
Presented through Flint Repertory Theatre/Flint Rep on the Road

Director: Shelby R. Seeley
Stage Manager: Kaila Madison
Production Designer: Mike Salmi
Costume Designer: Kendra Babcock
Sound Designer: Kennikki Jones-Jones

Cast:
Peacock/Parrot/Commissioner/Poseidon: X'ydee Alexander

Pithetaerus: Henry Ballesteros

Woodpecker/Statute-Seller/Hercules: Craig Ester*

Euelpides: Kori Fay

Tereus the Hoopoe/Meton/Iris: Leslie Hull*

Flamingo/Penguin/Poet/Prometheus: Kira Mailey-Parker

Rooster: Laura Nguyen

Owl/Oracle-Monger: Emily Nichter

Seagull/Glutton-Bird/Young Man/Triballian God: Ricky Philippi*

Photos by Scot Orser.

Reviews:
The Birds : A Whimsical, Wise, Wonderfully Portable Triumph by TJ Heck

"Flint Repertory Theatre’s traveling production of The Birds by Aristophanes is nothing short of a theatrical delight—nimble, imaginative, and bursting with life."

"The emphasis on clarity, inclusion, and active engagement set the tone perfectly. Audience participation was not only welcomed but woven into the performance in clever and joyful ways—inviting everyone, children and adults alike, into the beating heart of the story."

" Each transformation felt purposeful, choreographed, and wonderfully clever, making it easy for even young audience members to track each character."

"The cast excelled in embodying this kaleidoscope of roles."

"This production felt, in many ways, like a Pixar film brought to life: laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally warm, layered with winks for adults and moments of pure delight for younger viewers. While the target audience may be high school students, the show truly has something to offer everyone—from third graders to grandparents.

To watch a 2,400-year-old satire soar in a public library on a weekday afternoon is a testament not only to the brilliance of the cast and crew but to Flint Repertory Theatre’s commitment to bringing transformative art directly into communities. The Birds is not just a play—it is an experience that invites reflection, imagination, and shared joy."

Audience Response:
“Thank you all so much for performing for us...! The students really enjoyed themselves and I can not tell you how many students spoke to me today letting me know how amazing this show was. I am grateful for the opportunity and if anything like this happens in the future, we would love to be involved. Break legs with the rest of your tour!” - Educator