Q & A: Ogden Skeleton Man; POV Frank
Ron Pippin aka Ogden Skeleton Man started creating skeleton scenes in his front yard on Ogden’s east bench when COVID-19 pandemic started to spread joy and make people laugh. It became a huge hit with the neighborhood and he hasn’t stopped since. Every October, he creates a new scene every day. “There is plenty in the world that divides people or weighs them down, Ron said. “For a few minutes, these scenes give everyone something harmless and ridiculous to enjoy together. That is reason enough to keep doing it.”
Frank (left) joins the bones brigade director Ron Pippin on Oct. 23 to talk shop, scene changes, and working with a bare-bones crew every day in October; Ron Pippin’s skeletons perform 'Thriller' outside his Ogden home on Fillmore Ave. and 26th St. in October 2024, one of their most popular showcases to date. Deann Armes
We interviewed Frank, a member of the famous skeleton crew, who is known to moonlight as Ron’s bodyguard.
What time is your morning roll call, and when do you finally rest your weary bones for the night?
Early enough to be ready when the neighborhood wakes up, between 4:30 and 6 a.m. and we stay on duty through the evening. Skeletons don’t require much sleep, but their human director does.
What is the most humerus and/or difficult pose you’ve had to hold so far?
Some of our funniest scenes are the hardest to pose. The marching band was especially challenging. Getting everyone balanced and positioned can take a surprising amount of engineering — Skeletons aren’t known for their muscle tone.
Autumn winds get chilly when you’re down to the bone — how do you handle gusts without losing your head?
Wind is the enemy. Occasionally, our director has to put somebody’s head back on.
No spoilers, but what upcoming production has you rattled with excitement?
Over the past seven years, we have only repeated a handful of scenes. This year, one member of the crew may become a little more animated — and possibly have a few things to say.
What are the Bones Brigade’s all-time favorite activities?
The music scenes are always popular like Michael Jackson's "Thriller," a rock band, and a marching band. The annual selfie scene is a fan favorite. We rarely repeat a production, but that one has earned an encore.
How long does it take the crew to get dressed and look bad to the bone each morning?
The actual setup takes between one to four hours, depending on the scene. But the work begins long before that. Sometimes a brilliant idea requires more backbone once we try to build it.
Putting this on takes a lot of backbone — and bucks. How can neighbors chip in?
We don’t do it for the money. Donated unused costumes or instruments can help us with future scenes. People have sent thank you cards, little gifts, and even contributed funds. It takes a lot of money to keep us looking youthful. Most of all, we just want people to enjoy it.