This spring, the School’s theater department will bring the bold and imaginative story of Pippin to the stage, a musical that invites audiences to question what it really means to live a meaningful life.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 1972, Pippin features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (best known for Wicked and Godspell). The show has remained popular for decades, but has recently gained more attention after the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival in 2013.
The story follows Pippin, a young prince who is intelligent, curious, and deeply dissatisfied with an ordinary life. Guided by the charismatic and mysterious Leading Player and a troupe of performers, Pippin sets out on a journey to find his true purpose. Along the way, he experiments with war, power, art, romance, and even domestic life, believing each new path might finally fulfill him. Russell Champa, the technical director of Pippin, said, “I’m super excited about Pippin, I think it’s a really interesting play…and a really interesting choice right now. And, you know, we’re all still searching for meaning in our lives.”
Supporting Pippin on his journey are a cast of memorable characters. The most prevalent include his father, Charlemagne, the king; Fastrada, Charlemagne’s cunning wife; Lewis, Pippin’s half-brother; Catherine, a kind and grounded widow; and Theo, Catherine’s son.
In the School’s cast, many characters are double-cast, meaning two actors will play each part, alternating on performance nights. Emmy Mitchell, double-cast as Leading Player with Ruby Barmé, said, “I feel like it’s so special to have someone to kind of support you and know exactly what you’re going through.”
Musically, Pippin combines classic Broadway sounds with pop and folk influences. These songs capture both the excitement of Pippin’s quest and the vulnerability beneath it. Katie Kruger, the show’s choreographer, remarks, “It’s so different from anything I’ve ever done before, and the dancers are really open, and playful, and it’s super fun.”
Through the work of its cast, crew, and creative team, the imaginative world will be brought to life. Sharing his thoughts about the set design, Champa said, “The main concept is the idea of setting Pippin at Burning Man. Burning Man seems like an interesting and appropriate place for this play to happen, because it’s kind of counterculture. It’s a social experiment, just like [Pippin].” Kruger adds, “We’re trying to let go of what it has to look like, and what it should look like, and just try to say, what does our version want to be?”
With its striking music, engaging characters, and powerful message, the cast of Pippin promises a spectacular and thought-provoking spring show. Performances will be on the 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, and 21st of March. Come out to see both casts!