Exclusive Photo Coverage: Pippin Concert Rehearsal

On November 29th, 2004, to commemorate World AIDS Day, one of this year's most exciting theatrical events will take place: a star-studded concert presentation of Stephen Schwartz's acclaimed musical, PIPPIN. The concert will take place at The Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom at 311 West 34th Street (at 34th and 8th Avenue) at 7PM.

Rosie O'Donnell will be opening the concert as the first of five Leading Players. Ben Vereen, who won a Tony Award for the role in the original Broadway production, will also be appearing. The other Leading Players will be rounded out by Darius de Haas (Marie Christine, last year's Children of Eden Concert), Billy Porter (Grease, and the upcoming Ghetto Superstar at The Public Theatre) and Kate Shindle (Cabaret, Jekyll & Hyde, Miss America 1998).

Michael Arden, from the Tony-Award winning ensemble of Big River and the star of the Off-Broadway hit, BARE, will be portraying the title role, with Laura Benanti (Tony-Award Nominee from the casts of Swing, Into The Woods and Nine) as Pippin's love interest, Catherine. Also joining the cast as young Theo, is Caroline, or Change's Harrison Chad and Cameron Mathison of daytime's All My Children will play the role of Pippin's half-witted step-brother, Lewis. Terrence Mann, who originated the role of The Beast in Disney's Beauty & The Beast will play Charlemagne and in the role of Berthe (originated by The Beverly Hillbillies' Granny, Irene Ryan), will be actor and playwright, Charles Busch. Julia Murney, well known from the benefit concerts of Children of Eden, Chess and Funny Girl will be playing the role of Fastrada. Included in the ensemble will be Sarah Chase, Kristoffer Cusick, Adam Fleming, Sriram Ganesan, Julie Garnye, Jordan Gelber, Kearran Giovanni, Jenna Leigh Green, Colin Hanlon, Natalie Joy Johnson, Michael Longoria, Jennifer Malenke, Kate Pazakis, Erin Quill, Robb Sapp, Rebecca Soler, Aaron Staton, Pearl Sun, Marty Thomas, Caitlin van Zandt, and Josh Young.

For more information on Pippin, visit www.pippinconcert.org. Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage.

Special Thanks to Jamie McGonnigal

Terrence Mann and Cameron Mathison Michael Arden and Members of the Pippin Ensemble Cameron, Michael, and Terrence Pippin dancer Tyler Hanes mid-air Michael Arden surveying the battle Michael and Terrence Darius de Haas and Michael Charles Busch and Michael Cameron and Julia Murney Michael and the ensemble... ...in a compromising position while former Bare co-star Adam Fleming looks on... Vote for Pippin! The Ensemble... John Tartaglia and Michael Cameron and Julia Getting close... Terrence and Michael Laura Benanti and Julia Murney posing for the camera... One of five "Leading Players," Kate Shindle takes her turn with Pippin Michael and Kate Julia, Producer Jamie McGonnigal, and Cameron Music Director Mark Hartman John Tartaglia stopping for a snack on his way into Sunday's sitzprobe... ...and a glass of water. Michael Kate and Michael in front of the cast Darius, Rosie O'Donnell and Kate Julia and Bobby Pearce (Taboo Costume Designer) Michael with Caroline, or Change's Harrison Chad Jamie and Cameron (photo by Cameron Mathison) Harris Doran, Caitlin VanZandt, and Natalie Joy Johnson Julia and Cameron Kate, Julia, Cameron and a quizzical John Tartaglia Michael and Harrison Marty Thomas and Caitlin VanZandt Rosie, John, and Kate The principals... Rosie, John, and Kate Darius, Rosie, John, Kate, and Julia Laura Benanti and Chris Barron Harrison Chad Rosie A parting shot of Michael aka Pippin