PIPPIN Comes to SHNSF's Golden Gate Theatre Sep. 23-Oct 19th!

Pippin "is almost here!" Broadway's high-flying hit musical is coming to SHN's Golden Gate Theater September 23rd thru October 19th! Full of new, astonishing acrobatics, marvelous magical feats, and unforgettable songs from Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), Pippin is guaranteed to take you into the stratosphere! Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Pippin is unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen! Directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus, the show features dazzling choreography by Chet Walker in the legendary style of Bob Fosse and spectacular acrobatics by the troupe Les 7 Doigts de la Main.

The 411 on Pippin. We follow a mysterious troupe of performers led by a Leading Player, who begins to tell us the tale of young Pippin, a young and ambitious prince on his journey of self-discovery and search for fulfillment. As our young protagonist tries out different paths to find the true meaning in his life, we are led through a whirlwind of topsy-turvy stories that will finally lead to Pippin's truth - what truly makes him happy. With laughter, song, mystery, doom and demise, this revival of Pippin is a magnificent, unforgettably reimagined work that we can't wait to see.

Come experience the magic of Pippin but don't wait until curtain (Sep. 23-Oct 19) to get started. Hodges & Hodges Set the Stage for Pippin below.

Some peppy Pippin things to do in San Francisco

Pippin-esque Performers

Head on down to Fisherman's Wharf during the day to check out some of San Francisco's famous street performers! San Francisco offers many different types of artists and many wonderful things to entice the senses. With mimes, tightrope walkers, juggling, and magic shows Fisherman's Wharf is the perfect mood- setter for a magical evening at the theatre.

"We've Got Magic To Do!"

Pippin is a show filled to the brim with magic, wonderment, and more than a couple of laughs. What better way to get ready for a show stopper at the theatre than a mesmerizing magic show by the bay! While checking out the street performers head on over to Timothy's Magic Show at Pier 39. With a three-year run at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Timothy presents his amazing show that is family-friendly and laugh-out-loud hilarious. This is a show you truly have to see!

Cirque du Soleil Facepaint!

One of the fascinating aspects of Pippin is that the performance troupe that helps tell the story and plays the array of characters in the musical, don Cirque du Soleil style face paint reminiscent of French aristocratic makeup of long ago. Happycake Face Painting is the perfect way to jump into and be a part of the show! Nestled in San Francisco's Potrero Hill, Happycake Face Painting has some gorgeous designs that are perfect for the young and the young at heart. The kids will love it!

Ride the Ducks

When Pippin meets Catherine and her son Theo, Theo and Pippin bond over his pet duck in "Prayer for a Duck." Ride the Ducks at Fisherman's Wharf is an amazing San Francisco sightseeing tour of the Bay and a great way to see the city. On water! On land! - Ride the Ducks is the way to go!

Pet the Ducks!

Want to quack at ducks and commune with the waterfowl? If you want family friendly animal fun then you should go visit the San Francisco Zoo. Snuggled amongst the zoo's big offerings is San Francisco zoo's quaint family farm complete with red barn and duck pond. There are many animals to pet and bond with at the zoo as well as many larger creatures. Duck over soon! http://www.sfzoo.org/explore/exhibits/familychildrenszoo.htm

Charlemagne's War

Pippin's father Charlemagne sings about the glory of war to defend his empire in the song "War Is a Science." So, in a tribute to those who have fallen in war, the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center is a great place to visit to learn about our history. The memorial commemorates the people who served the First World War and is one of the last Beaux-Arts style structures in the U.S. - definitely a picture photo op.

What to watch for

From Nick - This revival showcases a lot more acrobatics than the original did back in 1972. This visual feast for the eyes, could lead you to lose the story thread. As critics, we'll be watching for theatrical feats (use of spots, lighting, blocking) that will keep the story arc front and center. The Lead Player, Pippin, Fastrada, and of course Charlemagne - these characters are a pivotal part of the show so watch for them anytime they're on stage and you're sure to follow the plot a lot more closely. I will be looking at the "performance" more closely than I have before.

From Linda - I'm taking the opposite approach from Nick. I plan on losing myself in the magic of the moment and will take an encompassing view of the show. I recommend that you watch for how director Diane Paulus and choreographer Chet Walker thread the storyline and the acrobatics together. (And will we see some Fosse Jazz hands and should there be a Pippin jazz hands drinking game?) Will it be seamless, or will the acrobatics prove distracting and not enhancing? Also, watch to see how you feel about the 1970's vibe of the songs and whether they prove timeless or dated for you. It's going to be a surreal ride, so come along for the fun - there's magic to watch!

PIPPIN
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Diane Paulus
September 23 - October 19
www.shnsf.com/online/pippin
Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

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