Pippin 1972 - Articles Page 10

Ages: 9+
Opened: October 23, 1972
Closing: June 12, 1977

Pippin - 1972 - Broadway History , Info & More

Minskoff Theatre (Broadway)
200 W. 45th St. New York, NY 10036

Nominated in 1972 for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and winning five of those coveted Awards, this hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale is based upon the life of Prince Pippin the Hunchback, the firstborn son of eighth century, Frankish king Charlemagne or Charles the Great, and invites audiences to join the fantastical journey of the rosy-cheeked prince famously looking for his “corner of the sky”. But his dad is a tyrannical bore, his step-mom is a Lady Macbeth in a mini skirt, and his half-brother Lewis is a twit. Returning home from school, Prince Pippin, sure of his superior qualities but lacking a purpose to which he can apply them, becomes a soldier for his father's army, but he gets upset by the killing and murders his father to stop the war. Finding he does not want to become the "puppet king" of discontented nobles in the Carolingian Empire, Pippin longs to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He is led by a mischievous Leading Player as he tries to find his place in life in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. The youth's violent journey to fulfillment sets Pippin's quest into a tradition of psychological darkness, bringing an unusually creepy seriousness to Pippin's temptations and sinister machinations to the Leading Player. In the end, he finds the simple pleasures and domestic contentment of love, home and family is something to be quietly achieved. A rock opera filled with sex, S&M, and amputated limbs, this perky musical is meant to be at times unnerving and dark. Pippin is full of light pop music, magic, and soft-shoe dances, but it has one of the darkest and most complex themes in musical theater history.

Directed by John Thompson, Music Direction by Jeannie Cross.


Pippin - 1972 - Broadway Cast

Get Pippin Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Pippin - 1972 - Broadway Articles Page 10

Andrea Martin Joins PIPPIN on Tour Tonight in San Francisco
by BWW News Desk - Oct 7, 2014


SHN previously announced that Andrea Martin, who won the 2013 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for creating the role of 'Berthe' in the Broadway production, would reprise the role in the final two weeks (beginning today, October 7 and running through October 19) of the San Francisco engagement at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre.

Photo Coverage: John Kander, James Rado & More Celebrate Abe Jacob
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Oct 7, 2014


Long-time friends, associates and family gathered last night (October 6) to celebrate the 70th birthday of one of the theatre community's most treasured members - award-winning sound designer Abe Jacob.

VIDEO: Matthew James Thomas & Sasha Allen Chat National Tour of PIPPIN
by Caryn Robbins - Oct 1, 2014


Stars Sasha Allen (Broadway's Hair) and Matthew James Thomas (Broadway's Pippin, Spider-Man) stopped by KPIX CBS San Francisco Bay Area News yesterday to discuss the musical.

BWW Reviews: PIPPIN Revival Hits the Heights - Now thru October 19th
by Linda Hodges and Nick Hodges - Sep 29, 2014


The air was crackling with excitement on opening night for the much anticipated revival of Pippin at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre. And for good reason. The show won four Tony Awards last year including Best Musical Revival, with Diane Paulus taking home the Tony for Best Director. Patina Miller as the Leading Player took home Best Actress, while Andrea Martin won Best Featured Actress. Not to be outdone, the national tour signed Sasha Allen, Lucie Arnaz, and John Rubinstein, not to mention Canada's circus troupe, Les 7 doigts de la main. Talk about the wow factor. Pippin is an exuberant, extravaganza of a show and it plays now through October 19 at SHN's Golden Gate Theatre.

Lucie Arnaz Will Return to Broadway as 'Berthe' in PIPPIN!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 23, 2014


Lucie Arnaz is set to return to Broadway in the role of "Berthe" in the Tony Award winning PIPPIN for a limited engagement beginningThursday, October 9 through Sunday, November 9. Ms. Arnaz is currently playing the role in the PIPPIN national tour which opens this week at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco, CA. Tony Award winner Priscilla Lopez recently returned to the Broadway cast in the role of "Berthe." PIPPIN is now playing at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street).

Andrea Martin to Reprise Tony-Winning Role in PIPPIN National Tour for Second Half of San Francisco Run
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 23, 2014


SHN has announced that Andrea Martin, who won the 2013 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for creating the role of 'Berthe' in the Broadway production, will reprise the role in the final two weeks (October 7-19) of the San Francisco engagement at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre.

PIPPIN Comes to SHNSF's Golden Gate Theatre, Now thru Oct 19th
by Linda Hodges and Nick Hodges - Sep 23, 2014


Pippin 'is almost here!' Broadway's high-flying hit musical is coming to SHN's Golden Gate Theater, tonight, September 23rd, thru October 19th!

BWW Reviews: Witness the Awe-Inspiring Spectacle that is PIPPIN, Launching its National Tour in Denver!
by Michael Mulhern - Oct 10, 2014


When the curtain first dropped so did my jaw and I was simply amazed at the sheer magnitude of this spectacle of a show!

STAGE TUBE: Sasha Allen Talks Leading PIPPIN in Denver
by Stage Tube - Sep 18, 2014


Below, from the PIPPIN National Tour launch in Denver, 'In Focus' host Eden Lane brings us her full one-on-one with Sasha Allen (a finalist on the 4th season on THE VOICE) who portrays the 'Leading Player'. Click to watch the interview!

BEAUTIFUL's Carly Hughes Joins PIPPIN Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 19, 2014


Carly Hughes, who most recently appeared on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, will join the Tony Award winning production of Pippin in the role of 'Leading Player' beginning tonight, September 19. Ciara Renee played her final performance in the role on Sunday, September 14. Two-time Tony Award winner Andrea Martin's limited engagement as 'Berthe' comes to an end this Sunday, September 21. Pippin is now playing at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street).

From TV to Broadway- Reality Show Winner Will Take on Title Role in PIPPIN This Fall!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 18, 2014


Josh Kaufman, who in May of 2014 was announced as the winner of Season 6 of NBC's hit show "The Voice" as a member of Usher's team, will make his Broadway debut playing the title role in the Tony Award winning PIPPIN for a limited engagement beginning Tuesday, November 4 and through Sunday, January 4, 2015. Kyle Dean Massey is currently set to perform the role on Broadway through Sunday, November 2.PIPPIN is now playing at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street).

PIPPIN Comes to SHNSF's Golden Gate Theatre Sep. 23-Oct 19th!
by Linda Hodges and Nick Hodges - Sep 17, 2014


Pippin 'is almost here!' Broadway's high-flying hit musical is coming to SHN's Golden Gate Theater September 23rd thru October 19th!

BEAUTIFUL's Carly Hughes Joins PIPPIN This Friday
by BWW News Desk - Sep 17, 2014


Carly Hughes, who most recently appeared on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, will join the Tony Award winning production of PIPPIN in the role of 'Leading Player' beginning Friday, September 19.

STAGE TUBE: Stephen Schwartz and Diane Paulus Talk PIPPIN Tour
by Stage Tube - Sep 16, 2014


The national tour of Pippin launched in Denver this week, and host of 'In Focus' Eden Lane sat down for a one-on-one with composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (GODSPELL, WICKED, Pippin, and more). Lane also met the director and driving force behind this re-imagined Pippin, Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus. This episode also includes highlights with cast members Matthew James Thomas as Pippin, Lucie Arnaz as Berthe, Sasha Allen (a finalist on the 4th season on THE VOICE) as Leading Player, and Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein, who created the role of Pippin in the 1972 original Broadway production. Click below to watch the interviews!

STAGE TUBE: Highlights from PIPPIN National Tour, Starring Sasha Allen, Matthew James Thomas & More!
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 15, 2014


Sasha Allen and Matthew James Thomas (filling in for Kyle Selig,) Lucie Arnaz, and more lead the new national touring production of Pippin, now playing in Denver. Check out a first look at the cast in action below!

Matthew James Thomas to Continue as Lead for PIPPIN's LA and San Francisco Premiere; Kyle Selig on Vocal Rest
by BWW News Desk - Sep 2, 2014


Matthew James Thomas, who originated the role of Pippin in the current 2013 Tony Award winning revival, will perform the title role when the show launches its tour in Denver, and he will also play the role in the entire run in San Francisco at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre (September 23 through October 19, 2014) and in Los Angeles at Hollywood Pantages (October 21 through November 9, 2014). Kyle Selig will be taking a medical leave of absence for vocal rest from the Pippin tour. It remains unknown whether Thomas will continue throughout the rest of the tour.

Andrea Martin Returns to Tony Award-Winning Role in Broadway's PIPPIN Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 2, 2014


The Tony Award winning Best Revival of a Musical PIPPIN welcomes back Andrea Martin, who won 2013 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for creating the role of 'Berthe' in the production, for 24 performances only, today, September 2nd, through Sunday September 21st.

Breaking: Matthew James Thomas Takes Over PIPPIN for Denver Tour Launch
by Robert Diamond - Aug 30, 2014


Matthew James Thomas, who originated the role of PIPPIN in the current 2013 Tony Award winning revival, will perform the role of PIPPIN when the show launches its tour in Denver on September 6 and will play the entire Denver engagement. Kyle Selig will be taking a medical leave of absence for vocal rest from thePIPPIN tour. This all-new production of Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's PIPPIN is directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus, features choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse and circus creation by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (also known as 7 Fingers). PIPPIN plays The Buell Theatre September 6 through 20 only (Media Night: Sept.10). Tickets are on sale now at Denvercenter.org or by calling 303.893.4100.

Photo Flash: First Look at Sasha Allen & Kyle Selig in PIPPIN National Tour!
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 28, 2014


Sasha Allen and Kyle Selig lead the new national touring production of PIPPIN, launching next week on Sept. 6 in Denver. Check out a first look at the pair in just-released publicity images, via the Denver Center below!

NEWSIES' John Dossett Crowned King in PIPPIN, Beginning Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Aug 26, 2014


Beginning tonight, August 26th, John Dossett will join the all-new Tony Award winning production of Pippin in the role of 'Charles.'

TV: Kyle Selig and PIPPIN Tour Cast Take on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 20, 2014


The national tour company of Pippin recently took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which has been dominating social media all week. Who'd they challenge in return? The Broadway casts of Mamma Mia!, Newsies, Newsies, and Pippin. Check out their wet submission below!

Austin Theatre Project's GODSPELL Opens Tomorrow
by BWW News Desk - Aug 14, 2014


Tomorrow, August 15th, the curtain will rise on Austin Theatre Project's tenth mainstage production. Godspell, the Broadway hit from the composer of Wicked and Pippin, is a delightfully engaging musical based on the story and teachings of Jesus.

Betty Buckley, Hallie Foote, Annalee Jefferies and Veanne Cox to Lead the Cast of THE OLD FRIENDS at Houston's Alley Theatre, Now thru 9/7
by BWW News Desk - Aug 15, 2014


The 'Alley Theatre @ UH' season begins with Betty Buckley, Hallie Foote, Annalee Jefferies and Veanne Cox in award-winning Texas playwright Horton Foote's The Old Friends, a Southwestern premiere.

PIPPIN Finds Its Next King! NEWSIES' John Dossett to Join Cast as 'Charles'
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 12, 2014


Beginning Tuesday, August 26th, John Dossett will join the all-new Tony Award winning production of Pippin in the role of 'Charles.' PIPPIN is now playing at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). Tony Award winner John Rubinstein departs the production on Sunday, August 24 to join the national tour, which launches September 6 in Denver, CO.

Melanie Griffith to Join PIPPIN in January?
by Sally Henry Fuller - Aug 7, 2014


In an interview with IndieWire.com, the Hawaii Five-O actress revealed that she would be doing many things to stay active including the Broadway musical.

Other Productions of Pippin

1967   Reading
1972   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1973   West End London Production
West End
1974   Australia Australian Production
Australia
2000   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2005   Regional (US) Reprise! Concert
Regional (US)
2005   Bay Street Theatre Revival
2006   East Haddam, CT (Regional) Goodspeed Revival
East Haddam, CT (Regional)
2013   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2014   US Tour US National Tour
US Tour

Pippin - 1972 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1973 Theatre World Awards Performance John Rubinstein
1973 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Roger O. Hirson
1973 Tony Awards Best Choreography Bob Fosse
1973 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Patricia Zipprodt
1973 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Bob Fosse
1973 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher
1973 Tony Awards Best Musical Stuart Ostrow
1973 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Stephen Schwartz
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ben Vereen
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Irene Ryan
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Leland Palmer
1973 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Tony Walton

Videos