Pippin 1972 - Articles Page 5

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 5

Pontiac Theatre IV's Got Magic to Do with PIPPIN
by BWW News Desk - Oct 30, 2017


Pontiac Theatre IV will open its 2017/2018 season on November 10th with the musical Pippin, the classic song and dance-filled tale of a young man in search of his 'corner of the sky.'

Matt Pfieffer Reimagines GODSPELL with Gender-Blind Cast at Villanova Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Sep 19, 2017


Villanova Theatre will kick off the 2017-2018 season with the iconic musical Godspell, directed by Philadelphia favorite Matt Pfeiffer, who took home the Barrymore Award for Best Direction of a Play two years in a row.

Matt Pfieffer Reimagines GODSPELL with Gender-Blind Cast at Villanova Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Aug 31, 2017


Villanova Theatre will kick off the 2017-2018 season with the iconic musical Godspell, directed by Philadelphia favorite Matt Pfeiffer, who took home the Barrymore Award for Best Direction of a Play two years in a row.

Photo Flash: John Doyle Directs AS YOU LIKE IT at Bay Street Theater Starring Ellen Burstyn, Andre De Shields, and More!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 17, 2017


Bay Street Theater has announced their take on AS YOU LIKE IT, by William Shakespeare, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, with original music by Stephen Schwartz, will run from August 8 - September 3. For tickets call the Box Office at 631-725-9500 11 am - show time daily or purchase online at www.baystreet.org.

Bay Street Theater to Offer 'Pay What You Can' Performance of Starry AS YOU LIKE IT
by BWW News Desk - Aug 8, 2017


Bay Street Theater has announced a 'Pay What You Can' performance for AS YOU LIKE IT, a comedy by William Shakespeare, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, with original music by Stephen Schwartz, today, August 8 at 7 pm.

Photo Flash: John Doyle Directs AS YOU LIKE IT at Bay Street Theater Starring Ellen Burstyn, Andre De Shields, and More!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 7, 2017


Bay Street Theater has announced their take on AS YOU LIKE IT, by William Shakespeare, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, with original music by Stephen Schwartz, will run from August 8 - September 3. For tickets call the Box Office at 631-725-9500 11 am - show time daily or purchase online at www.baystreet.org.

Bay Street Theater to Offer 'Pay What You Can' Performance of Starry AS YOU LIKE IT
by BWW News Desk - Jul 26, 2017


Bay Street Theater has announced a 'Pay What You Can' performance for AS YOU LIKE IT, a comedy by William Shakespeare, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, with original music by Stephen Schwartz, on Tuesday, August 8 at 7 pm.

BWW Review: PIPPIN at SoLuna Studios
by Anthony Hazzard & Scott Stolzenberg - Jul 22, 2017


It was a magical night at the SoLuna Studio as the exceptional cast of 'Pippin' graced the stage, sang and danced in the aisles, and at times, wound up performing in our laps. Composer Stephen Schwartz' masterpiece is brought to life by a talented bunch of young actors and actresses who are certainly on their way to Broadway. Not only does this energetic cast perform the entire 1972 Broadway musical with great gusto and pride but they also created an exceptional circus atmosphere, reminiscent of the 2013 Broadway revival, which brought 'Pippin' to a whole new exciting level.

BWW Review: Gary Laird - PIPPIN Has Magic To Do at Miller Outdoor Theatre
by Gary Laird - Jul 13, 2017


It's a show business aphorism that the meaning of the musical PIPPIN, first produced on Broadway in 1972, is anybody's guess. I can go along with that.

Thomas Williams, Holland Vavra to Lead All-Houston Cast in PIPPIN at TUTS
by BWW News Desk - Jul 11, 2017


Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) introduces the fully Houston-based cast and creative team for the upcoming production of PIPPIN.  

Photo Flash: PIPPIN at The Firehouse Theatre
by Kyle Christopher West - Jul 8, 2017


The Firehouse Theatre (2016 BWW Award for Best Theatrical Venue under 500 Seats) in Farmers Branch, TX, unveils their big summer musical of Pippin, by Steven Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson. Pippin was originally directed for the Broadway stage in 1972 by Bob Fosse, and the 2013 Broadway revival earned 4 Tony awards including Best Musical Revival. The Firehouse Theatre will present their summer musical in a Big Top Circus presentation, similar to the style of the Broadway Revival production, including aerial performers, magic tricks, and death defying acts! PIPPIN runs July 19th through August 20th, with show times Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30pm and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets and more information can be found at www.TheFirehouseTheatre.com or call 972-620-3747.

Ellen Burstyn, André De Shields & More Will Star in John Doyle-Helmed AS YOU LIKE IT
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 7, 2017


Bay Street Theater is pleased to announce the full cast for AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle. The production will run at Bay Street Theater from August 8 - September 3. The production will star Hannah Cabell (The Father, Men on Boats, Major Barbara) as Rosalind, Academy Award, Emmy Award and Tony Award winner Ellen Burstyn (Same Time, Next Year, The Last Picture Show, The Exorcist) as Jacques, and Andre De Shields (The Full Monty, Ain't Misbehavin', The Wiz) as Touchstone.

BWW Feature: PIPPIN Plays at Princeton Summer Theater!
by Sarah Vander Schaaff - Jun 27, 2017


PIPPIN plays at Princeton Summer Theater, bringing the music of Stephen Schwartz.

Thomas Williams, Holland Vavra to Lead All-Houston Cast in PIPPIN at TUTS
by BWW News Desk - May 26, 2017


Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) introduces the fully Houston-based cast and creative team for the upcoming production of PIPPIN.  

Street Theatre Company to Present PIPPIN
by A.A. Cristi - May 23, 2017


Following on the heels of the hilarious LUCKY STIFF and the poignant  JOHN & JEN, Street Theatre Company presents PIPPIN. This venerable musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson opened on Broadway in 1972 under the brilliant direction of Bob Fosse and went on to receive 5 Tony Awards and 4 Drama Desk awards the following year. A fully reimagined Broadway revival in 2013 won the show 4 more Tonys, 4 more Drama Desks, plus a slew of other awards.

Meet the Sweet Company of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Opening Tonight on Broadway!
by Meet the Cast - Apr 23, 2017


The new Broadway musical Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is currently in performances at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street) and officially opens tonight, April 23, 2017. Scroll down to get to know the company before tonight's opening bows!

BWW Review: PIPPIN Hypnotizes at Wausau's Grand Theater
by Meredith Kreisa - Apr 21, 2017


PIPPIN performed at Wausau's Grand Theater on April 20. This stunt-filled, magical spectacular is a dazzling delight.

National Tour of PIPPIN Flies to the Capitol Center for the Arts
by BWW News Desk - Mar 22, 2017


Experience the thrilling 2013 Tony Award-winning musical PIPPIN at the Capitol Center for the Arts (Concord, NH) on Thursday, May 11 at 7:30pm. This show tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. It explores the glories of war, the temptations of love, and the intrigues of political power before discovering happiness lies not in the extraordinary but in the ordinary moments of every day.

Theatre Under The Stars Announces the Tommy Tune Award Nominees
by BWW News Desk - Mar 21, 2017


Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is excited to announce the nominations and host for TUTS' 15th annual Tommy Tune Awards, which will be held on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

University of Washington Musical Theater Program presents PIPPIN for Third Annual Production
by BWW News Desk - Mar 10, 2017


The University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences presents the third annual production of the UW Musical Theater Program, Pippin. The production runs March 10th through March 19th at the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse at NE 41st Street and University Way NE. 

BWW Interview: Savannah Sprinkle of PIPPIN at The Playhouse
by Greer Firestone - Mar 2, 2017


Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist who brought us WICKED in 2003, began his career over 40 years past with GODSPELL in '71 and PIPPIN the next year. After a successful 2014 Equity tour a follow up non-equity tour opens at The Playhouse on March 7 for a 6-day run.

Global Potential Celebrates 10th Anniversary with a Gala Concert Featuring Patina Miller
by BWW News Desk - Feb 28, 2017


?Global Potential, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in New York, NY, announced today that it will mark the 10th anniversary of their transformative program with a gala concert celebration featuring special guest, Tony Award winner, Patina Miller.

University of Washington Musical Theater Program presents PIPPIN for Third Annual Production
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 23, 2017


The University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences presents the third annual production of the UW Musical Theater Program, Pippin. The production runs March 10th through March 19th at the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse at NE 41st Street and University Way NE. 

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and PIPPIN to Take the Stage at TUTS This Summer
by BWW News Desk - Feb 13, 2017


Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) has announced its annual summer show performance series at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Ann Reinking Discusses Bob Fosse's Influence on Her After All These Years
by Marissa Sblendorio - Feb 10, 2017


If not for her skills as a dancer and choreographer, Broadway legend Ann Reinking is most known for her relationship with director and choreographer Bob Fosse. Once he saw her in PIPPIN in 1972, she became Fosse's protege and romantic partner, with a relationship lasting until 1978.

Pippin FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Pippin have there been?
Pippin has had 11 productions including which opened in 1967, Broadway which opened in 1972, Broadway which opened in 1972, West End which opened in 1973, Australia which opened in 1974, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 2000, Regional (US) which opened in 2005, which opened in 2005, East Haddam, CT (Regional) which opened in 2006, Broadway which opened in 2013 and US Tour which opened in 2014.
What Tony Awards has Pippin been nominated for?
Best Musical , , Best Book of a Musical for Roger O. Hirson, Best Choreography for Bob Fosse, Best Costume Design for Patricia Zipprodt, Best Direction of a Musical for Bob Fosse , Best Lighting Design for Jules FisherBest Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Stephen Schwartz and Best Scenic Design for Tony Walton.
What Tony Awards has Pippin won?
Best Book of a Musical for Roger O. Hirson Best Choreography for Bob Fosse, Best Costume Design for Patricia Zipprodt, Best Direction of a Musical for Bob Fosse , Best Lighting Design for Jules Fisher, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Stephen Schwartz, Best Scenic Design for Tony Walton, .
What awards has Pippin been nominated for?
Pippin has been nominated for the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for John Rubinstein.
What awards has Pippin won?
Pippin has won the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for John Rubinstein.

Videos