Pippin 1972 - Articles Page 14

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

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Pippin - 1972 - Broadway Articles Page 14

CONFIRMED: James Ponsoldt to Pen PIPPIN Film Adaptation
by Caryn Robbins - May 7, 2013


The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that James Ponsoldt has officially signed on to write the big screen adaptation of the beloved musical PIPPIN.

PIPPIN Offers Fans a Chance to Record 'No Time at All' With Andrea Martin
by Kelsey Denette - May 2, 2013


The acclaimed Broadway production of PIPPIN and Ghostlight Records invites fans to sing on the brand new Broadway cast recording. On Tuesday, May 7 at 12:30 PM, PIPPIN fans will gather to sing along with Andrea Martin for one of the show's highlights, 'No Time At All.' Space is strictly limited to sign up now at www.PippinTheMusical.com/singalong.php. Pippin has been nominated for ten Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival.

Carolee Carmello, Christopher Fitzgerald and More Set for BROADWAY BY THE YEAR: THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1972 Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Apr 29, 2013


The Broadway Musicals of 1972 comes to The Town Hall tonight, April 29 with a performance featuring famous numbers from Broadway favorites Grease, Pippin, and more!

TV: Watch Full Highlights from PIPPIN on Broadway- Opens Tonight at the Music Box Theatre!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin opens tonight at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). BroadwayWorld brings you full highlights from the musical below!

Review Roundup: PIPPIN Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by BWW News Desk - Apr 26, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin opens tonight, April 25, 2013, at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all-new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). Let's see what the critics had to say...

PIPPIN Opens on Broadway Tonight; Check Out Highlights!
by Stage Tube - Apr 25, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin opens tonight. This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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).

STAGE TUBE: First Look at Highlights from PIPPIN on Broadway!
by Stage Tube - Apr 20, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin is currently in previews at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at highlights from the show!

PIPPIN is Heading to the Big Screen; James Ponsoldt to Pen Adaptation!
by BWW News Desk - Apr 16, 2013


According to Deadline.com, The Weinstein Company has hired Matthew Ponsoldt to pen a film adaptation of the musical Pippin. No film version of Pippin has ever been produced.

Photo Flash: PIPPIN's Got Magic to Do on Broadway- First Look at Patina Miller, Matthew James Thomas & More!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 16, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin is currently in previews at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!

PIPPIN Cast Album in the Works; Ghostlight to Release in June 2013!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 8, 2013


Ghostlight Records will release the New Broadway Cast Recording for Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy PIPPIN, which is now playing at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) and opens on Thursday, April 25. The cast will record the album on April 29. The album will be release in June 2013 (date to be announced) and will feature material from the show never previously recorded. The album will be co-produced by composer Stephen Schwartz and Kurt Deutsch, and executive produced by Howard & Janet Kagan.

Carmello, Paige & More to Sing BROADWAY MUSICALS OF '72 at Town Hall, 4/29
by BWW News Desk - Apr 3, 2013


This critically acclaimed series has blossomed from an idea to what Show Business Weekly deems, '…an invaluable and entertaining jewel in the cabaret crown of New York' Author/critic Scott Siegelcreated the series for Town Hall, which he writes and hosts. Siegel takes audiences of all ages on a musical tour of the Great White Way, offering an entertaining verbal account of Broadway's history. Each evening celebrates the songs from Broadway shows of a selected year, sung by a cast of talented cabaret and Broadway performers. This marvelous program not only highlights favorite show-stopping numbers, it also features lesser-known gems.

Carolee Carmello, Christopher Fitzgerald and More Set for BROADWAY BY THE YEAR: THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1972
by Kelsey Denette - Mar 29, 2013


The Broadway Musicals of 1972 comes to The Town Hall on April 29 with a performance featuring famous numbers from Broadway favorites Grease, Pippin, and more!

BWW Special Report: PIPPIN's Motown Magic Returns to Broadway
by Kevin Winkler - Apr 3, 2013


As an undergraduate theater major in the early 1970s, I heard music everywhere. It seemed to pour out of every office and workspace around the department. (And in the LP era, if you wanted more than the radio, this meant schlepping a twenty pound record player and a dozen or so albums from your home to the campus, sometimes requiring back-and-forth trips from the car. If you go to that much trouble, you want to keep the music playing.) In the hushed costume shop with its quietly industrious all female staff, Broadway ruled, with Stephen Sondheim's recent Company and Follies in heavy rotation. It was 'men only' in the scene shop where I listened to male balladeers like James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot while unhappily working off assigned crew hours. Jazz classes (my favorites) in the dance department were conducted to the pre-disco sounds of Isaac Hayes and the Temptations. And late night cast parties were never complete without spins of Bette Midler's first two albums.

STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes of PIPPIN'S First Preview!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 27, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin began performances on Saturday, March 23 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). In the video below, the cast takes you behind the scenes of the first preview at the Music Box Theatre. Check it out below!

STAGE TUBE: PIPPIN Cast Helps Select Music Box Seats!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 26, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin began performances on Saturday, March 23 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). In the video below, the cast helps fans pick the perfect seat at the Music Box Theatre. Check it out below!

PIPPIN Announces General Rush Policy!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 25, 2013


The producers of PIPPIN announced today that a limited number of $37.00 rush tickets will be available for purchase in-person at the Music Theatre box office (239 West 45th Street) when it opens at 10am (Noon on Sundays) for that day's performance only. There is a limit of one ticket per person. Tickets are subject to availability and may not be offered at all performances. Cash or Credit is accepted.

Photo Flash: Backstage with the Cast of PIPPIN for First Preview!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 25, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy Pippin began performances on Saturday, March 23 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the cast preparing for the first preview, as featured on the show's official Facebook page, below!

PIPPIN Begins Broadway Preview Performances Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Mar 23, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy PIPPIN returns to Broadway when performances begin tomorrow, tonight, March 23 at 8 p.m. at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). Opening is set for Thursday, April 25. On March 23rd only, box office hours have been extended to 10:00 p.m. to accommodate any patrons seeking to purchase advance tickets.

PIPPIN Begins Broadway Performances Tonight
by Kelsey Denette - Mar 22, 2013


Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's beloved coming-of-age musical comedy PIPPIN returns to Broadway when performances begin tomorrow, tonight, March 23 at 8 p.m. at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). This all new production is directed by Diane Paulus featuring choreography by 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). Opening is set for Thursday, April 25. On March 23rd only, box office hours have been extended to 10:00 p.m. to accommodate any patrons seeking to purchase advance tickets.

Manilow's HARMONY, DeVito and Griffiths in THE SUNSHINE BOYS, WE WILL ROCK YOU, PORGY & BESS & More Set for Ahmanson in 2013-14
by BWW Special Coverage - Mar 13, 2013


The 2013-2014 Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre season was announced today by CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 3/6- Stephen Schwartz
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 6, 2013


Happy Birthday, Stephen Schwartz! In a career spanning over four decades, Schwartz has written such hit musicals as Godspell (1971), Pippin (1972) and Wicked (2003). He has also contributed lyrics for a number of successful films, including Pocahontas (1995), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), The Prince of Egypt (1998; music and lyrics) and Enchanted (2007). Schwartz has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and has been nominated for six Tony Awards.

BWW Blog: Molly Tynes of PIPPIN - A Glorious Synthesis
by Guest Blogger: Molly Tynes - Mar 5, 2013


Our first week of rehearsal has just come to a close. As many of you probably know, this production of "Pippin" originated at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA this past winter. Our director, Diane Paulus ("Porgy and Bess," "Hair"), collaborated with Gypsy Snider (a founding director of the circus company Les 7 Doigts de la Main) to create a new context and theme for the show - the circus. However Diane also wanted to incorporate some of the beloved choreography and iconic style from the original 1972 production created by Director/Choreographer Bob Fosse. Our choreographer, Chet Walker (an expert on the Fosse style and a cast member of the original production of "Pippin"), has made several referential nods to the original "Pippin" in his choreography and has even utilized some of the original choreography in a couple of key moments. (For more information on the new concept and the creation of the show, see my previous BroadwayWorld blog posts about our time at the A.R.T. here: http://americanrepertorytheater.org/inside/articles/look-inside-pippin-molly-tynes.)

PIPPIN Box Office Opens at Music Box Theatre on Saturday, March 2
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 28, 2013


The Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) box office will open Saturday, March 2nd for the eagerly anticipated American Repertory Theatre production of Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's PIPPIN, directed by Diane Paulus. Patrons who purchase tickets at the box office on March 2nd will be entered into a drawing to receive two tickets and party passes to the opening night celebration on Thursday, April 25. For more details, visit the box office. PIPPIN begins preview performances on Saturday, March 23.

STAGE TUBE: Meet the Cast of Broadway-Bound PIPPIN; Matthew James Thomas, Patina Miller, Andrea Martin & More!
by BWW Special Coverage - Feb 27, 2013


The cast of Pippin will have magic to do at the Music Box Theatre, with preview performances beginning Saturday, March 23, 2013 and opening night on Thursday, April 25, 2013. It might still be another month before fans can check out the cast in action, but you can meet the company of the incoming revival with videos of them from past productions and roles below!

BWW Interviews: Fosse Veterans, Culbreath and Pettiford Pass on Legendary Choreography to Next Generation of Dancers
by Mary Callahan - Feb 22, 2013


Broadway World [BWW] sat down with Broadway veterans, Lloyd Culbreath and Valarie Pettiford, to discuss their efforts to preserve Bob Fosse's legendary choreography for the next generation of dancers. The pair held an exclusive Fosse Workshop in early February and invited fifty professional dancers to learn the signature style and articulation of Fosse choreography.

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

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