Pippin 1972

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.

Get Pippin Email Alerts

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

Stephen Schwartz Inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
by Stephi Wild - Mar 28, 2024


Broadway came to Long Island recently as a range of vocalists and musicians gathered to honor and induct award-winning Broadway and movie lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on March 23rd at its Stony Brook Museum location.

Stephen Schwartz to be Inducted Into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2024


The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will induct award-winning Broadway and movie lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz. Learn more about Schwartz!

Meet Columbia Alumni Behind Some of Broadway's Biggest Hits
by Team BWW - Nov 6, 2023


Did you know that these Columbia alumni are behind some of Broadway’s biggest hits?

NENAproductions Stages PIPPIN at Jersey Shore Arts Center Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Sep 28, 2023


NENAproductions Theater Company, celebrating 20 years in residence at The Jersey Shore Arts Center has magic to do as they present the Broadway musical, PIPPIN. Learn more about the musical and find out how to purchase tickets here!

Irvine Barclay Theatre Reveals Upcoming Season
by Stephi Wild - Aug 1, 2023


Irvine Barclay Theatre has announced more shows for its 2023-24 season. One of the most popular performing arts venues in Orange County, Irvine Barclay Theatre presents renowned artists in a wide range of genres, from jazz, classical, country, Motown, and global music, to comedy, dance, theater, captivating speakers, and more.

Review: PIPPIN has "Magic To Do" at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by ErinMarie Reiter - Jul 30, 2023


There is “Magic To Do” by the cast of PIPPIN at North Coast Repertory Theatre.  Through August 20th you can see this talented troupe of players as they bring this Fosse classic musical about a young man looking to be “extraordinary” to the stage.

What Are The Smallest Parts to Win Tony Awards?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 10, 2023


While the large majority of those who have won Tony Awards for performances on Broadway have put in significant stage time in their roles, there are a few notable exceptions. Who are the artists who impressed Tony voters so much that they won their trophies, even with relatively minimal stage time?

Review: PIPPIN at Texarkana Repertory Company
by Theresa Bertram - May 11, 2023


What did our critic think of PIPPIN at Texarkana Repertory Company?

Review: PIPPIN at Little Theatre Of Mechanicsburg
by Andrea Stephenson - Mar 12, 2023


With beautiful music, dancing, and magic, and a thought-provoking story, Pippin is a whirlwind that captures the imagination. Pippin is a challenging show, but the cast at Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg approaches the challenge with an enthusiasm that is infectious.

Review: No Headline Needed - PIPPIN: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST REUNION CONCERT at 54 Below
by Bobby Patrick - Feb 9, 2023


To say that this was a one-of-a-kind event is an understatement.

Lorna Luft, PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 4, 2023


Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. 

See Jennifer Holliday, the Original Broadway Cast of PIPPIN & More Next Month at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2023


Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See February's lineup and learn how to purchase tickets!

Review: HADESTOWN at Kansas City Music Hall
by Alan Portner - Jan 18, 2023


Blend two ancient Greek myths, add the climate change crisis, a screed on capitalism, fears surrounding immigration, sprinkle in delightful, original folk music, and stir. The unlikely result is the 2019 eight-time Tony-winning folk opus “Hadestown,” an exceptional piece of musical theater.

Original Broadway Cast of PIPPIN To Reunite For 50th Anniversary Concert At 54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 13, 2023


Pippin: The 50th Anniversary Original Broadway Cast Reunion Concert will stream live on February 7th at 7:00pm ET. In addition to the live- streamed option, there will also be four in-person performances on February 6th and 7th at 7:00pm and 9:30pm.

Review: PIPPIN at West Fargo High Theatre
by Brian Michaels - Nov 8, 2022


What did our critic think of PIPPIN at West Fargo High Theatre?

Dates Added for PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2022


54 BELOW will welcome the original Broadway cast of Pippin to celebrate the beloved musical’s 50th anniversary. Due to extreme popular demand, Pippin has added two performances on February 7 at 7pm & 9:30pm, in addition to its previously announced performances on February 6 at 7pm & 9:30pm, for a total of four shows.

John Rubenstein Celebrates Pippin's 50th Anniversary On MUSICAL THEATRE MELODIES Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Oct 21, 2022


The next broadcast of Rob Morrison's Musical Theatre Melodies will pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Steven Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson's Tony Award winning musical PIPPIN, featuring interviews with Tony Award winner John Rubenstein and songs from the original Broadway cast recording with special narration by Tony Award nominee Walter Willison.

Interview: John Rubinstein Adds EISENHOWER To his Lengthy Resume of Impressive Portrayals
by Gil Kaan - Oct 16, 2022


Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran John Rubinstein performs in his first one-man show Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground at Theatre West opening October 22, 2022. This world premiere (co-produced in association with New Los Angeles Repertory Company) is directed by Peter Ellenstein. John carved out some time to answer a few of my queries.

Cast Announced for MAMMA MIA! Opening Skylight Music Theatre's 2022-23 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2022


Skylight Music Theatre has announced the full cast for the smash hit musical Mamma Mia! running from September 23 – October 16, 2022. Performances take place in the beautiful Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center.

Review: PIPPIN: Growing Up Is Hard To Do
by Nancy Grossman - Aug 8, 2022


The second and final production of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s 2022 season is Stephen Schwartz’s PIPPIN, originally produced on the Broadway stage in 1972 with direction and choreography by Bob Fosse, and revived/reimagined in 2013 by Diane Paulus at the American Repertory Theater before going to Broadway. Undaunted by following in those two very large sets of footsteps, RMT Artistic Director Rachel Bertone forges her own path to stage a version that leads with an enlarged heart and a healthy helping of fun and whimsy.

The Milburn Stone Theatre Presents PIPPIN Beginning This Week
by Stephi Wild - Aug 7, 2022


The Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College is prepared to kick off the 2022/2023 season with the show that won Bob Fosse the Tony award for Best Direction of a Musical, Pippin! Pippin lit up Broadway way back in 1972 to much acclaim, including winning several Tony Awards including Best Actor, Choreography Direction, Scenic and Lighting Design.

Review: PIPPIN Spreads Sunshine, Bringing the Party to West Hartford at Playhouse On Park
by Ariana Straznicky-Packer - Jul 28, 2022


What did our critic think of Pippin Playhouse on Park? It's the final production in the Playhouse on Park 13th season and runs from July 6th - August 21st. Come for the show, stay for the great dancing, fun music, and comedy.

Musical Theater Melodies Celebrates 120th Birthday of Legendary Composer Richard Rodgers with Broadcast and Streaming Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2022


Tuesday June 28th, 2022, marks the 120th Anniversary of the birth of legendary Broadway composer Richard Rodgers, Rob Morrison's Musical Theatre Melodies will commemorate the occasion with the broadcast and streaming premiere of the Museum of the City of New York's A CELEBRATION OF RICHARD RODGERS, recorded live at The Imperial Theatre, New York City, on March 26th, 1972.

World Premiere of A TRANSPARENT MUSICAL, 1776 National Tour & More Announced for Center Theatre Group 2022-2023 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2022


Programming has been announced for the 2022/2023 season at the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum. Find out all of the shows in the season, how to get tickets & more. 

Nicely Theatre Group Presents PIPPIN This July
by A.A. Cristi - May 16, 2022


Nicely Theatre Group has announced ticket sales and dates for their July 2022 production of the Tony Award-winning musical PIPPIN at The Berman Center for Performing Arts in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Nicely Creative Director Mitch Master directs with choreography by Mark McCleese, vocal direction by Dan Greig, and music direction by Amy Sauve.

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