Pippin at Contra Costa Civic Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What: CCCT Launches its 66th Season with PIPPIN!

When: August 30th - September 14th, 2025

Where: Contra Costa Civic Theatre (951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530)

Tickets: On sale only at www.ccct.org ($20 - $40)

Press Inquires: boxoffice@ccct.org

EL CERRITO, CA — Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) proudly opens its 66th season with the legendary musical Pippin, running August 30 through September 14, 2025. Featuring an unforgettable score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) and dynamic direction by Nicole Helfer, Pippin is a magical journey exploring the search for meaning, glory, and a place to belong.

Nicole Helfer is an award-winning choreographer and director whose work has been seen across the Bay Area at companies like TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, San Francisco Playhouse, 42nd Street Moon, and Ray of Light Theatre. A multi-time Theatre Bay Area and San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award winner, her credits include acclaimed productions of Cabaret, Twelfth Night, A Chorus Line, and Indecent. She returns to CCCT after directing last season’s A Charlie Brown Christmas.

CCCT’s Executive Artistic & Managing Director Joel Roster says Pippin is the perfect way to open the season. “In a time when the pure magic of theatre is in shorter and shorter supply, telling this story of one person's journey toward finding themselves—and wrestling with destiny and ego—seemed to be the perfect way to introduce our next season.” He also shared his excitement about collaborating with Helfer once again, adding, “I've been friends with Nicole Helfer for nearly twenty years, and her visceral, clear vision in the director's chair is just one of the many talents she brings to any table. I'm honored to have her join our team once again.”

Pippin follows a young prince—son of the powerful King Charlemagne—as he seeks purpose beyond the throne, hoping to find his own “corner of the sky.” The show blends medieval history, vaudeville, and timeless themes of self-discovery in a dazzling and deeply human story. And with these themes comes an opportunity for Helfer to explore a wide range of theatrical styles. Seamlessly blending 70’s aesthetics with elements of commedia dell’arte and classical theatre, Helfer’s unique directorial vision reflects the true magic of live musical theatre.

Helfer explains that Pippin began as a college concept musical: “The idea for Pippin originated in 1967 when Ron Strauss, a Carnegie Mellon student, discovered a passage about Prince Pippin’s revolt against King Charlemagne in a history textbook.” Strauss and 19-year-old Stephen Schwartz developed a short musical titled Pippin, Pippin, which caught the attention of a New York producer. Schwartz continued the project with book writer Roger O. Hirson, and the show eventually made its way to Broadway under the direction of Bob Fosse.

According to Helfer, the musical was very much a product of its time, exemplifying the rock musical genre and aligning musically with shows like Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Godspell. Its soundtrack was so on-trend that Motown released songs from the show performed by The Jackson Five and The Supremes. Though inspired by historical figures, the show takes creative liberties. “Pippin may be heir to the throne, but his journey is about identity, meaning, and fulfillment,” Helfer says. “The central theme—that wealth and power can’t buy love or peace—still speaks to audiences today.”

Launching its 66th season with this production, CCCT continues its legacy of vibrant, community-centered theatre in the East Bay. Audiences can expect the same high-quality performances and dynamic storytelling that have made CCCT a local favorite for more than six decades.

The cast of Pippin includes Trixie Aballa (Fastrada), Sydney Jacobs Allen (Leading Player), Ronnie Anderson (Ensemble/Understudy Charlemagne), Bruce Bierman (Charlemagne), Juni Hernandez (Ensemble), Alix Josefski (Featured Dancer), Stephen Kanaski (Pippin), Kamaria McKinney (Featured Dancer/Understudy Leading Player), Evelyn McCollum (Ensemble/Lewis), Amber McCann (Catherine), Tina Marzell (Berthe), Olivia Quinn (Ensemble), Juno Rabinovici (Ensemble), and Luca Varela (Theo).

The creative and production team includes Nicole Helfer (Director), Kenji Higashihama (Music Director), Kristin Smith (Production Manager), Anne Kobori (Stage Manager), Tricia Tecson (Scenic Designer), Denise Altaffer (Costume Designer), Ashley Munday (Lighting Designer), Kinzey Eastin (Sound Engineer), and Devon LaBelle (Props Designer).

Tickets are $20–$40 and available exclusively at www.ccct.org. Seating is limited; early reservations are recommended.

For press inquiries or press pass requests, contact boxoffice@ccct.org.