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The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Pippin' performs at the Cadillac Palace and Sidetrack, dueling showtune concerts on August 17, and a summer 'Altar Boyz.' Plus local premieres of 'The Boy From Oz,' 'American Idiot' and 'Dogfight,' 'Gypsy' in Lake County, and 'The Producers' in true rep with 'Victor/Victoria!'
Like most theatre enthusiasts, I've always enjoyed Stephen Schwartz's score for PIPPIN, with "Magic To Do" and "Corner Of The Sky" easily being my favorite songs. That being said, the original production of the show (which, admittedly, I knew only from the VHS recording of the original Broadway cast, and a low-budget college production I saw) never resonated with me. While the opening of the show was always exciting, the show lost its glitter after the first few scenes. Then, in 2013, when I took a front-row seat at New York's Music Box Theatre to catch the celebrated Broadway revival, I found myself lost in this version's newly polished magic. The revival had won me over, and eventually I made two more trips back to New York (to the same seats) for two additional performances.
This evening, Dallas Summer Musicals hosted an exclusive press event, featuring John Rubinstein and Sasha Allen answering questions from the Dallas/Fort Worth media representatives. Members of the press were also invited to attend warm-up rehearsal onstage before the show. Check out our exclusive photos below! PIPPIN appears onstage at Music Hall at Fair Park from July 7th-July 19th, and at Bass Performance Hall from July 21st-July 26th. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.pippinthemusical.com.
PIPPIN does what musical theatre ought to do: hooks you with a great opening number, gives you characters to love and hate, treats your senses with song, dance, costuming, sets and lights and offers fresh perspective on a timeless theme.
'What is my purpose in life?' is a question asked by many people as they ponder the reasons for their existence. Finding one's raison d'etre could be the ever-elusive challenge, and should you never discover it, you are in good company. It is an existential question that lingers eternally for people who really want to have a life that matters. Now on stage at The Fisher Theatre is the musical PIPPIN, the tale of existential woe.
Today in 1977, Pippin closed at the Minskoff Theatre, after having played 1944 performances. Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious acting troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. The original cast included: Eric Berry, Jill Clayburgh, Leland Palmer, Irene Ryan, Ben Vereen, and John Rubinstein.
All of PIPPIN'S performers bring energy, extraordinary ability and talent to this revival!
Loosely based on the fictitious life of Pippin the Hunchback, this musical tells the story of the young prince Pippin, Heir to the Frankish throne, who is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the un-extraordinary moments that happen every day.
PIPPIN soars into Atlanta's Fox Theater May 5-10, 2015. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, this new staging of PIPPIN incorporates circus acrobatic tricks as well as Bob Fosse's iconic choreography.
Today we are revisiting one of Kander & Ebb's most awarded musicals in honor of its opening more than 20 years ago this week, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.
The circus is coming to the Durham Performing Arts Center from May 12th-17th in the form of the national touring production of the Tony Award-Winning revival of Pippin! In this national tour happens to be John Rubinstein, who originated the title role in the orginal Broadway production back in 1972. Now he plays Pippin's father Charlemagne, a role originated on Broadway by Eric Berry, and more recently in the 2013 Broadway revival Three-Time Tony Nominee by Terrence Mann.
When the curtain hiding the big top is dropped after the opening verses of PIPPIN's first song, it reveals one of the most stunning visual tableaus you will ever see on stage. Acrobats, contortionists, clowns, and dancers line the colorful stage in a dazzling array of theatrical magic. However, as breath-taking as the opening scene is, the musical's impact runs far deeper than just its attractive surface. The show possesses palpable wit, passion, emotion, and a message that should impact theatre-goers of all ages. PIPPIN is, by far, the most exhilarating touring show to come through The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in its first season as host of Orlando's Broadway Series. This visually and emotionally satisfying gem runs through this Sunday, April 26th; don't miss your chance to experience this beautiful corner of the musical theatre sky.
Impassioned members of Actors' Equity Association in Los Angeles have raised funds from within their own ranks to follow up yesterday's North Hollywood rally with a full-page ad in Wednesday's Los Angeles Times to urge a 'No' vote on the upcoming AEA advisory referendum to eliminate L.A.'s 99-Seat Theater Plan. Scroll down for photos from the Pro-99 Rally, held yesterday, March 23!
Frances Fisher, French Stewart and Kirsten Vangsness will join a protest march by members of Actors' Equity Association against a proposal recently announced by their union to end the 99-Seat Theater Plan in Los Angeles on Monday, March 23.
The national tour of Pippin, featuring Sasha Allen and John Rubinstein, who created the role of Pippin in the 1972 original Broadway production, has welcomed Sam Lips to the cast as 'Pippin.' Check out a first look below!
The touring production of PIPPIN landed in Nashville Tuesday night to begin their week of magic and mystery at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Over the past 150 years, there have been many significant presentations of Verdi's Requiem, but none was more powerful than the 16 performances put on by prisoners at the Terezin concentration camp during World War II. These courageous men and women faced starvation, abuse, and imminent death, yet they defied the Nazis by performing this towering masterpiece.
Tony Award-winning PIPPIN is an acrobatic, twisty, flying, leaping, twirling revival that wowed the Orpheum Theatre crowd in Minneapolis and provides thoughtful insight into the thing called life.
PIPPIN, the Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Roger O. Hirson (book) magical show is now on stage at The Palace Theatre. It tells a modern version of the mythical tale of Pippin, the oldest son of King Charlemagne, and his search for purpose and identity.
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