In 1972 Pippin opened on Broadway and became one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history, closing in 1977. Stephen Schwartz's bubbling optimistic tunes made the surreal and sensual mood of the piece an ultra-pleasant experience for theatre goers. One actually left the theatre humming the score. Throughout the dreamlike texture of Pippin's quest for his 'Corner of the Sky', however, there blooms a simplistic, timeless message that reverberates to this day. So, even though this brand new revival set in a circus big top is visually more opulent with high swinging artists and feats of magic, the pieces of the puzzle do fit into place - original director Bob Fosse would approve - and the play's substance is untarnished. Director Diane Paulus may take a bow for her simply stunning ambition of embellishment. I prefer the simplicity of the original, which allows your imagination to take flight, but must own up to enjoying most of the new version. How can you not, as the Fosse-esque style with acrobatics added on make for a visually splendid evening of dance and action.
Today in 1972, Pippin opened at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for 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.
The entire national touring production of PIPPIN, which launched in Denver last month, has been dedicated to Denver Center for the Performing Arts President Randy Weeks, who died suddenly on Oct. 9 in London.
Deaf West Theatre hosts a memorial to celebrate the life and career of Tony Award-winning actress and deaf activist Phyllis Frelich tonight, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Mark Taper Forum. Ms. Frelich, who was deaf, passed away from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in April. She was 70.
Deaf West Theatre will host a memorial to celebrate the life and career of Tony Award-winning actress and deaf activist Phyllis Frelich on Monday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Mark Taper Forum. Ms. Frelich, who was deaf, passed away from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in April. She was 70.
SHN previously announced that Andrea Martin, who won the 2013 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for creating the role of 'Berthe' in the Broadway production, would reprise the role in the final two weeks (beginning today, October 7 and running through October 19) of the San Francisco engagement at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre.
Long-time friends, associates and family gathered last night (October 6) to celebrate the 70th birthday of one of the theatre community's most treasured members - award-winning sound designer Abe Jacob.
Stars Sasha Allen (Broadway's Hair) and Matthew James Thomas (Broadway's Pippin, Spider-Man) stopped by KPIX CBS San Francisco Bay Area News yesterday to discuss the musical.
Broadway, film and television casting director Barry Moss passed away in Manhattan on June 17, 2014. He was 74. A video tribute, created by Denise Pence and 'Broadway: The Golden Age' film trilogy filmmaker Rick McKay, honored the legendary casting director at a Memorial Tribute held in Moss's honor in New York City today, September 29th. The 12-minute video tribute includes an interview with 50-year friend John Rubinstein, who is on the road in the new PIPPIN and could not attend, and some rare footage of Lucie Arnaz performing 'They're Playing Our Song,' both shot by McKay. Watch below!
The air was crackling with excitement on opening night for the much anticipated revival of Pippin at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre. And for good reason. The show won four Tony Awards last year including Best Musical Revival, with Diane Paulus taking home the Tony for Best Director. Patina Miller as the Leading Player took home Best Actress, while Andrea Martin won Best Featured Actress. Not to be outdone, the national tour signed Sasha Allen, Lucie Arnaz, and John Rubinstein, not to mention Canada's circus troupe, Les 7 doigts de la main. Talk about the wow factor. Pippin is an exuberant, extravaganza of a show and it plays now through October 19 at SHN's Golden Gate Theatre.
SHN has announced that Andrea Martin, who won the 2013 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for creating the role of 'Berthe' in the Broadway production, will reprise the role in the final two weeks (October 7-19) of the San Francisco engagement at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre.
Below, from the PIPPIN National Tour launch in Denver, 'In Focus' host Eden Lane brings us her full one-on-one with Sasha Allen (a finalist on the 4th season on THE VOICE) who portrays the 'Leading Player'. Click to watch the interview!
The national tour of Pippin launched in Denver this week, and host of 'In Focus' Eden Lane sat down for a one-on-one with composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (GODSPELL, WICKED, Pippin, and more). Lane also met the director and driving force behind this re-imagined Pippin, Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus. This episode also includes highlights with cast members Matthew James Thomas as Pippin, Lucie Arnaz as Berthe, Sasha Allen (a finalist on the 4th season on THE VOICE) as Leading Player, and Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein, who created the role of Pippin in the 1972 original Broadway production. Click below to watch the interviews!
Sasha Allen and Matthew James Thomas (filling in for Kyle Selig,) Lucie Arnaz, and more lead the new national touring production of Pippin, now playing in Denver. Check out a first look at the cast in action below!
An informative new behind the scenes video series highlighting the new national tour of the current hit Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's PIPPIN is now available to view, showcasing stars Matthew James Thomas, Lucie Arnaz, John Rubinstein, Sasha Allen and more.
A new behind the scenes video series spotlighting the new national tour of the current hit Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's PIPPIN is now available to view, showcasing stars Matthew James Thomas, Lucie Arnaz, John Rubinstein, Sasha Allen and more.
Matthew James Thomas, who originated the role of PIPPIN in the current 2013 Tony Award winning revival, will perform the role of PIPPIN when the show launches its tour in Denver on September 6 and will play the entire Denver engagement. Kyle Selig will be taking a medical leave of absence for vocal rest from thePIPPIN tour. This all-new production of Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's PIPPIN is directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus, features choreography by Tony Award nominee 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). PIPPIN plays The Buell Theatre September 6 through 20 only (Media Night: Sept.10). Tickets are on sale now at Denvercenter.org or by calling 303.893.4100.
Sasha Allen and Kyle Selig lead the new national touring production of PIPPIN, launching next week on Sept. 6 in Denver. Check out a first look at the pair in just-released publicity images, via the Denver Center below!
