Roger O. Hirson News

Kansas City Repertory Theatre opens its 48th season with the Tony Award-nominated musical Pippin, which features a score by Grammy-winner Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson. The Rep's artistic director Eric Rosen will direct the musical, which runs September 14-October 7 in Spencer Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the rehearsals below. Check back later for full production shots!

Kansas City Repertory Theatre opens its 48th season with the Tony Award-nominated musical Pippin, which features a score by Grammy-winner Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson. The Rep's artistic director Eric Rosen will direct the musical, which runs September 14-October 7 in Spencer Theatre.

Diversionary Theatre announced complete casting for its production of PIPPIN, the extraordinary musical journey with book & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Roger O. Hirson and directed by James Vasquez. Performances begin at Diversionary Theatre (4545 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92116) on September 6.

ReVision Theatre Presents PIPPIN, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Roger O. Hirson and Bob Fosse (uncredited) and directed by Bob Angelini with choreography by Mark Moreau, musical direction by Andrew Hertz and casting by Erin Brautigan. The show features Brett Colby, Bernard Dotson, Spiro Galiatsatos, Spencer Kiely, Jeanne Montano, Katherine Pecevich, and Hannah Shankman at Theatre at St. George, 700 Grand Ave, Asbury Park, NJ. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below.

Not seen on Broadway since its five year run in the 1970's; a workshop production just announced at American Repertory Theater with buzz of Broadway producers closely watching - Revision Theatre presents a revival of Pippin starting tonight, July 26, 2012.

Not seen on Broadway since its five year run in the 1970's; a workshop production just announced at American Repertory Theater with buzz of Broadway producers closely watching - Revision Theatre presents a revival of Pippin starting July 26, 2012.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Diane Paulus' upcoming production of Pippin might be heading to Broadway after it plays Cambridge's American Repertory Theater in December. Now the New York Times is reporting that Broadway favorites Patina Miller, Terrence Mann, and Charlotte d'Amboise are in talks to star in the production as 'Leading Player,' 'King Charles,' and 'Fastrada' respectively. Additionally, Damon Daunno, who recenty starred in Broadway's Brief Encounter is in talks to play the leading role.

Led by the maniacally perfect Billy Ditty as the appropriately named "Leading Player," the 14-member ensemble deliver a thoroughly focused performance, never straying from the job at hand to endanger the success of the production. That focus is necessary, of course, given the intimate confines of the playing space and the amount of action that transpires on that postage stamp-sized stage. The action, in fact, never stops and choreographer Shepherd-obviously channeling the spirit and the nature of the master Fosse himself-gives the actors a lot to do. Quite frankly, this may be one of the best choreographed musicals ever mounted at the Boiler Room, so evocative is every movement and so expertly performed is every number.

According to the New York Times, Diane Paulus' upcoming production of Pippin might be heading to Broadway after it plays Cambridge's American Repertory Theater in December. Patrick Healy writes that producers Barry and Fran Weissler are looking into backing the show for a Broadway run. A spokesman told NYT: "It's a project that Barry and Fran are very interested in. They're huge fans of Diane. Right now they're just supporting the project."

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.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre's artistic director Eric Rosen has selected the creative team for his staging of the Rep's 2012-13 season opener Pippin, a musical by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Roger O. Hirson (book). Pippin will run September 14 - October 7, 2012 at Spencer Theatre in Kansas City, MO.

Diversionary Theatre announced the company's 2012-2013 productions and presentations at an event this past Saturday. The season will include the previously announced world-premiere of Harmony, Kansas, a new musical; an imaginative staging of Pippin; the first full-scale production of the new play, when last we flew; a comedy about family, Birds of a Feather; and, the hilarious farce, The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabbler.

The Music Theatre Company's Jeff Recommended spring production of Pippin by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson, directed and choreographed by Founding Artistic Director Jessica Redish, will now run through May 13, 2012 at The Music Theatre Company located in the Karger Center, 1850 Green Bay Road in Highland Park.

Eric Rosen has announced his selections for Kansas City Repertory Theatre's 2012-13 season, his fifth year as the theatre's artistic director.