Pippin

Ages: 9+
Opened: October 23, 1972
Closing: June 12, 1977

Pippin - 1972 - Broadway History , Info & More

Imperial Theatre (Broadway)
249 West 45th St. New York, NY

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2022

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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.

Tony-Winning Musical PIPPIN Opens March 30 At Oakland University
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 22, 2022

Stephen Schwartz's Tony Award-winning 1972 musical Pippin celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and Oakland University's Department of Theatre is inviting you to join the Guardians of Splendor for some Fosse-inspired magic March 30 – April 3 in Varner Studio Theatre on the OU campus.

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Pippin FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To Be a King
Goodbye, Yesterday
Run into Your Arms
Father Said
Victorious
They Will Listen to You
I Don't Owe You a Thing
Begging Milady's Pardon
A Simple Dance
While You Were Away
Easy to Be Happy
Pippin, Pippin
The Next King
Come with Me
Somebody Loves You
Preparations
My Son
Kyrie
Soliloquy
Magic to Do
Corner of the Sky
Welcome Home
War Is a Science
Glory
Simple Joys
No Time at All
With You
Spread a Little Sunshine
Morning Glow
On the Right Track
Kind of Woman
Extraordinary
Love Song
I Guess I'll Miss the Man
Think About Your Life
Marking Time
Just Between the Two of Us
Sing Hallelujah
Man, He Is a Timid Beast
Save Tomorrow for Me
Perfectly
Everyday Things
It's a Wonderful Time of Life
It Never Was There
The Good Time Ladies Rag
Somebody Loves You
Magic To Do
Corner of the Sky
War is a Science
Glory
Simple Joys
No Time at All
With You
Spread a Little Sunshine
Morning Glow
Entr'acte
Right Track
Kind Of Woman
Extraordinary
Love Song
I Guess I'll Miss the Man
Finale
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.
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.
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, .
Pippin has been nominated for the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for John Rubinstein.
Pippin has won the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for John Rubinstein.

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