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Pippin

Ages: 9+
Closing: June 12, 1977

Pippin - 1972 Broadway History , Info & More


Minskoff Theatre (Broadway)
200 W. 45th St. New York, NY 10036

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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Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre
by Aidan O'Connor - May 21, 2026


Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Surprising Celebrities Who Began Their Careers in HAIR
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 24, 2025


Diane Keaton made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of Hair at the age of 22. The landmark musical started out at the Public Theater off-Broadway in 1967 before transferring to the Biltmore Theatre on Broadway in 1968. Keaton joined the cast for the Broadway run, originating her track in the show.

Student Blog: It's Time to Keep Living
by Student Blogger: Natalie Liew - Jun 17, 2025


his is the show we have all been waiting for. Three whole years, and we conclude our course with one of the most incredible musicals. One of my dream shows. Pippin!

Review: PIPPIN at BrightSide Theatre
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - Jun 15, 2025


This 1972 musical written by Roger O. Hirson with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz – yes of Godspell and Wicked fame – and directed by Bob Fosse, is the current production at BrightSide Theatre. It originally stared John Rubenstein as Pippin and Ben Vereen as Leading Player.

Review: PIPPIN at Gettysburg Community Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - Jun 8, 2025


This production of Pippin is riveting as it combines humor, color, and fun with intense anguish, searching, and desire.

Who Are the Most Tony-Nominated People of All Time?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 18, 2025


This time, the reader question was: Who Are the Most Tony-Nominated People of All Time? Audra McDonald now holds the record for the most-nominated performer, but do you know who has the most ever?

Previews: PIPPIN at Westhill High School
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Apr 14, 2025


Westhill High School’s Northstar Playmakers have magic to do in the upcoming production of Pippin, the 1972 Tony Award winning musical. This is also one of your last chances to see some of the area’s most promising performers before they become famous because they are graduating in June.

PIPPIN 50th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT To Begin Streaming On BroadwayHD This March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 20, 2025


BroadwayHD will exclusively broadcast the world premiere of the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert beginning Thursday, March 13.

FREE TO BE...YOU AND ME Exhibition to Open at the Eric Carle Museum
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2024


Explore the 50th anniversary of FREE TO BE...YOU AND ME at the Eric Carle Museum, celebrating its impact on children and families. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

PIPPIN to Open Syracuse University Department of Drama 2024/2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2024


The Syracuse University Department of Drama will open the 2024/2025 season with “Pippin,” the Tony Award-winning musical from composer Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Celebrate FREE TO BE...YOU AND ME at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2024


This fall, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art will present the first exhibition about the transformative power of Free to Be… You and Me, a cultural force that inspired generations of children and families.

Syracuse University Department of Drama Reveals 24/25 season
by Stephi Wild - Sep 13, 2024


The Syracuse University Department of Drama has announced the 2024/2025 season. Learn more about the lineup here!

Review: PIPPIN at Garden Theatre
by Joseph Harrison - Sep 1, 2024


“Everything has it’s season, everything has it’s time..” So goes the lyrics of “Corner of the Sky”, one of the most well-known songs from Stephen Schwartz’ and Roger O. Hirson’s Tony award winning musical, PIPPIN. And it seems, that for the Garden Theatre’s latest production of this classic, now is the season and the time for a production of PIPPIN that not only brings this story to life for a new generation but does so in a new and inclusive way - incorporating deaf actors and American Sign Language (ASL) at the very heart of the show. I am pleased to say that this new approach works marvelously well – elevating the performance by adding elements that give new meaning to the story unfolding on stage and creating an evening of theatre that is magical, memorable, and unlike anything you are likely to have seen before.

Rita Moreno, Ben Vereen, & More to Attend 2024 TCM Classic Cruise
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 27, 2024


EGOT-winner Rita Moreno, Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen, and stage and screen legend sisters Hayley and Juliet Mills are set to attend the TCM Classic Cruise, sailing October 26, 2024, from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel and Disney Castaway Cay on the Disney Magic.

Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup – August 19 to August 25, 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Aug 19, 2024


Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including singer-songwriters, 'dragapella,' and plenty of jazz.

CHESS IN CONCERT Comes to Mt. Gretna Playhouse in July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 28, 2024


Chess the Musical will be brought to life by 17 actors and a 24-piece orchestra in a gorgeous open air venue in Central Pennsylvania.

Heart House Inclusive Productions to Present PIPPIN This Summer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 21, 2024


Heart House Inclusive Productions will present PIPPIN, a musical about the eldest son of Charlemagne seeking meaning in life. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Photos: Go Inside the PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert with Alex Newell and More
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2024


Just yesterday, Tony Award-winning Broadway star of Shucked, Grammy nominated Alex Newell, led the 50th anniversary concert production of PIPPIN. Check out photos from the special night!

Stephen Schwartz Inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
by Stephi Wild - Mar 28, 2024


Broadway came to Long Island recently as a range of vocalists and musicians gathered to honor and induct award-winning Broadway and movie lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on March 23rd at its Stony Brook Museum location.

Stephen Schwartz to be Inducted Into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2024


The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will induct award-winning Broadway and movie lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz. Learn more about Schwartz!

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?

Pippin History

Other Productions of Pippin

1967   Reading
1972   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1973   West End London Production
West End
1974   Australia Australian Production
Australia
2000   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2005   Regional (US) Reprise! Concert
Regional (US)
2005   Bay Street Theatre Revival
2006   East Haddam, CT (Regional) Goodspeed Revival
East Haddam, CT (Regional)
2013   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2014   US Tour US National Tour
US Tour

Pippin - 1972 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Pippin — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1973 Theatre World Awards Performance John Rubinstein
1973 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Roger O. Hirson
1973 Tony Awards Best Choreography Bob Fosse
1973 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Patricia Zipprodt
1973 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Bob Fosse
1973 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher
1973 Tony Awards Best Musical Stuart Ostrow
1973 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Stephen Schwartz
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ben Vereen
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Irene Ryan
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Leland Palmer
1973 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Tony Walton

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