LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University will present “Pippin” May 16-19 in Haggin Auditorium. Transylvania’s theater and music programs will join forces to produce the popular musical, which first opened on Broadway in 1972.
“This is a funny, inventive, coming-of-age fairy tale—a story we hope everyone will love,” said theater professor Sully White, who will produce the show. She explained that “Pippin” was chosen for its virtues as a good ensemble piece, one that will allow many students to shine in their roles.
“While certainly the titular character is a lead role, the ensemble roles have as much stage time and get the fun task of helping to create the world of the play,” she said. “We also wanted something that would challenge and excite both the actor and the singer, and we think we’ve found that in the solid book scenes that make up the story and in the energetic score.”
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 an ambitious quest for an extraordinary and meaningful life. The context of the show is purposefully anachronistic and unconventional, though the musical score reflects a contemporary 1970s pop style.
During the musical, Pippin’s adventures include a mock battle to show him the life of a warrior, a series of meaningless sexual encounters that teach him how relationships without love are hollow, a fight against tyranny and experiments with art and religion, all in the name of finding his true calling in life.
Directed on Broadway by Bob Fosse and running for nearly five years in the 1970s, “Pippin” totaled 1,944 performances, and won five Tony awards in 1973. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, and the book is by Roger O. Hirson.
Ticket information will be announced at a later date.