Pippin

Synopsis courtesy of Carol Bawer

Pippin opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on October 23, 1972.

Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
Book: Roger O. Hirson
Director/Choreographer: Bob Fosse
Producer: Stuart Ostrow

CAST
Leading Player: Ben Vereen, Northern Calloway, Samuel E. Wright
Pippin: John Rubinstein, Dean Pitchford, Michael Rupert
Charles: Eric Berry
Lewis: Christopher Chadman, Justin Ross
Fastrada: Leland Palmer, Priscilla Lopez, Patti Karr
Catherine: Jill Clayburgh, Betty Buckley
Theo: Shane Nickerson

PIPPIN is the story of a frustrated young man in search of a world worthy of his superior being. The oldest son of Charlemagne, Pippin is continually disappointed in the banality of his life. The play is the story of his quest, told within the framework of a circus magic show, with the duties of ringmaster being taken on by the Leading Player. Telling us that he has "Magic To Do," he leads us through Pippin's adventures in a series of separately titled vignettes wherein Pippin tries to find fulfillment.

Pippin believes there must be a place that is special enough for the extraordinary likes of him, and this cocky young man sets out to find his "Corner of the Sky." In cleverly-written parcels, ancient and modern beliefs are intertwined to remind us of the universal truths that know no restriction of time. Pippin tries and fails in a number of instances: in war, in sex, in politics.

In "The Hearth" he ultimately turns up at the home of a young widow with a son. Catherine has her work cut out for her with this self-centered fool. In song we learn what "Kind of Woman" she is...no frills, ordinary, customary. But she is attracted to Pippin (it's something about the arch of his foot) and schemes to get him to stay on. Her own tale of woe hooks him, and Catherine puts Pippin to work on her estate. But toiling in the fields is beneath this former emperor. Pippin needs to do "Extraordinary" things and plans to leave.

But Pippin is sidetracked by something less than extraordinary. Catherine's little boy Theo suffers the loss of his beloved pet duck, and Pippin feels needed. He stays and makes it his business to raise the boy's spirits, showing the same perseverance in dealing with Theo as he did in his own search. Catherine finds this seemingly unselfish side of Pippin attractive. In the wake of this discovery, she and Pippin find each other, and the story of their love is told as parallel to the erotic dance going on upstage. The simple life goes on, and together they sing a "Love Song."

Six months has passed since Pippin joined this little family. Catherine throws a surprise party, placing Pippin at the head of the table. The ordinary-ness of it all suddenly strikes Pippin, and he feels he must get away. There has to be more to life than this! His departure leads Catherine to speculate "I Guess I'll Miss The Man."

The Finale finds Pippin back in his magic circle with the players getting ready to celebrate his excellence with the ultimate honor: to engulf him in flames in the firebox trick! Sure, he will perish, but in that glorious, fiery moment he will know supreme fulfillment! In a splendid show of lights and music, the players goad him on. Pippin weakens as they coax him with visions of glory, beckoning as angels would to heaven. In the final moment, our hero resists! Pippin finally realizes the truth, choosing life, however simple. Catherine and Theo emerge. The Leading Player apologizes to the audience...it seems Pippin has "compromised his aspirations!" In classic fairy-tale style, Pippin rejoins his "family".

The music of Pippin is both playful and sweet. The serious moments are lightened with comedic touches. Pippin's story is all about second chances too...and not giving up the search, but at the same time realizing that sometimes you needn't be on the road to someplace, you are already there.

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