Pippin

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Book by Roger O. Hirson

Bob Fosse (additional material)

Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow.

Originally directed on the Broadway Stage by Bob Fosse

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Directed by Jessica Rae Foulds

Music Direction by Zachary Anderson

Choreography by Jessica Rae Foulds & Zoe Anderson

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When:Sun. Aug. 16th from 7:00pm-9:00pm and Mon. Aug. 17th from 7:00-9:00pm

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Where: The Wilton Playshop 15 Lovers Lane, Wilton

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What: Please come prepared to sing and dance. Plan to sing 16-32 bars of something in the same style of the show. Bring sheet music.

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Who: All ages, dancers, gymnasts, stunters also encouraged to audition

 

Rehearsals: Rehearsals are generally Mondays–Thursdays in the evening (7-9pm) beginning August 31st

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Show Dates:

Nov. 6th & 7th at 7:30pm and Nov. 8th at 2pm

Nov. 13th & 14th  at 7:30pm and Nov. 15th at 2pm

Nov. 20th & 21st at 7:30pm​

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This is a TRUE ensemble show with the ensemble featured in 90% of the show. 

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Character Descriptions

 

​​Principal Roles

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The Leading Player | Gender-flexible | Vocal Range: Db3–Ab4 (Tenor/Mezzo) The ultimate ringmaster — masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts who guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. An excellent dancer, obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience. The driving, often sinister, force of the entire show.  

 

Pippin | Male | Vocal Range: G2–Ab4 (Tenor) The story's young and confused protagonist — the son of fabled Emperor Charlemagne and heir to the throne. Bright, educated, and restless, he longs to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent, he eventually finds love and meaning with Catherine and Theo.  

 

Charlemagne (Charles) | Male | Vocal Range: G2–E4 (Baritone) Pippin's demanding and less-than-attentive father. As King of the Holy Roman Empire, he is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride, indulges Fastrada's extravagance, but isn't too fond of their son Lewis.  

 

Fastrada | Female | Vocal Range: A3–F5 (Soprano) Pippin's conniving stepmother — wife of Charlemagne and mother of Lewis. A seductress who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart, skilled at using her appeal to benefit herself and her son.  

 

Lewis | Male | Vocal Range: Spoken/sings with ensemble Pippin's not-too-bright half-brother and, after Pippin, heir to the throne. Doted upon by his mother Fastrada as she attempts to promote his chances of becoming principal heir. Not at all like Pippin, Lewis loves weight lifting, wrestling, showing off — and most of all, Lewis.  

 

Berthe | Female | Vocal Range: E3–C5 (Alto/Mezzo) Pippin's saucy grandmother — a brassy woman full of wisdom, grace, and sass who tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest. Energetic and comedic, she delivers one of the show's most beloved numbers, "No Time at All."  

 

Catherine | Female | Vocal Range: F#3–Db5 (Mezzo-Soprano) A widow and mother — beautiful and a hopeless romantic who possesses graceful elegance. She encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him. Practical and grounded, she represents the real happiness Pippin has been searching for all along.  

 

Theo | Male (or Female) | Vocal Range: A3–C5 (unchanged voice) Catherine's son, age 9–12, with a voice not yet changed. A small, lovable boy who befriends Pippin and, together with his mother, gives Pippin a reason to finally embrace an ordinary life.  

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Featured/Supporting Roles

The Head | Male | Vocal Range: Spoken The dismembered head of a common man — a Visigoth who died on the field of battle against the armies of Charlemagne. He relates the harsh realities of warfare to Pippin, finding no glory in having died for his king, nor in any of the battles he previously fought. A darkly comic reality check delivered entirely in dialogue.  

 

Baron / Noble | Male | Vocal Range: Spoken/sings with ensemble Members of Charlemagne's nobility. They represent the political world Pippin briefly inhabits when he attempts to rule the empire.  

 

Male Courtier / Female Courtier | Vocal Range: Sings with ensemble Members of Charles' Royal Court who populate the world of the palace and reflect its pomp and politics. 

 

Monks 1–3 | Male | Vocal Range: Sings with ensemble Employed in the chapel at Arles. They appear during the religious chapter of Pippin's journey, representing the path of spiritual devotion. 

 

Newscasters 1–3 | Any gender | Vocal Range: Spoken They present the news of the kingdom midway through Act 1 — a sardonic, anachronistic device used to deliver commentary on war and politics with theatrical flair. 

 

Peasant | Any gender | Vocal Range: Spoken/sings with ensemble A poor subject of Charlemagne's empire. The Peasant convinces Pippin that those who work the land should own it — voicing the frustrations of the common people during Pippin's short-lived rule. 

 

Petitioner | Any gender | Vocal Range: Spoken A character whose sole purpose is to beg for things — a comic figure who illustrates the endless demands placed on those in power. 

 

Player with Torch | Female | Vocal Range: Sings with ensemble A special member of the acting company who holds the torch for Pippin's great finale. A small but dramatically significant role tied to the show's darkest and most climactic moment. 

 

Ensemble

The Players | Any gender | Vocal Range: Full SATB coverage needed. The ensemble plays a vital role in bringing the story to life, serving as a collective presence that supports and enhances the narrative. They represent various characters, settings, and elements within the show — creating the world of Pippin and contributing to the overall storytelling. Ensemble "Players" also take on many other roles, representing the influences and voices in Pippin's head. Parts taken on by ensemble members include soldiers in Charlemagne's army, monks, nobility, and peasants. 

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PIPPIN  is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com