Steven Schwartz, composer of Wicked, Children of Eden, and Godspell, wrote the original version of Pippin when he was an undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. But it wasn’t until the success of his show, Godspell, that producer Stuart Ostrow agreed to present Pippin in New York, bringing in Roger Hirson to rewrite the libretto and Bob Fosse to direct and choreograph the show. What Bob Fosse included was the vaudevillian and commedia dell’ arte elements coupled with his signature choreography in his reworking of the musical.
The Show revolves around a young man who is trying to find himself and happiness as he learns about war, sex, and social causes. This story is something that I believe resonates in all of us; the search for something extraordinary and fulfilling in our lives.
We all long to feel the happiness that comes from complete fulfillment, but in the end it’s really about love. The love of our partner, the love of our family, the love of our friends….whatever makes us feel happiness in life. What is it that you’re searching for in your life? Have you found your “corner of the sky”?
Pippin was conceived during a movement that was reactionary to a seemingly never-ending war, and the revival of this show (which gender swaps the Leading Player, adds more musical dance numbers, and ensemble engagement) was nominated for countless Tony awards in 2013.
Enjoy the show.
