We've got magic to do, just for you.
We have miracle plays to play.
We've got parts to perform and hearts to warm...as we go along our way.
So begins tonight's production of Pippin. It is hard to believe that after 40 years of working in the theatre, I have never been associated with a production of the show. It is a show I considered producing for many years and finally that moment has arrived. Written in 1967 at Carnegie Mellon University, Pippin is the story of a young man on a quest to find and live an extraordinary life of fulfillment and meaning. It is the story of everyman. Commenting on his own work, Stephen Schwartz remarked, "Thematically, it was my first time dealing with the content that has appeared again and again in my work: the tension between reality and romanticism, the need to accept life as it is and not as we would wish it, father/son issues, and the necessity of taking personal responsibility for one's own life. The songs are a reflection of those themes."
Filled with memorable music and thought provoking themes, Pippin remains one of the classic shows of musical theatre. And now is our time to bring it to life on stage for your enjoyment.
On behalf of the entire production staff, I can say without hesitation, it has been a joy to work with your students on this production. They have given their heart and soul to this show. Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious.
Thank you for taking the time to join us this evening, to participate with our students in this production, and for supporting our actors, dancers, technicians, and musicians. Each and every one has a gift for creating fine art and, hopefully, will continue to do so long into the future. We need them and they need you. So, let's join Pippin this evening on his quest. We may find we have much in common.
Rivers belong where they can ramble and eagles belong where they can fly...Gotta find my corner of the sky.
Steve Nibbe, Director
