Welcome back to the theatre! We are thrilled to present “PIPPIN” as our first live musical “post-Covid”. It combines some of the best aspects of musical theatre: fun music, great dancing, theatre “magic”, and – perhaps most importantly – a really good lesson of the story. “PIPPIN” is a modern-day morality play. Morality plays were popular during Medieval times to teach life lessons and how to be good people. The character Pippin’s journey is meant to mirror our own as we figure out how to manage this circus of a world we live in. With Pippin’s first song, we learn that he is seeking an “extraordinary life”. Don’t we all want that?
If Pippin represents all of us, then the Leading Player represents “The World”. The World’s main objective is to bring about the downfall and destruction of Pippin. In today’s society of social media, The World has an even louder voice than ever. Your life isn’t extraordinary unless you have this many followers – or you look like this – or you have this profession – or you make this much money – or you have this much power - or you wear these shoes – or…whatever the latest glittery and attractive worldly taunt is at the moment. The Leading Player tempts Pippin to choose fame, power, glory, and other fleeting or shallow priorities that look so very enticing, but really bring only temporary happiness rather than lasting joy. These experiences leave Pippin feeling, in his own words, “empty and vacant”.
One of the most intriguing characters to me in the show is the character Catherine. Like all of the other circus performers, at some point, Catherine succumbed to The World’s enticements. Perhaps it was in a moment of despair and loss or perhaps it happened before that, but whenever and for whatever reason, she has been for years under The Leading Player’s control as every other circus player is. However, Catherine stands up to The Leading Player and courageously takes back her free will. I love that her character teaches a side lesson to the story – that it is never too late to turn around.
Pippin believes that the “ordinary” life that Catherine and her son Theo offer him will clip his wings and prevent him from being the extraordinary person he wants to be. However, ultimately Pippin learns one of the greatest truths of all when he sings the analogy of the kite: “If I’m never tied to anything, I’ll never be free.” In a world that teaches self-gratification and seeking personal gain, how extraordinary is it to put others first – not at the detriment of losing our identity – but to love another person, to serve selflessly, to establish long-lasting relationships of family, friends, and communities. We have to be IN the world, but we don’t have to be OF the world and if we can succeed in finding that balance – how very extraordinary and truly happy we’ll be!
Speaking of communities, friends, and family – theatre is a collaboration of people supporting and serving each other. My endless gratitude goes to Joseph Byrd and the most talented student designers, stage managers, and technicians a director could ask for. Magic is real when they are around. So much love goes to our fabulous choreographer, Rebecca McRae, who might as well be listed as co-director with as much dancing there is in this show! Our fierce music team of Lauren Hallihan, David Wilson, and our new addition – Alice Ju with the orchestra – makes our ears and hearts so very happy. Finally, to our cast, I give my love and gratitude for yet again reminding me of the best part of my job – the students. I hope you all know just how very extraordinary in all the important ways you are.
Enjoy the magic!
KoKo M. Thornton
Director
