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A group in costume enacting a dramatic chariot race scene on stage

Analyzing ‘Pippin’: Music and Narrative Structure 

Corlew Karla

Stephen Schwartz’s lyrical brilliance and Roger O. Hirson’s storytelling mastery come alive in the compelling musical Pippin, skillfully guided under the direction of Peter Marston Sullivan.

The Storyline of Pippin: Musical and Lyric Composition

The narrative of Pippin revolves around the intriguing question: What does it mean to live an extraordinary life? This underlying theme propels Pippin through a whirlwind of experiences encompassing love, war, politics, and sensuality, cleverly orchestrated by the devious Leading Player. Iconic tunes by Schwartz, including “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic to Do,” and “Extraordinary” further enrich the musical landscape of Pippin.

Pippin’s Theatrical Journey: A Director’s Perspective

A spirited theatrical performance with a student raising a crown

Peter Marston Sullivan’s direction adds depth to the narrative, exploring the internal and external struggles of Pippin. The story unfolds as the Leading Player manipulates the dynamics to engineer a dramatically tragic end to Pippin’s journey.

Staging and Dates

This captivating theatrical experience graced the stage of Theater Wit from October 14th to November 13th in 2011.

Exploring the Characters

The cast breathes life into Pippin’s narrative:

  • Pippin: Portrayed by Shaun Nathan Baer;
  • Leading Player: Brought to life by Travis Porchia;
  • Charlemagne: Acted by Michael Kingston;
  • Fastrada: Performed by Jenny Lamb;
  • Catherine: Enacted by Dana Tretta;
  • Theo: Played by Gabriel Stern;
  • Lewis: Characterized by Sawyer Smith;
  • The Players: Kelsey Andres, Christopher Logan, Maggie Portman, Leslie Allison Smith, Sawyer Smith, Daniel Spagnuolo.

The Creative Crew Behind Pippin

The creative team did an excellent job in contributing to the overall experience:

  • Choreography: Brenda Didier;
  • Music Direction: Nick Sula;
  • Scenic Design: John Zuiker;
  • Lighting Design: Christopher Burpee;
  • Costume Design: Bill Morey;
  • Sound Design: Christopher Kriz;
  • Prop Design/Stage Manager: Cassy Schillo;
  • Producer: Peter Blair.

Understanding Pippin’s Quest for an Extraordinary Life

Amid explosive dance sequences, passionate scenes and engaging music, Pippin’s journey unravels, challenging audiences with provocative questions on life, decisions, and love.

Despite the period setting of Pippin, its themes echo in today’s society, prompting us to reflect upon the lengths to which we would go for love and the pursuit of an ‘extraordinary’ life.

Conclusion

Pippin is a musical that stands out for its catchy music, engaging dances, and a strong story about the search for life’s meaning. It effectively uses theater to make people think about love, determination, and ambition. The characters and the production team all play important roles in telling Pippin’s unique story. After watching the show, audiences are left thinking about what makes life extraordinary, discussing the limits of love, and appreciating the power of great storytelling.