Performance Preview Guide for Pippin
Performances: July 21-30, 2006 at First Stage Theatre, 120 Front Street North, Issaquah
Patrons have different ideas of what material or themes are appropriate for them and their
families. For this reason, we provide the following information:
The Program and Process
The Village Theatre Summer Rep Independent Productions program is excited to present Pippin.
Summer Rep Independent Productions is a program that allows young people ages 13-20 to put
on a full-length show. The production team is composed of only students, whom are
accompanied by Village Theatre professional artists in a mentorship program. The students learn
how to direct, choreograph, build, and manage a professional production.
The Production
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Pippin may not be appropriate for children ages 13 and under.
Pippin is a story about a young man trying to find out who he is. He explores many
options, some of which may be controversial to some viewers.
Pippin reflects various perspectives on relationships and contemporary subject matter
including sex, violence, the military, religion, and politics. The team has strived to treat
the challenging material with respect and humor to assure the story is honest and
compelling.
Versions available to preview: A script is available at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre Box
Office in Issaquah for you to read.
Synopsis: This contemporary, lighthearted tale about the son of King Charlemagne the Great
captivates audiences and appeals to the young at heart everywhere. On his quest to find his true
calling in life and complete fulfillment, Pippin tries war, love, politics, and other pursuits before
settling down. From infectious dance numbers to soaring ballads, the lively pop-influenced score
by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked) bursts with show stopping numbers including “Magic
to Do,” and “Corner of the Sky.”
Script Content Details
Please note: the following information contains plot spoilers.
Violence: The first act has a war sequence in which Pippin takes part. The entire number,
entitled “Glory” is done with a Fosse style dance and fight choreography. In the second act
Pippin is asked to kill himself in order to create the grand finale. He makes the choice not to do
so and to live a simple life with no enticement of any kind.
Sexual content: Relationships are central to the story of Pippin. Pippin is constantly exploring
new ways of finding ultimate fulfillment in life. In the first act, Pippin in thrust into a world of
sexual enticement; this scene is all done through modern and jazz dance. Pippin realizes that he
is not intrigued by the pressure and removes himself from it. In the second act Pippin falls in
love with a woman named Catherine. The two have a love scene, yet this is done by a small
ballet.
Language: The story is set in an environment where constant pressures of others are pushed
upon Pippin. Language, including sexual references and innuendo, name-calling and swear
words realistic to the characters and situations are heard throughout the production.