Pippin Ranks Among Proscenium Circus’ Finest (VIDEO)

After Friday’s opening night, the names of the Pippin cast were on the lips of all in attendance. David Nicholson’s performance in the title role, Ryan LaForest’s portrayal of the Leading Player and Kaileigh Underwood’s dancing, to name but a few, had people buzzing as the near-capacity crowd spilled out of the auditorium after the last scene.

Names that were not mentioned included Elspeth Vandegrift, Phillip Oxnard, Ruben Markowitz and Laurel Wills. These students, whose attire was not costumes, but all-black clothing and headsets, are members of the Pippin crew.

The crew’s primary goal: Remain unseen and unheard. 

As Stage Manager, senior Vandegrift was responsible for everything that happened on the stage.

“The pressure is on for me to guide over one hundred people to work together seamlessly,” she said of her recurring PC role.

Having attended everything from auditions to final dress rehearsals for Pippin, Vandegrift logged more hours than any other student.

“I’m often asked why I put myself through this stressful and time-consuming job that takes over my life,” she said. “My answer is always the same. From Day 1, when everyone is shaking and scared, to the first few moments when there’s a glimmer of a real show, to opening night, to the final night when cast and crew are bonded toward a common goal…I simply love it.”

“Elspeth is in charge of every performance,” Assistant Director Susan Williams said. “She manages the cast and crews and calls all of the cues during the show--lighting, sound, special effects, set run, props, cast entrances. She handles it like a pro and all of the students and staff appreciate her warmth and her firm but easy manner.”

“Elspeth is a truly gifted stage manager. She could do this for a living if she wanted to,” said Director Linda Potter.

Comprised of teams responsible for set construction, set painting, lighting, sound, props, set run, hair and makeup, and costumes, Pippin’s crew numbered about fifty. Assignments ranged from ensuring that cast members’ microphones were activated at the proper times to chaperoning the dog, a Pug named Stella who is featured in Act 2.

Vandegrift had six assistant stage managers for Pippin; the norm is four. She trained the whole group rather than cut anyone because she found them all to be so enthusiastic.

Wills, a junior, was credited for taking on tasks outside her realm of responsibility. “One day I walked in and she was taking out the trash,” said Vandegrift. “She mopped spills off the floor during rehearsals.”

Lighting Designer Markowitz and Props Crew Chief Oxnard, both seniors, studied under former PC members during earlier performances before taking on their lead positions.

“Tackling a show like Pippin is difficult, as it rapidly shifts from tender, subtle scenes to the ‘rock and roll’ style,” said Brendan Hearn, PC’s Technical Director. “Ruben skillfully created a vibrant, rich and enticing world that truly accentuates the ‘magic’ found throughout the production.”

With 240 lighting cues, 50 spot cues, and 100 projections, Vandegrift said, “the lighting board was pushed to its limits.”

Oxnard and his team spent a great deal of time ascertaining the placement of the weapons, an exercise that demands precision.  

Of Pippin’s appeal, Oxnard said, “I love the script. The Leading Player is the most interesting character I’ve seen on this stage,” he said.

Originally directed on Broadway by Bob Fosse, the play follows young Pippin as he searches for his life’s meaning. He becomes a soldier, a womanizer, a ruler, and, finally, a man in love. He remains unsure of what path to choose.

The story of Pippin has universal meaning, according to Williams. “Its message of finding your own ‘corner of the sky’ still rings true for young and old alike.”

The PC dance ensemble’s performances, choreographed by Liza Levy, enhanced the dramatic moments of the story and were, in a word, amazing.

“Wow!” said Honi Kawut Chapnick. “PC did Pippin justice. It brought me right back to seeing it on Broadway in the ‘70s.”

Sophomore Nicholson’s performance impressed ABRHS’ Director of Performing Arts, Mark Hickey. “All the vocals are outstanding, but David sings with sensitivity well beyond his years,” he said.

Tom Sandock said, “The show was magic. The messages of war, disillusion, youth, and love were poignant. It is by far the best show I’ve seen at the high school yet.”

Remaining performances will be on Friday, February 10, 2012 and Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 7:30 and Saturday, February 10, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets to all shows are available at Roche Bros., Red, White and Brew, and at the door.