Kids To Perform Tony Award-Winning Musical 'Pippin'

There is magic to do at Montville Township High School this spring, and the MTHS Drama Club will be warming hearts as they present the Tony award-winning musical, Pippin. Written by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of a traveling band of performers, who rely on the character known only as, Lead Player, to assist in directing them as they tell the whimsical and wise tale of Pippin.

“I love Pippin,” said Lead Player, senior, Emily Michalak. “I love the music so much.”

While the story is loosely based on two real-life Medieval personalities, this high energy, dynamically bold, and exquisitely costumed period piece, is an extravagant show of song and dance.

“I don’t think I have ever played a character who is both larger than life and position,” said Chris Mayer, a senior, who plays Charles, a character based on King Charlemagne. “I think they [the authors] meant for Pippin to be larger than life, to be exaggerated.”

Though based in the past, the colorful and popular musical has more to do with the ageless search for meaning and the struggles of growing up and making sense of life.

“I like that Pippin has a deeper meaning,” said senior Zach Vallese who plays Lewis. “It’s my favorite musical. I said, ‘If in my senior year they do Pippin I want to be a part of it.’ They did, and I am very happy I am.”

Full of wit and wisdom, the Pippin song book includes such classics as “Magic to do,” “My Corner of the Sky.” “Spread a Little Sunshine,” “No Time at All” and “With You.”

The cast includes more than 40 freshman, sophomores, junior and seniors. It also includes one Valley View Elementary School fifth grader, Colin Volpe, as Theo.

“I thought it would be fun,” Volpe said. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of plays in my town. I like hanging out with all the high school kids.”

Robin Lemmerz, a senior, who landed the lead, is making his high school musical debut in Pippin. The rest of the cast includes: Julianna Abramson, Kayla Armando, Erika Batic, Carly Benson, Jessica Blake, Sophia Blake , Emily Bochen, Liz Catto, Emma Fleisig, Jess Gillen, Heather Giudice, Colin Goldenberg, Lexi Goldberg, Kayla Hardin, Skyler Herman, Larissa Iellimo, Jason Joo, Sydney Kayne, Emily Kozell, Liz Kroll, Morgan Machiski, Julianne MacNeill, Jaclyn Montano, Tyler Mackey, Chris Mayer, Emily Michalak, Julia Musilli, Brooke Nagel, Alicia Oh, Sabrina Puleo, Allison Regan, Julia Rossinow, Tara Roy, Nicolette Rubel, Heather Shaw, Jay St.Cloud, Ashley Tanchak, Mikaila Ullal, Zach Vallese, Julia Vinder, Colin Volpe and Alexa Zammit.

Originally directed by Bob Fosse, who also wrote the musical’s book with Roger O. Hirson, Pippin is a timeless and eternally fresh celebration of the comedy and tragedy of the human condition. It is the 33rd longest running show in Broadway history. This season’s MTHS 2016 musical production of Pippin will be directed by Scott R. Baird. Baird, who also serves as the production’s Executive Producer. In 2015 he brilliantly staged Legally Blond. In 2014 he made his MTHS debut with the direction of The Wizard of Oz. Once again Baird has assembled a stellar creative team. Kristen Markowski (Vocal Director/Assistant Director), Colleen McArdle (Choreographer), Andy Havington (Music Director), Susan Kenny (Costume & Hair/Make-Up Design), Erik Sheehan & Rick Lebrenz (Scenic Design), Karen Holeczko (Properties Design), Eileen Racioppi (Art Director), Rick Lebrenz (Lighting Designer), Pam Wilczynski (Production Stage Manager) and Meagan Miller (Associate Producer) will help will all aspects of the production’s vibrant details.

Pippin will play Thursday, March 3, Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 in the Dr. Robert O. Stafford Auditorium at the MTHS, 100 Horse Neck Road, Montville, New Jersey. Performances are at 7:30 PM all three evenings. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Tickets for Pippin are General Admission. They can be bought at the door and at lunch time during the week of the show.