'Pippin' Cast and Crew Ready for Tonight's Debut

The Theater Department is bringing 'Pippin' to life on the high school auditorium's stage this weekend

The production, comprised of a cast of nearly 30, features Matt Lynn in the title role with Taylor Jackson as 'Leading Player.' The players and crew put on their final dress rehearsal Wednesday evening before Thursday's debut.

The story of 'Pippin' revolves around a young man finding his way and, at times, rebelling against the establishment, war, and his father Charlemagne, played by Geoffrey Ko.  

The musical, originally produced in 1972, was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. WHS teacher Daniel Devlin directs the performance, with musical direction provided by WHS choral director John Brzozowski. The orchestra is made up of WHS students with additional support provided by several musicians from the community.

The show opens with the full cast performing "Magic to Do,” showcasing the cast’s dance talent. Samantha Hahn serves as the show’s choreographer. Hahn, who has choreographed shows throughout her four years at WHS, enjoys her work with the Westfield teens. 

“The students were amazing," Hahn said. "They are very professional, very hard working and passionate about what they do. It is a joyous experience to work with them."

Jack Frankola, an eighth-grader at , attended Wednesday evening's dress rehearsal.

“I like the theater and I like to see the high school sets,”  he said. 

The elaborate set and lighting effects add to the splendor of the production. The school’s theater entry area features festive decorations crafted by WHS parents in red, black and gold as well as pictures of the cast and crew. 

The 'Pippin' poster and the show's publicity materials were designed by aspiring artist and WHS junior .

The Cast:

Pippin – Matt Lynn

Leading Player – Taylor Jackson

Fastrada – Maggie Tanji

Charlemagne – Geoff Ko

Bertha – Rebecca Skowron

Lewis – Will Cary

Catherine – Annie Oldakowski

Theo – Connor Wynne

The Players:

The Women

Elena Arida  ......   Megan Ariola

Mary Barber ......  Catherine Bruno

Kate Capodanno  ...... Olivia Cara

Celia Childs  ...... Jackie Daaleman

Isabel DoCampo  ...... Claire Dorwart

Lauren Echausse  ...... Marisa Garrity

Liz Griesmer ......  Victoria Guerriero

Allie Hecht  ...... Katherine Ko

Hannah Margolin ......  Caity Meixner

Megan Mulrooney ......  Abbie Paone

Molly Prybylski  ...... Jill Rosenfeld

Kim Roth ......  Jessica Sipe

Isabel Smelkinson ......  Haley Tanella

Stephanie Tepper  ...... Michaela Tropeano

Nicole Zimmerman

The Men

Colin Barry  ...... Daniel Coelho

Dan Connolly  ...... Chris Ick

J.D. Kelly  ...... Jack Kirkland

Julian Mone ......  Jack Mustard

Jeremias Olivera  ...... Michael Poyntz

Jack Venezia ......  Fraser Weist

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10. Tickets are $12 and available via mail at WHStickets@westfieldnjk12.org or by calling 908-233-0563.