York Drama’s production of classic ‘Pippin’ musical offers a modern twist

“Pippin,” Stephen Schwartz’s first Broadway hit, returns to the York stage after over 40 years since it first came to the Baker Auditorium.

York Drama is putting on Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s extravagant musical, “Pippin,” on May 1-4 in its newly renovated Baker Auditorium.

Featuring classic songs like “Magic To Do” and “Corner of the Sky,” this musical promises to be fun for the whole family as they join York students on a journey to discover what matters most in life.

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theater giant, “Pippin” is the story of one young man's journey to be extraordinary.

Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this musical continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of others and the intrigues of political power. In the end, though, Pippin will have to choose where he finds purpose in life

“For many years, York Drama has waited for the perfect occasion and reason to produce this musical, and we are so glad the time has finally come to bring ‘Pippin’ to Elmhurst,” said co-director Rebecca Marianetti. “This show is one of the most popular musicals in the musical theater canon; it is truly one of Stephen Schwartz’s greatest pieces of work, including soaring melodies and phenomenal dance.

“Pippin asks us all to look within ourselves and find what fulfills us. We often overlook the simplest of joys,” Marianetti said.

As a classic musical, the York Drama team worked intentionally to ensure it did not feel stale or outdated. Through various professional partnerships and learning opportunities, the program hoped to make it as meaningful as it may have felt over 50 years ago.

This collaboration between students, staff, and professionals allowed for a transformative theatrical process. The result is a show that respects the past while fully embracing the present.

“The most exciting part of reviving a musical many know and love is giving today’s students an opportunity to put their own mark on it,” said co-director Matt Bourke. “A story like ‘Pippin’ invites a fresh perspective from the cast, asking them what they think it means to be ‘extraordinary’ or where they want to find their ‘corner of the sky.’ It has been an incredibly affirming experience to co-direct a show of this magnitude, and to watch it come alive with our marvelous sets, costumes, and lights.”

Students didn’t just perform this story — they lived it. The cast immersed themselves in the characters’ questions and brought personal meaning to each scene.

“What I found meaningful about ‘Pippin’ was the idea of the ‘Simple Joys’ in life being compared to ‘Glory,’” said Fiona Bremner, a dance corps and ensemble member. “We often had cast discussions about this, and it pretty much outlines the basis for this musical. Pippin is trying to find something completely fulfilling, but what does the word fulfilling even mean?

“As high school students, exploring where we've experienced something similar to this in our own lives and then being able to apply it to our performance helped to bring us to the next level,” Fiona continued. “It is such a universal theme, and everyone can find their own way to connect with it. People often find that there is a good balance and it takes the little things to achieve the big things, as we see in Pippin.”

That personal connection runs deep for many cast members. The themes of the show resonate not only on stage, but in the performers’ daily lives.

“Pippin is a show that everyone can sit down and relate to,” said Aidan Espinosa (who plays Pippin). “It's a show that can speak to an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old. My favorite thing about the show may be how everyone connects to it differently based on age, background, life experiences, and more.

“At the end of the day though it's just a beautiful story, no matter how old or young you are. It makes the cast laugh, cry, scream, yelp, holler, cheer, and so much more. It's got a little slice of something for everyone,” Aidan continued. “Whether you want big Broadway glam or an intimate romance, the story of Pippin, along with its incredible score, makes you feel feelings you can't feel anywhere else.”

For Espinosa, the story goes far beyond the script. Portraying Pippin has mirrored some of his own hopes and uncertainties about the future.

“Throughout this process I feel as if I've grown as an actor, but more than that I feel as if I've grown as a person,” Espinosa said. “In many ways I relate to Pippin's story. Not any of the gory parts, but the searching for my purpose in life. Especially now, with college decisions coming up, it can feel isolating, confusing, and as Pippin would say ‘empty and vacant,’ but as I hope you see in the show, it's not about finding your purpose, it's about being happy with what you have. This show has truly helped me be present in every moment and be grateful for all the pleasures and opportunities that I'm so very blessed to have.

Behind the scenes, that sense of connection and collaboration shaped every rehearsal. The cast’s shared growth created something much bigger than a performance.

“As one of the dance captains, certain rehearsals rely on my ability to help and teach others, and the cast of people around me has made that a wonderful experience,” said Brooklyn Nuss, the “Leading Player” and dance captain. “We have created something truly beautiful.”

“Pippin” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, May 1-3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at York High School’s Baker Auditorium, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Tickets are $15 and available at www.YorkDrama.org.

“Everyone should come see Pippin because everyone in the cast, crew, and amazing directors have put so much time and effort into perfecting every detail in the show while still ensuring the cast had our voices heard throughout the process,” said Dayne Crowe, dance corps and ensemble member. “I know I have grown tremendously in the process, and we are all so excited to share our story with the community.”