JACK OAKIE MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

Pippin

By Stephen Schwartz, Roger O. Hirson & Bob Fosse

WHO: Ages 14 to 25  WHEN: July 10 – August 13, 2023  PRICE: $850

This professional level five-week program is under the direction of Rubicon returning favorite Carolanne Marano (Choreographer for WEST SIDE STORY, MY FAIR LADY and HELLO! MY BABY). Students in this course spend seven hours a day, six days a week, vigorously training, rehearsing and performing a musical production. During this period, students learn about character development, story structure, movement, vocal production, and stagecraft, building a common and supportive bond with their fellow actors. The five weeks culminate in a series of performances in front of a live audience.

PERFORMANCES:
August 5 at 7 p.m.
August 6 at 2 p.m.
August 11 at 7 p.m.
August 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
August 13 at 2 p.m

An ensemble cast tells the story of Pippin, a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. To prove his loyalty to his distracted father King Charles, Pippin goes to war. But when the Leading Player convinces the prince to fight tyranny, Pippin kills Charles and takes over the throne. Realizing his mistake, Pippin begs the Leading Player to bring his father back to life, and she obliges. The prince falls in love with Catherine, a widow with a young son, and (much to the Leading Player’s chagrin), Pippin struggles to decide whether he should settle down and pursue a peaceful life or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers.

Character Descriptions:

LEADING PLAYER – The ultimate ‘ring leader.’ Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. Excellent dancer. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience. Vocal range top: Ab4, Vocal range bottom: Db3

PIPPIN – our story’s young and confused protagonist. He longs to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo. Vocal range top: Ab4, Vocal range bottom: G2

BERTHE – Pippin’s saucy grandmother. A brassy broad full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest. Vocal range top: C5, Vocal range bottom: E3

CATHERINE – a widow and mother. She is a beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him. Vocal range top: Db5, Vocal range bottom: F#3

CHARLES – Pippin’s demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride. Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: G2

FASTRADA – Pippin’s conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart. Skilled at using her sexual appeal to benefit her and her son.

FEMALE COURTIER – a female member of Charles’ Royal Court.

HEAD – a severed head that speaks to Pippin following the battle.

LEWIS – Pippin’s half-brother. He loves the limelight.

NEWSCASTERS – the present the news of the kingdom midway through Act 1.

PETITIONER – all she/he ever does is beg for stuff!

A PLAYER – another member of the acting company.

THEO – male character (played by M/F): Catherine’s young son.

BARON – a member of nobility.

ENSEMBLE – Charlemagne’s Army, Monks, Nobility, Peasants, The Player