Schwartz is no stranger to the musical theatre fan. You may have heard of his last show, a little show entitled Wicked? The show was Tony Nominated for Best Musical, and has played to sold out houses here in North America and abroad.
Those who have heard of Wicked may or may not know the long history Schwartz has with theatre, including the hit musical Godspell, and Bob Fosse's original production of his musical, Pippin. Thirty four years later, Pippin is getting a fresh look, and is touring North America thanks to Goodspeed Musicals.
Pippin, according to the press release is "a timeless coming-of-age story about a historical figure - Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne's first son, Pippin - and uses this tale to examine contemporary attitudes to young people's places in an increasingly divided and difficult universe. Torn between being the heir to the throne and finding his own "corner of the sky," Pippin leaves home and wanders through the worlds of politics, sex, love and war."
The production stars Joshua Park as the title character, and Mickey Dolenz (of The Monkees fame) as Charlemagne. Andre Ward plays the leading player, played in the original by Ben Vereen.
The book is by Roger O. Hirson, and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Early in Schwartz's career, he became one the few composer-lyricists to ever have three successful Broadway shows running simultaneously (Godspell, Pippin and The Magic Show). Schwartz also wrote the scores for The Baker's Wife, Children Of Eden and Rags.
Directed by Gabriel Barre, who helmed Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party off-Broadway, the show also features choreography by Mark Dendy.
Pippin begins its limited engagement at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on October 24th, playing until December 3rd, 2006.
For more information, click on the Mirvish Production Website.
