Wednesday, October 16, 2002
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Wednesday, October 16, 2002 |
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Fayette County High School presents rock and roll musical, 'Pippin' By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
Though the musical "Pippin" is set in 780 A.D. and is about the son of Emperor Charlemagne, it is one of the most modern musicals in recent history. Perhaps that is why the Fayette County High School drama department, performing "Pippin" at Sams Auditorium tomorrow and Friday, is so excited. The show is filled with vibrant costumes, a 12-piece orchestra creating a rock and roll style sound, black lights, comedy and more dancing than you can shake a stick at. "Pippin" is a high energy show and it appears the energy is contagious. "The kids are really having a blast," said director Fred Bobbitt, who has teamed up with Kelly Butler, as the musical director and assistant director, choreographer Annette Tomasi and band director Kenneth Beard to bring the show to life. "Pippin" was written by Roger Hirson with music by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the musical "Godspell." The character of Pippin is looking for ultimate fulfillment and he becomes bored with every approach he tries including school, war, sex, drugs and rock and roll, and domesticity. Bobbitt states that the show celebrates the theatrical and make-believe but also reality and life, which may not always be as alluring as the fantastic. "I have always loved this show," said Bobbitt. "It is very loose and very fun and I love the music." 'Pippin' is an ensemble piece with a large chorus that is on the stage for over three-quarters of the production. Bobbitt explains that while there are main characters in the show, every role is important. The role of Pippin has been double cast with senior Reuben Bidez and junior Sean Cox sharing the role. Senior Lacey Clark plays the role of Leading Player while Tia Bittner plays Pippin's manipulative stepmother Fastrada, Greg Roseberry plays Emperor Charlemagne, Megan Free plays Pippin's love interest Katherine and senior Adam Wolfe as Berthe, Pippin's grandmother. Fayette County High School's production will incorporate some of the original choreography by Bob Fosse. Featured dancers in the show are Laura Harlow and Lindsey Outlaw. The orchestra will feature an electric guitar, an electric bass and a full drum kit, among others giving the show a full sound. With all of the dance, music, color and comedy, "Pippin" is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. "Pippin" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 24 and 25 at Sams Auditorium. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door as well as at the Fayette County Public Library. "Pippin" 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24 and 25 Sams Auditorium $7 770-460-3540.
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