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“Pippin” at Patriot Hall

There’s “Magic To Do” at Sandy Creek High School

Travel back to the 9th century when Charlemagne ruled the Holy Roman Empire and his son Pepin (Pippin) was trying to find his niche. The wayward son’s search for fulfillment is the subject of the musical, “Pippin,” and Sandy Creek High School’s first musical production in the new Patriot Hall Auditorium. Director Kathy Anderson, and musical director, Millie Turek, are excited to present their first musical in eleven years in a real theatre at Sandy Creek.

“I have to pinch myself every time I walk into the auditorium and I think of all the creative possibilities for our future productions. We are having a ball exploring all the features in our new facility, even if it is a lot of work to get things up and going for this first show.” said Turek.

The chorus and the drama students have been working since auditions took place in January to pull the production together. Choreographer, Olive Ashley, has been putting the cast through their paces in dance rehearsals. Kathy Anderson juggles multiple duties of directing and blocking actors, designing sets, lights, technical effects, and costumes to bring the “magic” to the production.

“It still amazes me how much singing, dancing, and acting talent these young people have and how hard they are willing to work.” said Turek, whose duties include not only coaching the singers, but recruiting and rehearsing an ensemble of musicians to accompany the production. Members of the SCHS band program will join the production this year to provide live accompaniment. “We hope the community will come out and support the students and enjoy an evening of musical theatre.”

“Pippin” was brought to the Broadway stage in the 70s by composer, Stephen Schwartz, and legendary choreographer-director, Bob Fosse. It is the story of a young prince searching for complete fulfillment.

In his search, he valiantly decides to become a soldier and joins his father's campaign. He then visits his grandmother, who gives him some "wise" advice, but finds out that her advice wasn't so wise after all. Meanwhile, Charlemagne, Pippin's father, is up to his usual business of slaying thousands. Upon hearing this, Pippin decides to murder him.

King Pippin tries ruling his father's empire but soon discovers that it's more than a piece of cake. He tries different careers. Finally, in despair, he thinks that he has no more hope in achieving his complete fulfillment. Then suddenly, out of the blue, your average ordinary kind of woman, Catherine, picks him up off the street. Pippin is charmed by the woman with a small boy and a large estate. But, still thinking that love isn't complete fulfillment, he leaves her. With nothing else to try, there is only one thing left -- the finale.

Memorable songs include “Magic To Do,” “War is a Science,” “ Spread a Little Sunshine,” and “I Guess I'll Miss the Man.”

Several of the lead roles in the play are being split between two students. Sharing the role of Pippin are Shawn Smith and Nathan Wilson. Catherine is being shared by Alice Crisp and Amanda Elliot. Charles is played by both by Mitch Boettcher and Brett Vogel. Fastrada is shared by Mari Ribeiro and Taylor Schlosser and the role of Berthe is shared by Rosalie Masoero and Kelli McAfee. Justin Brown handles the role of Lewis. Company players include the aforementioned students as well as Allen Funchess, Amanda Detterbock, Christine Barber, Diana Marks, Kristi Davis, Latrice Pigford, Laura Rast, Matty Ringel, Michelle Patrick, and Rachel Jacobs. The role of Pit Singer and Leading Player is shared by Hannah Jacobs and Kiara Pesante.

For more information contact Sue Burnett at 770-632-8783.