Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
‘Pippin’ coming to Conestoga High
BERWYN >> Conestoga High School’s Stoga Theatre will present the iconic coming of age musical, Pippin, February 27-March 2, 2019. Director, Vocal Direc-tor and Choreographer, Nathan Shughart will lead a cast of sixty 9th-12th grade students in this Tony-award winning musical. Christopher Nation will conduct the 23-member Pit Orchestra.
The show has a large cast: eight leads, dancers, ensemble members and 20 players, al-lowing many students to be highlighted. Because the 20 players in the troupe are on stage so much, one of the director’s challenges is blocking scenes with large numbers of actors.
Pippin features excellent choreography including some “honored choreography” by Bob Fosse that is traditionally performed the same way. Special tricks such as juggling, plate spinning, and acrobatics will keep the audience entertained!
Director Shughart is excited about the show and noted “Pippin has a powerful message for teenagers, because it really centers itself around the universal quest in pursuit of hap-piness. Two themes that resonate are the dichotomy between living a life deemed ‘ex-traordinary’ among others or finding satisfaction in the ‘simple joys’ life has to offer.”
More than 100 students are involved in the play. No blackout lighting allows the audience to observe actors and crews moving sets.
The original 1972 Broadway show choreographed by Bob Fosse won a Tony Award for Best Choreography and the 2013 Broadway Revival won a Tony Award for best Musical Revival.
Evening performances of Stoga Theatre’s production of Pippin are at 7 p.m.on Feb. 27-28 and March 1-2, and a matinee at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 2. Tickets are $12-15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For tickets and information, go to Stoga Theatre’s website, www.stogatheatre.com or call (610) 240-1022. For group sales information, email stogatkts@tesd.net.