It’s hard to summarize Pippin in a one sentence but I’m going to try.  This four time Tony Award Winning whimsical musical is a combination of Cabaret, Chorus Line, and Spamalot, with Cirque du Soleil like acrobats and a circus theme.  Sounds like a lot of going on right?  Well, there is, but it works and you can’t take your eyes off the stage for long or you’ll miss a magic trick or an incredible acrobatic feat.  These players are seriously talented both musically and physically.  This re-imagined version of the 40 year old musical has a beautiful score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz and is sure to make you want to buy the soundtrack.  The musical also features some really steamy and sizzling choreography by Tony Award-nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse.  The acrobatics are incredible and are created by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company LES7 DOIGTS DE LA MAIN (also known as 7 Fingers).

Ok, here’s the story – Pippin is the young son of King Charlemagne who’s going through a major identity crisis after he graduates from school and returns home to the Kingdom.  He just doesn’t
know what he wants to be when he grows up and goes on a dangerous and sometimes dark journey to find the meaning of his existence.  Sound heavy?  Stay tuned because it won’t stay that way for long.  There are so many extremely entertaining characters and performances that you will be thoroughly entertained.  One of the most talented new singers and dancer on the stage today, Sasha Allen plays the narrator and evil temptress of the show.  If that name sounds familiar it’s because she was on NBC’s The Voice and was a finalist on Season 4.   This girl was born to be on the stage and gives an incredible performance as Satan herself.  A special treat is the appearance of former TV actress Adrienne Barbeau who plays Pippin’s grandmother and gives a wonderful performance!  Who knew she could sing, dance, and do aerial tricks?   She is a very fun part of the musical.

Pippin is played by the talented and good looking Kyle Selig (The Book of Mormon) who experiences a lot of angst over almost everything and decides maybe becoming the king is just too much responsibility for him or is it?  Will good or evil win?  Will he settle for the “normal” life?   Those are the big questions and you will have to go see for yourself how it ends.  Be prepared to be very entertained along the way – like seriously entertained.

Fun Facts:

• The original production of Pippin, directed by Bob Fosse, debuted on Broadway in 1972, won five Tony Awards and closed in 1977.
• Tony Award winner John Rubinstein, who created the role of Pippin in the 1972 original Broadway production returns to this production as Charles.
• There are 6 yoga balls used in the show.
• The acrobats usually spend an entire hour warming up before a performance.
• There are 15 hula-hoops used throughout the show.
• 7 feather fans are used in the entire show.
• There are 17 acrobatic tricks in Magic to Do.
• Gypsy Snider, who created all the circus elements, said “The life of an acrobat is how far we go to be extraordinary.”
• The Manson Trio is named after Charles Manson. Bob Fosse was very interested in Manson.
• Stephen Schwartz was only 24 years old when he wrote the show.
• Pippin’s name, historically speaking, is actually spelled Pipen. Stephen Schwartz changed it so it wouldn’t be perceived as an adaptation of the Steinbeck novel, “The Short Reign of Pepin IV”. They liked the word “Pippin” because it suggested the slang meaning of “pip” – something nifty.

Pippin closes out DSM’s 75 Anniversary Season and is playing from July 7^th – 19^th at The Music Hall at Fair Park!

Single tickets for PIPPIN, from $25-$98 (pricing subject to change), are now on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 1.800.514.ETIX (3849), and at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas, TX.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount, priority seating, and many more benefits. Please call 214.426.GROUP (4768) or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Stay tuned for information about DSM’s 2015-2016 Season!