UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — “Pippin,” the 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, was described as “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping, visually stunning extravaganza — the thrill of the season!” by NY1. The touring Broadway production of the “Pippin” revival will make its Penn State debut at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, in Eisenhower Auditorium on the University Park campus.
“Pippin,” which has thrilled audiences for more than 40 years with a score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”), tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory?
Diane Paulus directed the revival recreated on this tour by Mia Walker, her longtime associate. Walker was the assistant director on the revival production — from its creation at the American Repertory Theater, to Broadway to the first national tour. Her assistant and associate credits include the Broadway and national tour productions of “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess,” “Finding Neverland” and “Waitress.” Recently, Walker directed Jaime Jarrett’s new musical “Normativity” at New York Musical Festival.
“Pippin” features sizzling choreography, in the style of Bob Fosse, created by Tony nominee Chet Walker. It also features circus-style acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal company Les 7 Doigts de la Main, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation “Traces.” “Pippin” also is known for Broadway standards, including “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic to Do,” “Glory,” “No Time at All,” “Morning Glow” and “Love Song.”
The most nominated Broadway show of 2013, “Pippin” won four Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical (Paulus). A New York Times reviewer called the new production “astonishing! A ‘Pippin’ for the 21st century.”
For more information about the production, visit “Pippin” or call 814-863-0255.