In short, it's very loosely based on the life of Pippin, the son of Charlemagne, leader of the Holy Roman Empire, as he tries to find significance in his life and make it "Extraordinary." The show is meta-theatrical in a sense, as it uses the idea of a performance troupe (or in the revival's case, a circus troupe) to tell the story. It was originally directed and choreographed by Mr. Bob Fosse and the revival was helmed by Diane Paulus and Chet Walker (choreographing in Mr. Fosse's signature style). Gypsy Snider presided over the circus aspects of the revival.
I was in my high school's production of Pippin in the spring of 2004 (yes, I was nine at the time-BHS does an annual day camp where kids grades K-8 put on a song and dance along with the opportunity to audition for the show if they wish). I had never done a real musical before, just some random church Christmas shows, and on finding out I'd been cast, I was incredibly excited to be a part of the troupe. I'm fairly certain the VHS tape of it is around somewhere.
I recall being absolutely amazed by the dedication of the high schoolers in the show, especially one girl named Shayla (who played Fastrada, Pippin's stepmother). She's remained a role model ever since that show, and her work ethic still amazes me. I remember also being mighty jealous of Alex, the boy picked to be Theo (I mean come on, how often do you get the chance to hold a live duck?!). In addition, I met Weston, who became somewhat of an older brother to me for the next several shows we did together in my time at BHS even after he graduated (he helped with shows up until my senior year).
Pippin has done a great deal for me over the years: made me fall in love with theatre and got me to explore what modicum of talent I possess as a singer, but perhaps the most important and, frankly, the best thing it has ever done for me is this:
It provided me the opportunity to meet the girl that I still call my hometown best friend.
Keri and I met at the drama day camp that January, bonding over the Cheetah Girls and a fear of the dark (we regret the Cheetah Girls admiration now). We waited in anticipation in the wings for our cue to go on stage and dance our nine-year-old butts off to the sounds of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride."
It's been our song ever since.
To those who have made this show happen; thank you for giving me Pippin. My world would not have been the same without you. Here's hoping I make like the title character and find my own "Corner of the Sky."
