BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — “Pippin” is back! People can experience the thrilling 2013 Tony Award-winning musical described as “An eye-popping, jaw-dropping, visual stunning extravaganza,.The thrill of the season!” by NY1.
“Pippin” comes to The Mendel Center Mainstage on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at 8 p.m. for one performance only.
It has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years with a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”), and 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 Tony Award-winning revival, which will be recreated by her longtime associate, Mia Walker. Walker was the assistant director on the revival production, from its birth at the American Repertory Theater, to Broadway, to the first national tour. Other assisting/associate credits include the Broadway and national tour productions of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Finding Neverland, and the current Broadway production of Waitress. Recently, Walker directed Jaime Jarrett’s new musical Normativity at New York Musical Festival.
“Pippin” features sizzling choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse and circus creation of breathtaking acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (also known as 7 Fingers), the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces. Pippin is noted for many Broadway standards including “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic To Do,” “Glory,” “No Time at All,” “Morning Glow,” and “Love Song.”
“Pippin,” the most nominated Broadway show of 2013, won four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical (Diane Paulus). “Pippin” won four Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Diana Paulus), and Outstanding Choreography (Chet Walker and Gypsy Snider). Pippin won seven Outer Critic Circle Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Diane Paulus), and Outstanding Choreographer (Chet Walker). Pippin also won the Drama League Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
With a book by Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Pippin features orchestrations by Tony Award-winner Larry Hochman, original costume design by Dominique Lemieux, scenic design coordinated by Evan Adamson, music direction by JP Myers, lighting design by Russell A. Thompson and sound design by David Temby.
Housso Semon makes her national tour debut as the Leading Player. She is a graduate of American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her credits include Deloris in “Sister Act,” Aida in “Aida,” Charlayne in “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and Brenda in “Smokey Joe’s Café.”
She worked on Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines as a principle singer. Semon has also worked abroad in workshops as a singer for the creator of Cirque du Soleil, Franco Dragone.
Naysh Fox is also making his national tour debut in the lead role of “Pippin.” His favorite roles include Riff in “West Side Story,” Warner in “Legally Blonde,” and The Prince in “Once Upon a Time.”
Brendon Schaefer will portray King Charlemagne and he toured nationally with “The Wedding Singer” and “All Shook Up.”
Allison Nusbaum will play Pippin’s grandmother, Berthe. Credits include “9 to 5,” “Hairspray,” “Menopause,” “Mary Poppins,” “White Christmas,” “Footloose” and “How to Succeed Without Really Trying.”
Erica Lee Cianciulli will portray the cunning Fastrada, Savannah Sprinkle will play the role of Catherine, and Courtney Dease will portray Lewis.
More information about the tour is available at PippinOnTour.com.
Tickets for Pippin are available online at TheMendelCenter.com, and through The Mendel Center Box Office from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at (269) 927-1221. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, seniors, students and children, active military members, and veterans. For information about group rates, pre-show party options, and other special arrangements, contact the box office.
A pre-show VIP Experience package is available with private party and bar area, one complimentary drink, appetizers, and giveaways. The VIP Experience package can be added to performance tickets purchases for $25 per person.
This performance is sponsored by WNDU Channel 16, and is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.