Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/12/2024
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater Company presents Pippin from June 13-30, 2024. Immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of Pippin, where fantasy and reality collide in a whirlwind of adventure and intrigue. Follow our enigmatic hero as he seeks purpose and fulfillment in a world full of possibilities and pitfalls.
As Pippin navigates the trials and tribulations of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, Vanguard invites you to journey beyond the ordinary and discover the extraordinary. Through dazzling choreography, unforgettable music, and a cast of characters like no other, Pippin allows you to join the journey and discover the magic that lies within.
Vanguard's production is directed by Janeece Freeman Clark and stars Lawrence Dandridge*, Quincy Hampton, Lisa Cortney, Jared Mazeika, Janice Lyn, Dwayne Clark*, Brandon Matute,Brittany Smithson, Gina Alm, Yamil Rivera, Sarah Takash, Marcel Joshua, Jayden White, Emily LynThomas, Carly Smith Quenqua, Samara Steele, Patrick Swailes Caldwel, Emilija Pavlovska,Sabine Dworak, and Cameron Boucher-Khan. * The Actor or Stage Manager appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
Performances take place at Vanguard Theatre (180 Bloomfield Avenue) in Montclair, New Jersey. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Pippin features a Book by Roger O'Hirson with music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It was originally produced on Broadway in 1972 and ran for nearly 2,000 performances. The original production was nominated for 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical, coming away with 5 award wins.
In the program, Vanguard's Founding Artistic Director, Janeece Freeman Clark, writes "This musical, originally set in medieval times, resonates profoundly with today's audiences, proving that its themes are timeless. Written in the early 1970s, Pippin explores universal questions about fulfillment, meaning, and the pursuit of an extraordinary life. As we navigate our modern world, these questions remain as relevant as ever, making Pippin a story that continues to stand the test of time.
"With unprecedented freedoms and access to information and experiences, today's youth are bombarded with choices. From the ease of obtaining substances to the vast array of sexual content available at their fingertips, young people today face unique challenges. The pressure to stand out and be extraordinary is immense, driven by the relentless pursuit of social media validation and societal labels.
"Pippin wrestles with the allure of the extraordinary, as the character of Pippin questions whether true fulfillment lies in grand gestures or in the simple, everyday moments. His journey reflects this struggle as he seeks to understand what it means to live a meaningful life. Through his experiences, he learns that genuine happiness is not found in remarkable achievements, but in the true connections we make—or does it? Is that really enough?
"Our production places the story in a burlesque setting, highlighting the pervasive sexualization in today's society. As Pippin navigates his way through various encounters, he must discern which aspects of these experiences bring true satisfaction and which are mere distractions. This exploration mirrors the journey many face today in a world where sex is omnipresent, challenging us to find what truly resonates with our personal values and desires.
"In essence, Pippin reflects our ongoing quest for significance and self-discovery. It encourages us to look beyond the surface, to find joy in the ordinary, and to define our paths based on authentic fulfillment rather than constant external validation."
Founded in 2015, Vanguard Theater Company is a unique 501(c)(3) committed to changing social and cultural narratives through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism & Mentorship.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Shakespeare Theatre's Acting Apprenticeship Company presents "Love's Labour's Lost"
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Acting Apprenticeship Company at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Love's Labour's Lost on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm in the K.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. Fall under the spell of Shakespeare's sparkling comedy of romance, wit, and unexpected desire.
Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O on Friday as part of the North to Shore Festival
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O - an evening of solo theatre performances rooted in culture and community on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Express Newark. The event is part of the 2026 North to Shore Festival.
"Golden Girls - The Tribute Show!" comes to Kelsey Theatre on June 27th
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Drag Events Unlimited presents Golden Girls - The Tribute Show! on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. This is an evening of hilarious fun with your favorite Sassy Seniors! Live Scenes, Trivia, Games, Musical Performances, Sing-Alongs, and more! Showtime is 8:00pm.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Monty Python's Spamalot
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national tour of the Tony Award®-winning musical comedy, Monty Python's Spamalot, for four performances from June 27-28, 2026. First seen on Broadway in 2005, the original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony® Awards and won three, including Best Musical. It features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.
The Premier Theatre Company presents "1776"
(RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents the musical 1776 in the Rumson School District Auditorium from June 26-28, 2026. Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.
The Artist Collective Troupe presents "Once Upon A Mattress"
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe presents their summer musical, Once Upon A Mattress from June 26-28 at The Villas of Holmdel. Winnifred the Woebegone is just a simple swamp princess looking to win the heart of Prince Dauntless. But can she pass the impossible test Queen Aggravain has in store for her?
Ritz Theatre Cabaret Series presents "Dream On!"
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company continues its Cabaret Series with Dream On! on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. Curated by Connor Twigg, this event features regional artists singing songs from their dream roles.
Liberty Arts Theatre presents "The America 250 USO Tour" featuring a star-studded cast from Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Jefferson with music, dance, comedy and after party!
(LEONIA, NJ) -- Liberty Arts Theatre will keep us all rockin' in the free world with the high-octane celebration America 250 USO Tour - where Vaudeville meets American history – featuring a star-studded cast from Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson to George Patton, a live orchestra, song-and-dance numbers and comedy sketches. The America 250 USO Tour will march into the American Legion Post #1 (399 Broad Street) in Leonia on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 7:00pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Spotlight on NJ: Play Reading Event
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present a three-day Spotlight play reading event featuring works by New Jersey playwrights at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center from July 6-8, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm each night.
Live On Stage Productions presents "Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert" at Cape May Stage
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Live On Stage Productions presents Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert at Cape May Stage from July 4-10, 2026. This show celebrates the remarkable bond between Ethel Merman and Mary Martin — two of Broadway’s brightest stars.
FEATURED EVENTS
