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.
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