November 6, 7, 13,14 at 7pm
November 14 at 1pm & November 15 at 2pm
What does it mean to live an extraordinary life? This is the question that drives Pippin, our story’s hero, through the adventures of war, sex, politics and love – all the while guided by the mysterious hand of the Leading Player. While the Players strive to steer Pippin towards a perfect, theatrical and tragic end of his story, Pippin begins to discover what it truly means to be extraordinary. Filled with dance, passion, and Stephen Schwartz's iconic music (including "Corner of the Sky," "Magic to Do," and "Extraordinary"), Pippin is the ultimate theatrical experience that will leave audiences debating what boundaries are crossed for love.
Directed by Otto Layman, now beginning his 20th year at the helm of Santa Barbara High School’s award-winning theatre program, Pippin brings together its own extraordinary team of artists in producing this musical.
With choreography by UCSB Acting Vice Chair of Theatre and Dance and long-time collaborator Christina McCarthy, Musical Direction by Dr. Jon Nathan (also a longtime faculty member at UCSB), and Costumes by Bonnie Thor (How to Succeed, Big Fish, Mystery of Edwin Drood), Pippin is an incredible musical, set in a circus made entirely of enormous books, where the tension between writing one’s own story and having a narrative imposed from without is played against a backdrop of comedy and spectacular effects, including aerialists and acrobats.
Working alongside Dr. Nathan is Vocal Director Rachel Short, along with an all-star orchestra consisting of UCSB students and professional musicians. Behind the library of enormous books in which Pippin’s journey takes place is Otto Layman who designed the larger than life set. Mike Madden, who returns once again with over twenty SBHS productions under his belt, designed the lights that help to illuminate the story of Pippin. Behind the scenes Technical Director Jonathan Mitchell, along with a dedicated crew of Santa Barbara High School students, were given daunting task of constructing the books that make up the library, some of which are sixteen feet tall. While the cast performs their magic on stage, Beau Lettieri, Pippin’s Production Stage Manager, heads the technical crew backstage who pull off Pippin’s technical feats.
In the title role of Pippin — a young man looking for fulfillment in life — is Bradley DeVine, who now returns for his seventh SBHS production. Camille Umoff commands the stage as the Leading Player, the ringleader of the circus troupe of performers. Others include Quique Hernandez-Black as King Charlemagne, Pippin's Father; Meredith LeMert as Charlemagne’s conniving wife, Fastrada; Fastrada’s simple minded warrior-son, Lewis, played by Cooper Umoff; and Sarina Wasserman as Pippin’s saucy grandmother, Berthe. Sable Layman portrays Catherine, Pippin’s love interest, and finally the part of Catherine’s son, Theo is played by Lex Siegel, a fifth grader at Montecito Union. The diverse ensemble of circus performers, soldiers, farm animals and more includes Barron Mainz, Dante Gonzalez, Isaac Cortes, Will Blondell, Tyler Dahneke, Nolan McCarthy, Cameron Meza, Drewes McFarling, Cai Norton, Lizzie Saunders, Hailey Turner, Mia Valdes, Hazel Brady, KiSea Katikka, Leah Martin, Julia McCarter, Grace Perry, Liliana Johnston, and Katarina Vodrazkova.
Pippin opens at Santa Barbara High School Theatre, located at 700 East Anapamu Street on November 6 at 7pm and continues with additional performances on November 7, 13, and 14 at 7pm, along with matinees on November 14 at 1pm and November 15 at 2pm. Regular ticket prices are $15.00 for adult general admission, and $10.00 for student general admission and $25.00 for reserved orchestra seating. For tickets please visit www.sbhstheatre.com/tickets.
Photos Courtesy of Isaac Hernandez.