Santa Barbara High School Theatre Stages 2013 Broadway revival

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Originally produced in 1972, Pippin has been reworked for the 21st century in a recent 2013 Broadway revival. This new circus-inspired production, led by the charismatic Leading Player who tells Pippin’s story, opens on November 6 with a run through November 15 at the Santa Barbara High School Theatre. It’s the story of a young man, Pippin, looking for fulfillment in his life, only to find dissatisfaction in everything he tries. To prove his loyalty to his father, King Charlemagne (Quique Hernandez-Black), he goes to war, only to discover the harsh reality of war. After the Leading Player (Camille Umoff) convinces him to fight tyranny, he kills his father and takes over the throne. Finding dissatisfaction in being king, he begs the Leading Player to bring his father back to life, and she does as requested. Pippin then falls in love with Catherine (Sable Layman), a widow with a young son, Theo( Lex Siegel), and he struggles to decide whether he should settle down and pursue a peaceful life, or continue to make magic with a dazzling troupe of performers. What does it means to live an extraordinary life is the question that drives Pippin through the adventures of war, sex, politics and love, all the while guided by the mysterious hand of the Leading Player. Directed by Otto Layman, the production also features Meredith LeMert (Fastrada), Cooper Umoff (Lewis), Sarina Wasserman (Berthe) and an ensemble cast of more than 29. The story is set in a circus made entirely of books where the tension between writing one’s own story, and having a narrative imposed from without, is played against a backdrop of comedy, spectacular effects, including aerialists and acrobats, and music by Stephen Schwartz (“Magic to Do,” “Corner of the Sky,” and “Extraordinary”), under the musical direction of Dr. Jon Nathan. Working alongside Dr. Nathan is vocal director Rachel Short, choreographer Christina McCarthy, lighting by Mike Madden, technical director Jonathan Mitchell and stage manager Beau Lettieri. Pippin is the ultimate theatrical experience, one that will leave the audience debating what boundaries are crossed for love. Performances are November 6 at 7 p.m., November 7, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. with matinees on November 14 at 1 p.m. and November 15 at 2 p.m. at SBHS Theatre, 700 E. Anapamu St. For tickets and more information go online at www.sbhstheatre.com/tickets