By Leah Corpus
The White Plains High School theater group performed "Pippin" on three different dates last weekend, February 7-9. By all accounts, the show was a great success.
The cast, pit musicians, and tech and stage crews worked extraordinarily hard to bring "Pippin" to life and provide audiences with a lasting experience. In a few words, the show "Pippin" is intense, thrilling, magical, mystical and worthwhile. This musical took a great deal of dedication and time, and had been in progress since last year, with auditions in November and many rehearsals.
Pippin is an interesting show that includes whole-cast numbers such as “Glory and Magic To Do” that feature fun tricks and turns that fill the stage. “No Time At All” is a merry number led by Pippin’s grandmother that invites us to appreciate the delights of life. There are eccentric dance routines such as “Manson Trio” and tap dance finale at the end.
“Magic To Do” is the opening act in which we welcome the audience to enjoy the performance of our circus troop. In “Corner of the Sky,” audiences are introduced to the main character Pippin, the ambitious young son of King Charlemagne looking for his purpose. Our Leading Player, played by senior Anissa Bagby, acts as Pippin’s guide as he goes through life looking for something meaningful. Pippin is also filled with many interesting characters such as Pippin’s father, King Charlemagne, his stepbrother Lewis and plotting stepmother Fastrada, and of course, his lover Catherine and her son Theo.
Pippin tries many things including the arts, religious life, being king, fighting war, enjoying the company of women, to find happiness; yet he is still left feeling empty. He still believes he is born to do something extraordinary and yearns for more.
Senior Lance Anthony who plays Pippin said, “Pippin has always been one of my favorite shows, and I am so happy to be playing this dream role of mine! I love the show because of how much it makes you think… reminding us to appreciate the beauty of simple living and finding peace… I also love the cast, and I wouldn’t be able to do it all…without their enthusiasm and our laughter!”
“Everyone is so wonderful to work with, and I have made so many friends. We are so excited for you all to join us and spread a little sunshine!” freshman Molly Powers said.
Senior Aixah Flores, is “here for the vibes” and is elated that her last show at White Plains High School is one filled with such spectacular and grand numbers! “Pippin is a nice show to end on. The costumes are vibrant, the music is great… it’s a good way to end off my theatrical high school journey.”
Junior Alice Brodsky is one of our dance captains, which is a role she takes to heart. Not only does she have to learn her own choreography, but she must also be ready to help others if they need a review of the steps. She said, “The show has a large ensemble, which encourages more creativity and energy flow. Doing Pippin is easily one of my favorite memories from WPHS…being Dance Captain is a very special and important responsibility…It gives me pride knowing that I’m here to help others!”
There are many contributing elements that happen backstage and behind the scenes that combine to form the amazing show you see on stage. This includes hours of music review, choreography rehearsal, practices with Pit orchestra and several run-throughs. Setting up costumes and preparing props, sets, lighting and mics form the magic of theater. Outside of weekly rehearsals after school, the cast of Pippin has become closer through group activities such as various acting exercises, potluck lunch and our cast and crew spirit week. We had our paper plate award ceremony, presented by the seniors, and kept that annual theater tradition alive.
Pippin has really allowed us to come together, learn, laugh and support one another through the highs and lows as the weeks lead up to opening night. We’ve made lasting memories and friendships along the way.
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