FSC Theatre’s rendition of Broadway classic tackles the meaning of life

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Pippin cast gathers to practice music for upcoming show. | Courtesy of Chelsea Campbell

Beatrice Fleurant
Online Editor

As students are welcoming in a new year and new semester, the students in the Theatre Arts department are learning songs and memorizing lines for the upcoming spring musical. This spring Florida Southern College’s Theatre and Dance Department is presenting “Pippin.” The show, with lyrics by American musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, follows the story, guided by the leading player, Pippin, a young prince, and his journey to find the real meaning and purpose of his life. 

The show first debuted on October 23, 1972, at the Imperial Theater, in Manhattan and ran for 1,944 performances before closing on June 12,1977. It was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Since then, it has had several international productions, a U.S. national tour, a film adaptation and a Broadway revival to follow in later years.

Caroline Bryant | The Southern Newspaper Pippin cast rehearsing choreography for the upcoming show. | Courtesy of Chelsea Campbell

With Florida Southern College’s production scheduled to open on Feb. 14, Stage Manager Irene Crumbacker comments on the energy from the cast and crew. 

“It’s electric! It feels like everyone wants to be at rehearsals, they are excited to be there … overall very positive,” Crumbacker said. 

Owen Minor, who plays Pippin, has previously been in three Florida Southern’s musical theatre productions: “Adams Family,” “Urinetown” and “Spring Awakening.” As the lead, Minor’s focus is organizing his time. Utilizing “one-on-ones with the music director” and using “spare time to memorize his lines” helps Minor ensure he captures his character in a way that is relatable to audiences. 

One of the major questions this show aims to answer in this coming-of-age story is: What is life’s purpose? 

“It is him [Pippin] trusting his mentors and going with the flow and even realizing that it was just the simple things that really gave him the purpose that he felt like he needed,” Minor said, regarding how his character answers the daunting question.

Just like Pippin, a student’s time in college is full of experiences that help each individual towards their purpose. 

“As a stage manager I’ve learned a lot about my leadership style … which helps me transfer that knowledge into teaching in the classroom,” Crumbacker said. 

In three weeks, “Pippin” will be ready for audiences to watch and enjoy. 

“I’m excited for them to see the magic,” Crumbacker expressed.  “I think it’s all about magic and creating that magical experience within yourself and then within others, and I think the spectacle and the level of complexity that we’re incorporating into the show is just going to be so magical, and I hope that audiences can feel that same magic that we’re putting into it.”

“Pippin” will run for two weekends this February, the 14th-16th and the 20th-23th. Tickets can be found on fsc.universtytickets.com and free for FSC students and faculty. 

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