Traditionally, the Wolf Theatre Academy (WTA) puts on a musical production each fall; however, due to the construction of the Elaine Wolf Theatre, the 2010 fall musical was unable to go up. But this year, the WTA students are back with a bang in the beloved and bedazzling musical, Pippin!
The story of Pippin is an epic, coming of age musical about a boy’s passage into manhood.
Loosely set in Medieval France during the reign of King Charlemagne, the tale features an ensemble cast, a group of players who have some “magic to do” as they conjure this timeless tale. The King’s son, young prince Pippin, longs to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. In the end, he experiences his way to the answer, which he finds in the simple pleasures of home and family.
Distinguished by the large amount of dance it, Pippin was originally choreographed by Bob Fosse and is an “ensemble” show with a vaudevillian feel. Under the direction of the popular and accomplished Billie McBride, the WTA brings this fun fairytale to life in MACC’s very own black box Pluss Theatre. Also returning to the WTA production team is musical director, Mary Dailey, who has music directed may mainstage and children’s productions all over Denver including the Aurora Fox, Town Hall Arts Center and Country Dinner Playhouse. Choreographer Jenna Hawkins also joins the WTA again after having choreographed last summer’s Music Man.
Emily MacIntyre, Assistant Director of the Wolf Theatre Academy says “This magical ensemble show is made more enticing by presenting it a the smaller, black box theatre (the Pluss Theatre). Because of the intimate space, the audience is drawn right into the story the actors are weaving for them. Once again, our students glimmer with talent, and they have turned the theatre into their own world of magic. Come and be transported!”
This hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale appeals to the young at heart. With a new crop of talented, young actors, the WTA’s production of Pippin is sure to dazzle audiences with its flashy musical pieces and spunky dance numbers.
Pippin opens on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Pluss Theatre at MACC, 350 S. Dahlia St. in Denver. Other show times are Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. Tickets are available at www.maccjcc.org or by calling (303) 316-6360.
