This summer’s musical was announced on Tuesday last week to the MCHS choirs. Students will present the musical Pippin in late June at the NIACC auditorium.
In anticipation of the final reveal, the MCHS Choir posted 20 playbills on a wall and removed a few at a time until only the selected musical remained. “I like the reveal because we all get to find out what the musical is at the same time and there’s a big lead-up to it so everyone is excited,” said choir vice president Addyson Nepple, who has been a part of the last several summer musicals.
“I was definitely nervous to see what the musical was when it got down to the last four,” said Nepple. As Newsies and Shrek were removed from the wall, only The Secret Garden and Pippin remained. “I didn’t really know The Secret Garden or Pippin so I was a little underwhelmed when it came down to those two, but I was also excited to do a musical I didn’t know about,” she said.
Pippin tells the story of the son of Charlemagne – the emperor who led what would become the Holy Roman Empire – whose name is Pippin. Throughout the musical, Pippin attempts to find meaning by escaping from the mundanity of everyday life.
The most well-known musical number in Pippin is titled “Corner of the Sky”, which highlights Pippin’s struggle to find the place where he belongs in life– his own “corner of the sky.”
According to choir and musical director Ethan Pruisman, the biggest draw to the show is the music. “We chose Pippin because it is a show that has really great music,” said Pruisman, adding, “Some highlights will be in the fun chorus numbers and recognizable music.”
Pruisman also commented that the score for Pippin was written by musical theater composer Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the original music for Wicked. “It will be a fun musical to be a part of,” said Pruisman.
Cast members are already excited to try out. “My favorite thing about being in the musical is that it keeps me busy during the summer and allows me to see people who I normally wouldn’t be around outside of school,” said Nepple, “I have also made so many great memories during rehearsals and cast parties.”
While Pippin isn’t a particularly well-known musical, actors are eager to learn more about it.
“I don’t know anything about Pippin as of right now, but I watched some clips after Mr. Pruisman announced it,” said Nepple. “It seems to have a few fun dance numbers in it so I’m excited to do those!”
“I’m also excited to do a show I don’t know much about,” Nepple added, going on, “That was the case when I did Godspell and it ended up being really fun!” Godspell was the selected musical of 2023.
The cast begins rehearsals following the choir’s spring concert in late May with the main characters of the show. Full cast and chorus join rehearsals in June, and the cast’s hard work will culminate with two showings on June 20th and 21st.
“The students and directors put so much work into making it the best show it can possibly be,” said Nepple.
