Addy Pittenger, Arts & Life Editor—
Since the beginning of the semester, Denison Singers Theatre has been preparing for their upcoming production of the iconic 1972 musical, Pippin, the coming of age story of a young prince who seeks passion and adventure in his life as he embarks on his journey of self discovery and finding his place in the world.
Auditions took place at the start of the school year, and ever since, the cast and crew have been working hard to put the production together. Rehearsals started at twice a week with extra dance rehearsals thrown in, and as the show time came closer, more frequent and longer rehearsal times started settling in.
Rehearsals of shows always come with difficulties and obstacles such as directional changes, prop inclusions, and costume malfunctions, but with devoted cast and crew members, the process becomes more and more easier as the show time gets closer. Costume worker Cassidy Orange ‘25 stated that, “it’s incredible to see all these different people working together and then for the show to come together in an amazing production.”
Anna Buescher ‘24 who plays Berthe, Pippin’s grandmother, added, “It’s hard sometimes because we only [had rehearsals] twice a week [at first], so it’s been hard to remember blocking and dances and lyrics and all that, but it’s been a really great process, and it’s great to get to know the cast… I’ve really enjoyed it.”
With Pippin premiering the weekend before finals, the cast and crew members have been cracking down on time, having to balance the show with their school work. Caroline Concannon ‘25 who plays Catherine, the love interest of Pippin, shared that “everyone has been a little stressed, but we’re all ready and aware that this was going to be happening, so we’re more excited than anything.”
Denison’s theatre productions have always strived to add more to their productions in order for more engagement with the audience as well as keeping the cast fully engaged and committed. When asked what Denison is doing differently to make the show worth seeing even more, cast members had lots to expand on.
“Our performers are what makes us really different. There’s so much fun comedy and crazy weird quirky things that our director loves to throw in,” said Concannon ‘25, “[The show] is in commedia dell’arte which is a style of theatre that’s very old and traditional, so that’s something that’s a unique twist we’re putting on with the show.
The first night of the show has officially sold out, and seat availability has been dimmering since. Pippin is open to the entire Denison and Granville community, and the cast hopes for the audience to have a fun, exciting, and memorable time. Max Wisnefski ‘24 who plays Pippin himself stated that, “the show has a lot of bangers, a lot of fun music, and is a surprisingly subversive and deep show based on how it ends. If you want to see why, come see it!”