BWW Flashback: Tony-Winning Revival of PIPPIN Wraps Broadway Run Today
By: BWW Special Coverage Jan. 04, 2015
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Broadway's high-flying, death-defying Tony Award winning hit musical Pippin takes down the Broadway big top today, Sunday, January 4, 2015 after 709 performances and 37 previews. The Pippin national tour is now playing in cities across the US and future productions are planned for London, Australia and Amsterdam. In honor of it's closing, BroadwayWorld brings you a look back at the revival's Broadway run below!
With a book by Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus and features choreography in the style of Bob Fosse by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker and circus creations by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (also known as 7 Fingers).
PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? The show is noted for many Broadway standards including "Corner of the Sky," "Magic To Do," "Glory," "No Time at All," "Morning Glow," and "Love Song." The original production of Pippin, directed by Bob Fosse, premiered on Broadway in 1972. It won five Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards, and ran for close to 2000 performances before closing in 1977.
In January 2013, it was announced that the first major revival of Stephen Schwart's PIPPIN would be headed to Broadway following its premiere at Boston's A.R.T.!
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
Following the news of a transfer to the Great White Way, it was confirmed that much of the out-of-town cast, including Matthew James Thomas, Patina Miller, and Andrea Martin, would be heading to New York City with the show - where they promptly met the press!
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
PIPPIN officially began performances on Broadway on Saturday, March 23, 2013 - go behind the scenes below!
The production opened on Broadway on April 24, 2013 to rave reviews - check out coverage of the big night below!
Check out highlights from the show!
Photos by Joan Marcus
The cast and creative team of Pippin took home four trophies at the 67th Annual Tony Awards, including Best Direction of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, and Best Revival of a Musical. The cast and creative team continued celebrating after the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall!
In September 2013, Tovah Feldshuh succeeded Tony winner Andrea Martin in PIPPIN as 'Berthe,' who was later replaced by Annie Potts. Priscilla Lopez and Lucie Arnaz also took bows as the high-flying granny on Broadway. Check out a look back!
Photos by Joan Marcus
Original leading pair Patina Miller and Matthew James Thomas departed in March 2014, and were replaced by Ciara Renee and Kyle Dean Massey. Later on, BEAUTIFUL's Carly Hughes stepped in for Renee, while Massey was succeeded by Josh Kaufman, winner of THE VOICE. Original Broadway star Charles Rubenstein stepped in for Terrence Mann, with NEWSIES' John Dossett waiting in the wings once he took his final bow before hitting the road with the national tour!
Photos by Joan Marcus
The PIPPIN national tour kicked off in September 14 in Denver, lead by Sasha Allen and John Rubenstein. Broadway veterans Thomas and Massey alternated in the title role, with Martin stepping in as 'Berthe' for select engagements!
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