CSArts-SGV presents First All-School Musical, PIPPIN at Arcadia Performing Arts Center

California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) continues its inaugural year with a charismatic, all-school performance of the esteemed musical "Pippin." Filled with dance, humor and soaring songs by Stephen Schwartz ("Corner of the Sky," "Magic to Do" and "Glory"), "Pippin" tells the story of a young person's journey to find his place in the world. The ensemble cast offers growth and performance opportunities for the school's many talented young actors, dancers, musicians and singers across the school's conservatories. This original production is set with a unique and imaginative steampunk aesthetic, offering a relevant edge and visceral quality that will leave the audience questioning what it truly means to be extraordinary. "Pippin" runs Jan. 11-13, 2018, at the 1,163-seat Arcadia Performing Arts Center.

CSArts-SGV brings together its own collaborative team of talented artists to lead the production, including co-directors Jay Wallace, chair of theatre, and Megan Mekjian, English teacher and graduate of sister-school Orange County School of the Arts' Musical Theatre Conservatory. The team also includes Alison Dambach, chair of dance; Jeffrey de Seriere, director of the Instrumental Music Conservatory; Graham Jackson, Musical Theatre Conservatory teacher; and Kimberly Mitchell, director of the Production & Design Conservatory.

Students have the exclusive opportunity to learn from Erik Altemus, an original cast member of the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of "Pippin," during a master class and rehearsals leading up to the show.

Co-director Wallace says "Pippin" was selected as the school's first musical because it offers a chance for originality, freshness and creative opportunity. "I wanted something with a bit of flare and energy, but that also has an undercurrent of substance and relevance. To a certain extent, 'Pippin' is a blank canvas. This show allows us to craft our own unique impression and perspective of the universal story of the search for one's voice and purpose in life."

CSArts-SGV frames the musical through the lens of steampunk, which began as a subgenre of science fiction/fantasy that featured 19th century steam-powered technology being used during Victorian times. Set during modern day, the show incorporates core elements of steampunk to conceptualize character and the world of the acting troupe at the center of the show. The play's exploration continues a year-long study of the steampunk genre, offering artistic opportunities for students in every conservatory. Students were introduced to the genre during a master class by its originators Tim Powers and James Blaylock. In addition to the performers onstage, Visual Arts Conservatory students participate in a steampunk art exhibit in the lobby and Production & Design Conservatory students create the costumes, props, lighting and set design for the show. The program book includes steampunk letters written by Creative Writing Conservatory students.

"The performance reflects the mission of the Musical Theatre Conservatory to be an "ensemble growing together as artists and individuals," says Wallace. "We are challenging students from all conservatories to experience a distinct level of growth throughout the process, both as performers and leaders. We want to instill and nurture an appreciation of professionalism as well as risk-taking."

"Pippin" takes place Thursday - Saturday, Jan. 11-13, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, 88 Campus Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007. Tickets are $25 online and $27 at the door. Student tickets are $18 online and $20 at the door. To purchase, visit sgv.csarts.net/boxoffice.

About California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley

California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) provides a creative, challenging and nurturing environment that offers bright and talented students unparalleled preparation for higher education and a profession in the arts. CSArts-SGV is modeled after the award-winning arts and academic programs of Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), one of the premier art schools in the country.

The public charter school opened on Aug. 14, 2017 in a unique public-private partnership with the Duarte Unified School District, and is a tuition-free, donation-dependent program. CSArts-SGV is currently accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year, which will serve students in grades seven through 12. The final Preview Day takes place on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. Students are encouraged to apply by the early admissions deadline on Feb. 2, 2018.

CSArts-SGV students study in one of the 10 arts conservatories offered, including acting, classical & contemporary dance, commercial dance, creative writing, instrumental music, integrated arts, musical theatre, production & design, visual arts and vocal arts. Students receive opportunities to participate in master classes, guest artist presentations, field trips and performances, as well as a variety of campus clubs and activities. Small student/teacher ratios in academic and arts classes allow for personalized attention to students. CSArts-SGV is located at 1401 Highland Avenue, Duarte, Calif. For more information, visit sgv.csarts.net.

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