News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Pippin 1972

Ages: 9+
Opened: October 23, 1972
Closing: June 12, 1977

Pippin - 1972 Broadway History , Info & More


Minskoff Theatre (Broadway)
200 W. 45th St. New York, NY 10036

Nominated in 1972 for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and winning five of those coveted Awards, this hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale is based upon the life of Prince Pippin the Hunchback, the firstborn son of eighth century, Frankish king Charlemagne or Charles the Great, and invites audiences to join the fantastical journey of the rosy-cheeked prince famously looking for his “corner of the sky”. But his dad is a tyrannical bore, his step-mom is a Lady Macbeth in a mini skirt, and his half-brother Lewis is a twit. Returning home from school, Prince Pippin, sure of his superior qualities but lacking a purpose to which he can apply them, becomes a soldier for his father's army, but he gets upset by the killing and murders his father to stop the war. Finding he does not want to become the "puppet king" of discontented nobles in the Carolingian Empire, Pippin longs to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He is led by a mischievous Leading Player as he tries to find his place in life in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. The youth's violent journey to fulfillment sets Pippin's quest into a tradition of psychological darkness, bringing an unusually creepy seriousness to Pippin's temptations and sinister machinations to the Leading Player. In the end, he finds the simple pleasures and domestic contentment of love, home and family is something to be quietly achieved. A rock opera filled with sex, S&M, and amputated limbs, this perky musical is meant to be at times unnerving and dark. Pippin is full of light pop music, magic, and soft-shoe dances, but it has one of the darkest and most complex themes in musical theater history.

Directed by John Thompson, Music Direction by Jeannie Cross.


Get Pippin Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

UN DÍA COMO HOY: nacía Bob Fosse
by Nuria Pedret - Jun 23, 2021


Con motivo del aniversario del coreógrafo y director, recordamos algunos de sus espectáculos más emblemáticos

Tony Winners Linda Lavin & John Rubinstein Join Aaron Sorkin's BEING THE RICARDOS
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Mar 29, 2021


In addition, 'Arrested Development' stars Tony Hale and Alia Shawkat have joined the cast.

Wake Up With BWW 2/26: THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN Confirms Broadway Run, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2021


Today's top stories: Thoughts of a Colored Man confirms Broadway run, Lincoln Center launches Restart Stages, Beetlejuice comes to Brazil, and more!

BWW Blog: A Tribute to Ann Reinking
by Student Blogger: Joey Tabasco - Dec 21, 2020


Ann Reinking’s kicks, smile, charisma, and passion will have an ever-lasting impact on me and the rest of the Broadway community. May she Rest In Peace.

Chita Rivera Reacts to Ann Reinking's Passing: 'The World Has Lost Such A Beautiful Soul and Talent'
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2020


Legendary dancer and fellow Fosse aficionado, Chita Rivera, reacted to the news of Ann Reinking's passing.

Breaking: Tony Winner and Broadway Legend Ann Reinking Passes Away at 71
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 14, 2020


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Broadway legend Ann Reinking has passed away. She was 71 years old.

Theater Stories: AIN'T TOO PROUD, The Premiere of PIPPIN, The Debut of Mary Martin & More About The Imperial Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2020


This week's Theater Stories features the Imperial Theatre. Learn about the stars and shows to have graced the theatre's stage, including Ethel Merman in Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy; the Broadway premiere of Mary Martin; the theatre's current show, Ain't Too Proud, and much more!

The 101 Greatest Musical Theatre Characters (1940-2020)
by Peter Nason - Apr 30, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best musical theatre characters from 1940-2020; see if your favorites are on our list of the best characters from Broadway musicals.

Wake Up With BWW 2/26: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Madison Square Garden, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN Opens, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2020


Today's top stories: To Kill a Mockingbird plays Madison Square Garden, The Unsinkable Molly Brown (starring Beth Malone) officially opens tonight, and more!

BWW Exclusive: GAY LIKE ME Author Richie Jackson Picks Top 10 Theatrical Experiences
by BWW Special - Feb 3, 2020


Now available from Harper Collins is Richie Jackson's Gay Like Me- a poignant and urgent love letter to his son. In the new book, the award-winning Broadway, TV and film producer reflects on his experiences as a gay man in America and the progress and setbacks of the LGBTQ community over the last 50 years.

Meet the Cast of GRAND HORIZONS - Now in Previews on Broadway!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 20, 2019


Grand Horizons is now in previews on Broadway!  Grand Horizons will play a strictly limited 10-week engagement, and officially open on January 23, 2020 at The Hayes Theater (240 West 44th Street).

Wake Up With BWW 2/26: ALICE BY HEART Opens, Kids Night on Broadway, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2019


Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Get a start to your Tuesday morning by reading the latest from around the Broadway World!

VIDEO: Fran Drescher and Priscilla Lopez Visit Marti Cummings' LGBTQ Talk Show STAGE FRIGHT
by Stephi Wild - Jun 19, 2018


Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Fran Drescher was joined by Tony Winner Priscilla Lopez at NYC drag star Marti Gould Cummings weekly talk show Stage Fright.

Brief 2/26: AN ORDINARY MUSLIM Opens Tonight, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2018


Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top news: An Ordinary Muslim opens tonight, Roundabout Theatre Company and Atlantic Theater Company hold their 2018 galas, and more!

Meet the Sweet Company of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Opening Tonight on Broadway!
by Meet the Cast - Apr 23, 2017


The new Broadway musical Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is currently in performances at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street) and officially opens tonight, April 23, 2017. Scroll down to get to know the company before tonight's opening bows!

Work Underway for New Musical Film from Josh Gad, Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz & More!
by Caryn Robbins - Sep 24, 2016


Tony Award nominee Josh Gad took to Facebook today to tease a new musical film he is developing along with an all-star creative team!

Broadway Sound Designer Abe Jacob to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Live Design Awards
by Tyler Peterson - May 18, 2016


Legendary theatrical sound designer Abe Jacob will be honored for his pioneering career achievements at the Live Design Awards on Monday, June 13 in New York. Another legendary icon, Chita Rivera, will present the award to Jacob, whom she has known since the original Broadway production of CHICAGO (1975).

Photo Flash: Young Artists of America at Strathmore Presents CHILDREN OF EDEN with Stephen Schwartz
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 31, 2016


On Sunday, March 13th at 4pm, Young Artists of America at Strathmore (YAA) presented the youth premiere of the new symphonic version of Children of Eden by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin and The Prince of Egypt). Schwartz himself worked as a guest mentor with the YAA high school-aged students. The cast, full symphonic orchestra, and chorus will include over 350 youth from all over the DC Metro area including 250 younger artists from North Bethesda Middle School. The performance took place at The Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD).

Amas Musical Theatre Honors Tony Winner Priscilla Lopez at Gala Benefit Tonight
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 28, 2016


Amas Musical Theatre, New York City's award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts since 1968, celebrates its 47th Anniversary at a gala benefit tonight, Monday, March 28th, 2016 at the Baruch Performing Arts Center(East 25th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues). Honorary Chair for the event is Tony Award winning actress, singer and dancer Donna McKechnie.  The master of ceremonies for the evening is noted theatre journalist Peter Filichia.

Top Stories You Missed on BWW This Weekend - 3/5-3/6/2016
by - Mar 6, 2016


Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, March 6, 2016 - Sunday, March 6, 2016.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 3/6/16- Stephen Schwartz
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 6, 2016


Happy Birthday, Stephen Schwartz! In a career spanning over four decades, Schwartz has written such hit musicals as Godspell (1971), Pippin (1972) and Wicked (2003). He has also contributed lyrics for a number of successful films, including Pocahontas (1995), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), The Prince of Egypt (1998; music and lyrics) and Enchanted (2007). Schwartz has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and has been nominated for six Tony Awards.

Amas Musical Theatre to Honor Tony Winner Priscilla Lopez at Gala
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 17, 2016


Amas Musical Theatre, New York City's award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts since 1968, will celebrate its 47th Anniversary at a gala benefit on Monday, March 28th, 2016 at the Baruch Performing Arts Center (East 25th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues). Honorary Chair for the event is Tony Award winning actress, singer and dancer Donna McKechnie.

Young Artists of America at Strathmore to Present Stephen Schwartz's CHILDREN OF EDEN
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 10, 2016


On Sunday, March 13th at 4pm, Young Artists of America at Strathmore (YAA) presents the youth premiere of the new symphonic version of Children of Eden by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin and The Prince of Egypt). Schwartz himself will be working as a guest mentor with the YAA high school-aged students. The cast, full symphonic orchestra, and chorus will include over 350 youth from all over the DC Metro area including 250 younger artists from North Bethesda Middle School. The performance will take place at The Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD).

VIDEO: Stephen Schwartz Appears on TLC's BROADWAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 27, 2015


Below, legendary composer Stephen Schwartz sharing show business advice with the talented group of students.

BWW Reviews: Oh, It's Time to Start Living! PIPPIN Dances in to Fisher Theatre Thru June 21
by Anton Anderssen - Jun 15, 2015


'What is my purpose in life?' is a question asked by many people as they ponder the reasons for their existence. Finding one's raison d'etre could be the ever-elusive challenge, and should you never discover it, you are in good company. It is an existential question that lingers eternally for people who really want to have a life that matters. Now on stage at The Fisher Theatre is the musical PIPPIN, the tale of existential woe.

Pippin History

Other Productions of Pippin

1967   Reading
1972   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1973   West End London Production
West End
1974   Australia Australian Production
Australia
2000   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2005   Regional (US) Reprise! Concert
Regional (US)
2005   Bay Street Theatre Revival
2006   East Haddam, CT (Regional) Goodspeed Revival
East Haddam, CT (Regional)
2013   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2014   US Tour US National Tour
US Tour

Pippin - 1972 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1973 Theatre World Awards Performance John Rubinstein
1973 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Roger O. Hirson
1973 Tony Awards Best Choreography Bob Fosse
1973 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Patricia Zipprodt
1973 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Bob Fosse
1973 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher
1973 Tony Awards Best Musical Stuart Ostrow
1973 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Stephen Schwartz
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ben Vereen
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Irene Ryan
1973 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Leland Palmer
1973 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Tony Walton

Videos