Pippin Synopsis & Character Descriptions

(Courtesy of MTI)

Synopsis:

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the un-extraordinary moments that happen every day. Equally as poignant as a black-box production as a splashy, spectacle-driven extravaganza, Pippin’s message is universal and will connect with audiences across the age spectrum. 
 

Character Descriptions:

Pippin:

Age: 18 to 21 Vocal range G2 to Ab4 

Our story's young and confused protagonist. They are longing to find their purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo. 

Leading Player:

Vocal range Db3 to Ab4

The ultimate 'ringleader.' Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through their own story and tries to intervene at the end, strong dance skills a plus. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience. (Referred to by some critics as a charismatic cult leader)

Charles:

Age: 50 to 60 Vocal range G2 to E4 

Pippin's demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. They wear their years with great pride. 

Fastrada:

Age: 35 to 45 Vocal range A3 to F5

Pippin's conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, they are both sexy and smart. Skilled at using their sexual appeal to benefit them, and their son, Lewis. 

Lewis:

Pippin’s half-brother and, after Pippin, heir to the throne. Addicted to the physical, Lewis loves weightlifting, Lewis loves wrestling, but most of all Lewis loves Lewis. It’s implied that they are involved with their mother, Fastrada. Lewis does not have any solo singing. 

Berthe:

Age: 67 to 77 Vocal range E3 to C5

Pippin's saucy grandmother. A brassy character full of wisdom, grace, and sass. They try to help Pippin and encourages them to live their life to the fullest.

Catherine:

Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range F#3 to Db5 

A widow and mother. They are attractive and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at Pippin’s lowest point and eventually falls in love with them. 

Theo:

Catherine’s young son; capable of showing a little attitude. Often played by an actor that appears to be more of a child than a teenager; sings unaccompanied at the end of the show. 

Ensemble:

There will be a maximum of 8 ensemble members. All ensemble members sing, dance, “do magical things”, and play a variety of speaking roles throughout. A diverse skill set is most welcome.

THE SOUTH SIMCOE THEATRE IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE AUDITIONS FOR THE MUSICAL “PIPPIN”
 

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Roger O. Hirson

Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow

Directed on the Broadway Stage by Bob Fosse

2013 Broadway Revival Directed by Diane Paulus

Orchestrations for the 2013 Revival by Larry Hochman

Stage Manager: Lesley Coo

Musical Director: Colin Frotten

Producer: Mel Hinch

Director/Choreographer: Scott Hurst

This production is a non-paying, non-professional production. 
 

Information from Producer, Mel Hinch
 

Registration:

For more information or to book an audition time please contact the Producer, Mel Hinch, at madrigal1.mh@gmail.com and include a contact phone number. (BTW… Mel gets a lot of emails every day so please remember to put “PIPPIN AUDITIONS” in the subject line.)
 

Auditions:

In-person auditions for PIPPIN will be held at The South Simcoe Theatre (1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario) on Friday, September 6 (7:00 – 9:30 p.m.) and Saturday, September 7 (3:00 – 6:00 p.m.) with final auditions and callbacks on the evening of Friday, September 13 (7:00 – 9:30 p.m.). (If you are not available for any of these dates please consider submitting a Video Audition. Videos will be accepted until Wed. Sept. 11 @ 5:00 p.m.)

Callbacks:

If we need you to come back to read a scene, sing a song from the show, or take part in a second movement call, we will phone you to arrange a time on our callback day and copy you by email. 
 

Rehearsals:

We will begin rehearsals on Sunday, February 2nd. Sunday rehearsals will be 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., Monday and Thursday rehearsals will be 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.. Toward the end of March, we’ll be adding Sunday evening rehearsals as needed, we will be rehearsing during the March Break and we will not be rehearsing on Easter Sunday. NB: If you are cast, and your conflict dates change substantially from the information provided at the time of casting to a degree that it interferes with your ability to attend rehearsals regularly, The South Simcoe Theatre reserves the right to withdraw the casting offer.
 

Performances: 

Nine performances of PIPPIN are scheduled between May 2 – 18, with evening performances Friday & Saturday @ 7:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. matinees on Sundays. NB: All applicants must be available for all dress rehearsals and performances. 
 

Information from Director, Scott Hurst
 

While we will be using the libretto and score from the 2013 Broadway revival, it is our intention to “reimagine and recentre” this production to be as inclusive, diverse and representational as possible. Before applying for an audition time, we encourage you to read the following information that explains the vision and concept for the show, as it is currently being developed. 
 

When Bob Fosse directed and choreographed the original 1972 production of PIPPIN for Broadway, the show became heavily balanced in favour of the dance element, and the star turn of the show favoured the performance of Ben Vereen as the Leading Player. In some ways “the story” took a back seat to “the production” and the desire to have a long-running hit on Broadway. Our vision for this production is to recentre the focus to tell this magical story first and foremost and put the characters into a renewed perspective (all without changing a word or a lyric). 
 

The writing of the original production was influenced by the resistance to the Vietnam War, and the growing disillusionment of the nation’s young people with their government. The Summer of Love, Woodstock, and Hippy Vans will inform but not dominate the show. The description of where this musical is set is 780 A.D or thereabouts, and the Holy Roman Empire or thereabouts. This production will focus more on the “thereabouts”, to support the allegorical elements of the show. 
 

This production will not be set in a circus, and the focus will not be on Fosse-style dance, but the intention is to create an entertaining and provocative production that supports the story as originally conceived by the composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz and librettist Roger O. Hirson… with a tip of the hat to Fosse and the Circus… and Penn & Teller!
 

Accordingly, this production of Pippin welcomes and encourages all forms of diversity, representation, and a diverse skill set. ALL roles are open to ALL genders, appearances, ages, and abilities. The character descriptions below were copied from the MTI website and do not necessarily reflect how this production will be cast. Let us see and hear your authentic self; this is a safe place to create. We are hoping to create a company of approximately 16 multi-talented actors; most members of the company will be playing multiple roles. 
 

While this production will not be emulating the revival production which requires circus skills, please let us know if you have any special or unusual skills including, but not limited to: juggling, sleight of hand magic, close-up magic, Shashibo cube or Rubik’s cube, origami, balloon art, ventriloquism, gymnastics, cultural and specialty dance training, baton twirling, accents, American Sign Language, character voices, puppetry, roller skating, mime, mask work, and/or the playing of acoustic musical instruments. Heck, if you’re good at yo-yo tricks while skateboarding blindfolded, let us know!
 

Information from Musical Director, Colin Frotten
 

Please prepare a 32-bar cut of two contrasting musical theatre songs that show off your voice and personality. We may only ask to hear one song, but please have both prepared in their entirety in case the team wants to hear more from you. While it is recommended that you bring sheet music in your key for the accompanist (double-sided, hole-punched and in a binder please) you are also welcome to bring pre-recorded accompaniment. We will provide an accompanist and a speaker for playback. We strongly recommend that no one sings without accompaniment (a cappella). 
 

After you sing you will be asked to stay for a short group movement audition; please wear comfortable footwear (no sandals or flip-flops).
 

Vulnerable Sector Screening 

This cast may include actors under 18 years of age. If so, all actors and production team members aged 18 and over, will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) prior to the first rehearsal. If this is the case, you will be provided with the information on how to obtain one and the required submission date.
 

Health & Safety

In keeping with Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit guidelines, this theatre will comply with any mandated health regulations. 
 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The South Simcoe Theatre encourages inclusion and representation in all its endeavours. Everyone is welcome both on stage and off. In that spirit, we encourage diversity in our casting process. 

Have Questions?

Email Mel Hinch, Producer, at madrigal1.mh@gmail.com – Thank you!