WEST HAWAII TODAY | BIG ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 | 5 ‘Pippin’ hits the stage Waimea Community Theatre presents classic musical in Honokaa, Waimea Some lives are meant to be extraordinary, and young Prince Pippin is determined to find his corner of the sky in the Tony Award-winning musical “Pippin,” from Stephen Schwartz, creator of “Wicked” and “Godspell.” Waimea Community Theatre and Chorus presents their production of the classic Broadway musical opening tonight and running through Sunday at Honokaa People’s Theatre and Aug. 18-20 at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Famous choreographer Bob Fosse won the Tony for Best Direction of a Musical in 1973 for his work on “Pippin,” turning it into a hit and creating a stir among theater aficionados who enjoy analyzing and picking apart the meaning of the story. While the musical’s direct meaning remains a topic of debate, most agree it is a story about a young man’s search for a meaningful life. “Pippin is the story of Prince Pippin (Rich Givens), the son of Charlemagne (Rick Turnbow) who is trying to find something in life that is meaningful and fulfilling,” said Abi Hobbs, the show’s director. “He tries a lot of different things like going to war, moving to the countryside and trying pleasures of the flesh. He also tries politics and, ultimately, the domestic life. He doesn’t find any of them to be completely fulfilling so the main question of the show is what does it mean to lead a meaningful life and make life worth living?” Set in the early Middle Ages, the ensemble cast tells the story of a young prince on a quest for adventure and passion. Through war battles, falling in love and surviving the struggles of indecision, the tale of “Pippin” entertains audiences with its catchy musical score and its relatable theme of the human need for a meaningful existence. “It’s a fun cast with singers, jugglers and all kinds of talents including acrobatics,” said Hobbs. “Pippin,” known for its many Broadway standards, including, “Magic To Do,” “No Time at All,” “Love Song,” “Corner of the Sky” and “Glory,” is a fun, refreshing and magical coming of age story recommended for ages 12 and up. “This is a classic American musical,” said Hobbs. “It’s been on Broadway twice and won Tonys both times. We have a really good cast and it’s a very lovely story about what it means to lead a meaningful life. It’s a funny show at times. You’ll both laugh and cry. It’s also a great way to come out and support community theatre in North Hawaii.” Cast members include, Rich Givens, Amy Mills, Rick Turnbow, Heather Gordon, Victor Friend, Paula Nurse, Alyssa Waldman, Melissa Threlfall, Andrew Boger, Michelle Boger, Raina Dale, Rose Friend, Lucky Friend, Jack Friend, Keanu Givens, Liberty Givens, Noelani Givens, Hanner Harsh, Justin Henshaw, Quincy Lambert, Joe Miyazaki, Taylin Nishida, Taliya Nishida, Alexandra Schlitter and Cecily Thornton. This production of “Pippin” is produced by Sam Valenti and starts at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices vary. For ticket information visit waimeacommunitytheatre. org. ■ BY KAREN ROSE SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY From left: Heather Gordon, Rich Givens and Amy Mills perform a scene from “Pippin,” Waimea Community Theatre’s latest production. COURTESY PHOTO/SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
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