PIPPIN Program

Pippin

Book by

ROGER O. HIRSON Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ

Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow Directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse 2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus Theo Ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

Directed by Ashley Butler Music Direction by James Mablin | Choreography by Jeri Dickey

Pippin

Book

by ROGER O. HIRSON

Music & Lyrics

by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ

Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow Directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse 2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus Theo Ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

Directed by Ashley Butler Music Direction by James Mablin | Choreography by Jeri Dickey

Director’s Note

This year marked the 50th anniversary of Pippin, which premiered on Broadway October 23, 1972. Starting out as a college project for a young Stephen Schwartz, Pippin evolved into various iterations over the years, with major influences and “dark stylings” contributed by its original director/choreographer Bob Fosse, a new ending conceived by director Mitch Sebastian in 1998, and a significant reimagining with circus themes by 2013 Broadway revival director Diane Paulus. The current licensed version carries a bit of all of those layers within, including early 70s rock and pop influences, lush orchestral arrangements, vaudeville inspirations, and a bit of circus left in the mix. Roger O. Hirson’s libretto constructs a play-withina-play that invites the audience on a zany fever dream of a journey alongside an unnamed young man who plays the character of Pippin—one or both of whom are on an existential quest for some purpose in life.

The young man and the troupe of “mysterious players” he encounters are not really identified or clearly defined for us in the script, which offers a great deal of latitude for a director and her collaborators to create. Our vision for the show is rooted in the physical theatre space and celebrates not only dance (the theme of our 2022-23 season) but also stagecraft—or, “stage magic”—as an essential component of storytelling.

Our Pippin takes place in the here and now but has a deep connection to the ghosts of the past. Theatre is steeped in superstition; most theatres have a resident ghost or two, leaving a “ghost light” onstage at night to appease those ghosts with a space to play. Theatre ghosts also come in the form of those who move through the space embodying the spirit of the play—but are mostly invisible to the audience. By this, we mean the designers, stage managers, technicians, and crews who build and craft the experience of the show in the shadows, so to speak. Finally, as a former theatre major in this department who graduated over 30 years ago, I connect the show to the ghosts of my past who still “haunt” this very theatre in a special way. Theatre itself is ephemeral—it’s here and then gone just as quickly. Yet, I believe that every person who passes through a theatrical space potentially leaves a bit of their essence behind that lasts eternally. In this sense, the “ghost” of every person who has created theatre onstage, backstage, or in the audience is still here. There is a “ghost” of my former student self here. There are “ghosts” of those who were here with me from 1989-1993 but have since graduated, moved on, retired, and even passed to the next realm, as well as those who came before us and after. And someday, those of us who commune in this space, in this moment, will be the ghosts who have left behind a trace for those who come next.

– Ashley Butler, Director

Special Thanks

Auburn University Theatre and Dance gratefully acknowledges support for this production from the Office of the Provost of Auburn University.

We also wish to thank the following individuals: Jenna Dickey, Dan LaRocque, Adrienne Wilson

Artistic Team

Artistic Director: Chase Bringardner Director: Ashley Butler

Music Director: James Mablin

Choreographer: Jeri Dickey Co-Costume Designers: Shelby Dupree, Mary Grace Sullivan

Costume Supervisor: Tracy Oleinick Head Costume Crafter: Meredith Rice

Costume Crafters: Fox Snead, Mary Grace Sullivan Scenic and Co-Lighting Designer: Travis McHale* Co-Lighting Designer: Devin Cameron

Assistant Lighting Designer: Katie Wolfe Sound Designer/Engineer: Annabell Mallard Sound Supervisor: Anthony Narciso* Fight Choreographer: Dan LaRocque Dance Captain: Anna Turpen Vocal Director/Vocal Health Consultant/ Understudy Vocal Coach: Elizabeth Benson Fight Captains: Johnathan Davis, Lily Sfida, Cassie Vitale

Dramaturg: Katie Wolfe

Production Crews

Scenic Studio: Johnathan Davis, Jonathon Dickey, Mengyao Li, Claudia Peeples, Olivia Price, Danielle Simmons, Matthew/Maddie Smith, Tony To, Anna Turpen, Cassie Vitale, Haley Wells

Costume Studio: Nikki Ahlf, Lisa Alfa, Hannah Carstarphen, Rynnie Chapman, Tapley Cronier, Jordinia Denson, Shelby Dupree, Mickie Felder, Elle Hartman, Asha Knight, Bethany Novotny, Meredith Rice, Fox Snead, Mary Grace Sullivan, Madison Todd, Avonlea Yeakley

*Member – United Scenic Artists Local 829

Production Team

Technical Director: Matt Gist Assistant Technical Director: Cameron Lucas

Costume Shop Manager: Jennifer Salter Stage Manager: Madison Todd

Production Assistant Stage Managers: Abigail Bowling, Daisha Flint Wardrobe Supervisor: Elle Hartman Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor: Jordinia Denson

Wardrobe Crew: Maggie Cole, Fox Snead, Avonlea Yeakley Wig Master: Whitley Adams Props Coordinator: Jacob Van Horn Props Team: Ashley Butler, Jeri Dickey, Matt Gist Charge Artist: Claudia Peeples Master Electrician: Katie Wolfe

Assistant Master Electricians: Eve Jenkins, Avery Melton A2: Juliana Shirley, Cameron Courtwright Sound Board Operator: Juliana Shirley Light Board Operator: Cecilia Frederick Follow Spots: Eve Jenkins, Avery Melton Fly Rails/Deck Crew: Antonavia Collins, Nick DiJulio, Kaitlin Love House Manager: Tatum Clark

A Note on Content

Pippin contains mild adult language and stylized, comedic choreography of both violence and intimacy.

“The Manson Trio” in “Glory” was choreographed by Bob Fosse and restaged by Jeri Dickey.

Pippin is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Setting

A theatre...somewhere. Now.

Cast

Young Man .................... Jonathon Dickey Leading Player ..................... Nikki Ahlf

The Players

Patrick Barnett Olivia Beland Hannah Carstarphen Johnathan Davis Morgan Hogans

Kathryn Mims Bethany Novotny Garrett Scott Evie Slaughenhoup Kara Anne Smith

Lily Sfida Tony To Anna Turpen Cassie Vitale Michaela Williams

Young Woman ................ Sydney Pereira Young Person ....................... Ella Taylor

The Cast of “Pippin, His Life and Times” Pippin .................... Jonathon Dickey Charles ................... Johnathan Davis Lewis .............................. Tony To Fastrada ................. Bethany Novotny Berthe ....................... Cassie Vitale Catherine .................. Sydney Pereira Theo ............................ Ella Taylor Everyone Else .................. The Players

Understudies

Patrick Barnett (Charles and Lewis) Olivia Beland (Fastrada and Leading Player) Kathryn Mims (Theo) Garrett Scott (Pippin) Lily Sfida (Catherine) Michaela Williams (Berthe)

Orchestra

Conductor/Keys 1 James Mablin

Keys 2 ............ Adrienne Wilson

Guitar .............. Johnny Powell Trumpet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derrick Smith Trombone ....... Johnathan Clutts Bass .............. Jamie Newsome

Drums ................ Reid Meinert

Violin ............... Brittany Rowe Reed 1 ............... Caitlyn Hayes Reed 2 ........... Anna Claire Miller Percussion ............. Alex Pearce

Musical Numbers

Act I

“Magic To Do” ........................................... Company “Corner of the Sky” .......................................... Pippin “War Is a Science” ............................ Charles and Company “Glory” ............................... Leading Player and Company “Corner of the Sky Reprise” .................................. Pippin “Simple Joys” ...................................... Leading Player “No Time At All” ............................... Berthe and Company “With You” ................................... Pippin and Company “Spread a Little Sunshine” ................... Fastrada and Company “Morning Glow” ............................... Pippin and Company

(Intermission - 15 minutes)

Act II

“Opening Act 2” .......................................... Company “The Right Track” ........................ Pippin and Leading Player “Kind of Woman” ........................... Catherine and Company “Extraordinary” ............................................. Pippin “Prayer For a Duck” ........................... Pippin and Company “Love Song” .................................. Pippin and Catherine “Corner of the Sky - Last Reprise” ............................ Pippin “I Guess I'll Miss the Man” ................................. Catherine “Finale” ............................... Leading Player and Company

Company Biographies

Nikki Ahlf (Leading Player) is a senior BFA music theatre major from Madison, AL. She also holds a BSBA in marketing from Auburn's Harbert College of Business. Auburn Theatre credits include Into the Woods (Witch), Spring Awakening (Ilse), New Day Dawning: Finding Hope at the Theatre (“Don't Rain on My Parade”), Bring it On The Musical (Skylar), and Big Fish (ensemble). She is so grateful to God for her experiences and her friends and family for their constant love and support!

Patrick Barnett (Ensemble, Charles & Lewis US) is a freshman BFA musical theatre major from Lagrange, GA. This is his very first show at Auburn University! Patrick is extremely excited to be a part of this amazing show with his wonderful cast members. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continuous prayers and support on his theatrical journey!

Olivia Beland (Ensemble/Leading Player & Fastrada US) is a sophomore speech, language, and hearing sciences major from Helena, AL. Her Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance credits include Spring Awakening (Lina/Female Swing) and re(imagine): riffs, reverses, and revolutions (Ensemble). She is so excited to return to the Telfair Peet mainstage and would like to thank Ashley, Jamie, and Jeri for this wonderful opportunity!

Abigail Bowling (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman theatre major from Auburn, AL. Her previous credits are Twelfth Night (Stage Manager), High School Musical Jr. (Stage Manager), Flat Stanley Jr. (Asst. Stage Manager), and countless others at Auburn Area Community Theatre. She is excited to work on her first production at Auburn and hopes you enjoy the show!

Hannah Carstarphen (Ensemble) is a sophomore theatre major from Mobile, AL. This semester, she has had the privilege to serve as an ASM for AU Theatre & Dance (AUTD)’s Detroit ’67. As a freshman, she appeared in AUTD’s production of The Wolves (#14) and AU Players Presents’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania). Due to her love for Auburn Theatre and Dance, she has involved herself with becoming the AU Players t-shirt chair, as well as being a member of Mosaic Theatre Company. She is so grateful to be a part of this amazing musical.

Johnathan Davis (Charles/Fight Captain) is a senior BFA performance major from Dublin, GA. His previous Auburn University credits include The Belle’s Strategem (Bailie Courtall) and Spring Awakening (Adult Men). He is excited to be a part of this fantastic cast. He is honored to be able to share his experiences about his time at Auburn and glad that he can add this to the memory list.

Jonathon Dickey (Pippin) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Auburn, AL. Previous roles at Auburn University include Into the Woods (Jack), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), and The Theory of Relativity (Paul). He’s so excited to be a part of this wonderful cast!

Shelby Dupree (Co-Costume Designer) is a junior BFA theatre design/technology major with a concentration in costuming. This is the third show she has designed for AUTD, the first being Progress for The Future Is Here student one-act festival, and the tap piece Yes, Indeed! for the dance concert last spring. After assistant designing Spring Awakening last fall, she was ready to design a musical, as well as collaborate with her wonderful amazing co-designer, Mary Grace. Shelby is excited to continue to design more shows in the future! After all, she has magic to do!

Daisha Flint (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore BA theatre major from Piedmont, AL. She transferred into the department to improve her performance skills and gain new skills outside of acting. This will be her first time being an assistant stage manager while at Auburn, and she could not be more excited!

Morgan Hogans (Ensemble) is a junior music theatre major from Dothan, AL. Auburn University theatre credits include Little Women (Jo and Marmie Understudy), A Doll’s House Part 2 (Emmy), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Peaseblossom). She is also an active member of AU Players and the Tiger Excellence Scholarship Program (TESP). Annabell Mallard (Sound Designer & Engineer) [she/her/hers] is a senior BFA theatre management major from Norcross, GA. Her previous credits include: A Doll’s House (Stage Manager), Spring Awakening (A2), Into the Woods (Sound Engineer), The Wolves (Sound Designer & AME), and Detroit ’67 (Stage Manager) as well as being the summer season sound designer/lead engineer at Porthouse Theatre in Kent, OH. Annabell also serves as the Mosaic Theatre Company Stage Manager. Annabell would like to thank the cast and crew of this show (especially Madison Todd, Navi Collins, Cameron Lucas, Matt Gist, and Anthony Narciso!) and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Kathryn Mims (Ensemble/Theo US) is a freshman BFA music theatre major from Dothan, AL. She is extremely excited for the wonderful opportunity to pursue her dreams here at Auburn. Her favorite credits include Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), The Lion King Jr. (Zazu), Hamilton: An Interpretation Through Dance (Eliza Hamilton), A Mermaid’s Tale (Ariel), and Lion King Jr. (Mowgli).

Company Biographies

Bethany Novotny (Fastrada) is a BFA music theatre major from Litchfield Park, AZ. Previous credits at Auburn University include A Doll’s House Part 2 (Nora), Into the Woods (Stepmother), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius). She is excited to join such a wonderful cast and crew, and would like to thank her parents for their continuous love and support.

Sydney Pereira (Catherine) is a BFA music theatre major from Elon, NC. Auburn University theatre credits include The Wolves (#2) and A Doll’s House Part 2 (Emmy). She is also vice president of AU Players and is a student recruiter here at Auburn. She is so grateful to be a part of this production!

Garrett Scott (Ensemble/Pippin US) is a sophomore software engineering major from Nashville, TN. His previous credits include West Side Story in Concert (Tony), Be More Chill (Michael Mell), Spring Awakening (Moritz), and Chicago (Billy Flynn). He is excited to be making his Auburn University Theatre and Dance debut in Pippin. He is very thankful for his fellow castmates for welcoming him into the theatre and cannot wait to take part in future productions.

Lily Sfida (Ensemble/Catherine US/Fight Captain) is a freshman BFA music theatre and aerospace engineering major from Upper Darby, PA. She is very excited to be a part of her first Auburn University Theatre and Dance production! Her recent credits include Anastasia (Anya), Godspell (Bless the Lord Soloist), and Junie B. Jones (Junie B.).

Evie Slaughenhoup (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA music theatre major from Columbus, GA. While this is her first Auburn production, other credits include Tuck Everlasting (Man in the Yellow Suit), Frozen (Anna), and Newsies (Race). She is so excited to be a part of this show and very thankful to April and Dennis Turner for not letting her give up!

Kara Anne Smith (Ensemble) is a freshman theatre major from Charlotte, NC. She is excited to be pursuing her dreams at Auburn. Her favorite credits include Anne of Green Gables (Anne), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Pride and Prejudice (Jane), and Oklahoma! (Laurey).

Mary Grace Sullivan (Co-Costume Designer) [she/they] is a junior BFA costume design major from Huntsville, AL. She has various theatre credits including A Doll’s House (Assistant Costume Designer), Spring Awakening (Wardrobe/ Costume Studio), Into the Woods (Wardrobe), The Wolves (Wardrobe), and Detroit ’67 (Costume Studio). She would like to thank her family, friends, and everyone at AU Theatre and Dance for their endless love and support.

Ella Taylor (Theo) is so excited to be performing in Pippin! She is a sophomore BFA music theatre and English double major from Montgomery, AL. Past productions at Auburn include Spring Awakening (Martha) and Into the Woods (Lucinda). She hopes you enjoy the show!

Tony To (Lewis) is a junior BFA performance major at Auburn University. He has been within the theatre world since the age of 8 with roles such as Aladdin (Aladdin), A Doll’s House Part 2 (Torvald), and Harvey (Duane Wilson). He enjoys acting, music, and script writing in his free time.

Madison Todd (Stage Manager) is a sophomore theatre major minoring in Asian Studies from Columbus, GA. Her theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Stage Manager), The Wolves (Assistant Stage Manager), and A Doll’s House (Assistant Stage Manager). Madison would also like to thank her friends and family for their support in getting her to where she is today.

Anna Turpen (Ensemble/Dance Captain) is a senior BA theatre major from Atlanta, GA. She is so excited to be in her first production at Auburn! She has previously been seen in Mamma Mia (Tanya) and A Chorus Line (Valerie Clark). She will be moving to NYC in the spring to pursue Steps on Broadway’s Professional Training Program.

Cassie Vitale (Berthe/Fight Captain) is a BFA music theatre major/business minor from Huntington, NY. She will be graduating in 2023 with high hopes to hit the stage after she graduates. Her past credits include Into The Woods (Florinda), New Day Dawning: Finding Hope At the Theatre (“Shine Like The Sun”), and The Theory of Relativity (Julie). She would like to thank her family, professors, colleagues, and God for all the love and support she has received every single day. Website: www.cassievitale.com Instagram: cassie_vitale

Michaela Williams (Ensemble/Berthe US) is a sophomore musical theatre major from Columbus, GA. This is her second Auburn University Theatre and Dance production; their previous work includes The Wolves (#00) and Spring Awakening (Fly Crew). Michaela is also the secretary for Auburn University Players and a member of Mosaic Theatre Company. She is so excited to have the opportunity to work with this talented group, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Katie Wolfe (Assistant Lighting Designer/Dramaturg) is a senior at Auburn in the BFA design track where she is studying lighting design! Some of her favorite credits at the Telfair Peet include Quad (Undergraduate Research Fellow), The Wolves (Lighting Designer), A Doll’s House (Assistant Scenic Designer)l and Act Without Words (Honors Project/Scenographer). When she’s not backstage, Katie can be found in the Engineering department where she also studies electrical and power engineering!

Guest Artist Biographies

Devin Cameron (Co-Lighting Designer) is based in New York City where he creates for theatre, dance, music, and immersive experiences. Recently Devin received praise in the New York Times for his design of the Billie Holiday Theatre’s Twelve Angry Men and Women. Other notable credits in design include: Parable of the Sower International Tour (Toshi Reagon), Drama Desk Award-winning The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland), and immersive experience in the heart of LA's arts district, Madcap Motel. He also serves as the resident lighting designer of critically acclaimed NYC theatre experience Sleep No More (Punchdrunk). devincameron.com

Travis McHale (Scenic & Co-Lighting Designer)* is thrilled to return to AU, previously designing scenery & lighting for Bring It On The Musical, Chicago, Holiday Memories, and The Drowsy Chaperone among others. Travis’ critically acclaimed lighting has been seen Off-Broadway, recently Is There Still Sex InThe City (Daryl Roth), #DateMe (Westside), Mister Miss America (Rattlestick), and at top regional theatres across the country including Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Bucks County Playhouse, and Westport Country Playhouse. He designs extensively in the cruise industry for Norwegian, Carnival, Regent and Oceania. Other lighting designs for NY Fashion Week, Carnegie Hall, PBS. Associate Lighting Designer for 11 Broadway shows and tours including Sunset Boulevard, Something Rotten!, and Hello, Dolly! Travis is currently on the design faculty for State University of New York at New Paltz and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local USA829. www.travismchale.com War Eagle!

Anthony Narciso (Sound Design Supervisor)* is a sound designer and composer based out of Orlando, FL. He routinely designs for Norwegian Cruise Lines, Theatre at St. Luke’s, Loxen Productions, and Orlando Repertory Theatre. Additionally, he has been an annual guest artist for Auburn University’s Department of Theatre and Dance since 2015. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology from the University of Central Florida and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. Recent credits include In the Heights at City Springs Theatre Company; Locomotion and Disney’s Freaky Friday at Orlando Rep; Oliver! at Theatre at St. Luke’s; Spring Awakening at Auburn University; and the production cast shows onboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Mariner. Visit ANDpro.live for an additional look and listen at his recent work.

Learn More About the Magical World of Pippin!

Want to learn more about the show and how we created the magic? Check out these resources!

● Use this QR code to learn more about the magical world of Pippin, including the ghost light and just who the ghosts of the theatre really are!

● Join us after the Thursday, Nov. 17 performance for a discussion with performers and the show’s artistic team.

*Member – United Scenic Artists Local 829

Photo by Ashley Butler

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DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE

Our Mission

Theatre has the potential to foster dialogue, alter perceptions, and inspire social change. The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the education and professional training of theatre artists, scholars, and audiences within a liberal arts environment.

The Department champions the interaction between theory and practice and produces citizen artists who advocate for the arts through their own work in local, national, and international communities.

Auburn University theatre and dance students think critically, creatively, and collaboratively and carry their knowledge from rehearsal spaces and classrooms to stages, campuses, and communities worldwide.

Learn more about our department and degree tracks at: auburnuniversitytheatre.org

Administrative Staff

Department Chair: Chase Bringardner

Office Administrators: Becky Henderson, Hannah Herndon Marketing Coordinator: Magalí Zaslabsky Graphic Designer: Ashley Butler

Student Staff:

Box Office Assistants: Olivia Beland, Antonisia Collins, Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin, Sydney Pereira, Madeline Schlaman Costume Studio Assistants: Camryn Chapman, Mary Grace Sullivan, Avonlea Yeakley

Paints & Props Assistant: Claudia Peeples Production Assistant: Antonavia Collins

Marketing/Recruitment Assistants: Nikki Ahlf, Bethany Novotny, Ella Taylor Scenic Studio Assistants: Annabell Mallard, Matthew/Maddie Smith Sound & Lighting Assistant: Katie Wolfe

Wig Assistants: Whitley Adams, Fox Snead

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Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

Top and center photos by Jeff Etheridge; bottom photo by Ashley Butler