students will take the stage this weekend, beginning Friday night, for the school’s annual winter production, which promises to entertain with not only some fine acting, but with dance and song, as well. Director Lenore Grunko’s production of Pippin is an adaptation of a Stephen Schwartz musical that takes a cynical look at war while following the trials of a young man blazing his own path to find meaning in the world.
“It features the amazing talents of Maya Keleher as leading player and Ryan Glista in the role of Pippin,” said Grunko. “In addition to these leads, there are about another 55 on stage with about 10 in the pit lead by Ken Clark, our musical director, and another 10 to 15 running tech.”
According to the E.O. Smith press release for the show, Pippin first opened on Broadway in 1972 and is the story of a prince, Pippin, who goes to war for his father’s army and kills his father because he is disturbed by the war. Pippin then becomes the king and is more confused than ever about life. He turns away from everything before realizing that what he’s been looking for has been there all along.
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Grunko said that students have been in rehearsal for Pippin since October, directly following their evening of senior-directed, one-act plays.
“Rehearsals eat up a lot of time - we meet daily in various groups, often until 5 p.m.,” said Grunko. “While some schools don't do musicals at all, or maybe every other year, we do one every year. It helps to build the skills required, obviously calling upon vocals and dance to round out the requirements.”
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Songs made popular from this show include Magic to Do, Love Song and Corner of the Sky.
Pippin will be performed on February 10 at 7:30 p.m., February 11 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. and on February 12 at 1:30 p.m. All shows will be held at the E.O. Smith Auditorium. For reservations or weather-related information, call 860-429-3437 or e-mail eosmithdramaclub@gmail.com. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors and $9 for the general public. The show is presented through special arrangements with the Music Theater International.
