The SUNY Geneseo Department of Music’s Musical Theatre Program’s latest production, Pippin, runs next week, April 10–13, at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. All performances are in the Alice Austin Theater on Geneseo’s campus. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students, and are available online or cash only at the door an hour before curtain. Content and suggestive situations make this show most appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Pippin, by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson, is the story of a young man trying to find his place in the world through introductions to war, sex, politics, and home life. He discovers that finding fulfillment and purpose is more complicated than 15 minutes of fame and being the center of attention isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
The production’s music director is Don Kot, lecturer in the Department of Music. Returning guest director Scott Scaffidi brings a fresh, new concept to this tale, and returning guest choreographer Katie LeSuer uses Fosse-style choreography. The design team is Toni Elderkin (lighting), Katherine McCarthy (costumes), Dave LaDue (sound), Casey McNamara (hair and makeup), Brodie McPherson ’17 (scenic supervisor), Scott Scaffidi (scenic design), Graydon VanRy (carpentry), and Johnnie Ferrell (technical director of Alice Austin Theater). The stage management team consists of students Kayla McGallian ’21, Emma Brune ’21, and Tessa Hensler ’22.
Student performers include Brett Hammes ’20 (Pippin), Annie Levine ’20 (Leading Player), Erin Burris ’19 (Catherine), Kelsey Roberts ’21 (Berthe), Patrick Jones ’20 (Lewis), Rocky Nardone ’21 (Charlemagne), and Katelyn Brooks ’19 (Fastrada). Local actor Joey DeBell will play Theo. The ensemble consists of Erica Milliman ’19, Miranda Calarco ’19, Brian Sousis ’19, Mick Elliott ’20, Sydney Lyons ’20, Kat Berton ’21, Ben Bernstein ’21, Kyle Johnson ’21, and Madelynn Maiolo ’22.