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Pip-pip-hooray! It's Pippin at PACA
Scaled-down production puts emphasis on character
August 21, 2024 at 8:00 AM
Diggit Dave Schroeder
The folks at PACA are producing the timeless tale of Pippin, a story with a universal message of the search for meaning and purpose in life. Directed by Erie's own Kate Neuber-Lechner and starring a menagerie of Erie theater veterans, the group brings the vision of the 1972 Bob Fosse musical to life.
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
In the eighth century a son was born to the great emperor Charlemagne. Twelve hundred years later, that son, Pepin, would become the unlikely subject of a 1972 musical by Stephen Schwartz, Roger O. Hirson, and the incomparable Bob Fosse. The musical Pippin only retains a morsel of the historical truth of Pepin's story; but that's likely for the best, as Pippin has a much more inspiring message than the Frankish prince's actual fate (which was to die, likely of the plague, while banished to a monastery).
Bringing Pepin's journey to the PACA stage is none other than local theater legend Kate Neubert-Lechner, in her capacity as director and choreographer. "I've always been drawn to Pippin for a couple of reasons," Neubert-Lechner said. "The first is that the original production was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, who is my absolute favorite creative brain to have ever made theater and dance."
"The second reason…is the universal message that it imparts," she continued. "We follow a young man who is looking for meaning and purpose in his life….he looks for it everywhere he can and, ultimately, finds that the answers were not where he thought they'd be. It's such a simple message, but so universal and relatable."
PACA's production will be scaled down compared to larger shows and casts, with more focus on Pepin's story. "The overall production design is centered around a carnival, sideshow feel," Neubert-Lechner explained.
And after Pippin takes the audience on his journey, Neubert-Lechner hopes that everyone takes "the time to see and appreciate the beauty, joy, and fulfillment that exists in the simple things in their lives."
Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 30 through Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. // PACA, 1505 State St. // $20 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com