Note from Assistant Director Ava Kronman (Form VI)

Pippin is a story about growing up; about trying new things and failing; about realizing that the path to a fulfilling life looks different for everyone. Throughout young prince Pippin’s quest for an “extraordinary” life, his experiences with the fanciful crew of characters challenge his perception of happiness and lead him to realize that the “completely fulfilling” version of life he envisions is actually an illusion. 

In our world, for teens especially, it is all too common for us to be presented with fantastically unrealistic depictions of how we should look and act: on social media, in magazines, on the big screen. When we can not see how the illusion is crafted, it’s sometimes easiest to just accept it as reality, as the truth. But our take on this show aims to bring into question if things are truly as they appear. 

With a theater production itself as the background of this show, we allow you in the audience to see how our theater illusions and magic are made. Keep a look out for crew working, actors waiting backstage, the flies, the stage manager’s table, and even the Hillman’s backstage door (yes, you’re meant to see them!). 

Pippin reminds us that you do not have to perform flashy, perfect, or incredible acts to have a real, valuable difference in the lives and the world around you. That to find happiness, you can be yourself; value your own authenticity. And that illusions are not always as they seem.  

Hope you enjoy the show!

Ava Kronman

About the Show

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson

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
Orchestrations for 2013 Revival by Larry Hochman

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

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Shady Side Academy is a nationally respected private school in Pittsburgh for boys and girls in grades pre-kindergarten through 12, with an optional boarding experience in high school. Four age-specific campuses with extraordinary resources, teachers who actively mentor, a forward-thinking curriculum, a diverse and inclusive community, and a legacy of alumni accomplishments all inspire Shady Side students to high achievement in academics, the arts and athletics, and to meaningful ambitions in life.

Whether they go on to become performers or patrons of the arts, Shady Side Academy students gain an appreciation for the beauty, freedom of expression, and diversity that the performing arts celebrate.