Pippin (musical) - Definition and Overview

Pippin is a stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse also contributed to the libretto. The show purports to tell the story of Pippin (or Pepin) the son of Charlemagne.

Songs

• "Corner Of The Sky". Introduced by John Rubinstein in the title role on Broadway and performed by Paul Jones in the London production.
• "Extraordinary"
• "Love Song"
• "Magic To Do". Introduced by Ben Vereen in the Broadway production and performed by Northern J. Calloway in London.
• "Morning Glow"
• "No Time At All". Introduced by Irene Ryan in the Broadway production and performed by Elisabeth Welch in London with a show-stopping turn by Jenny Howard in the Australian production.
• "On The Right Track"
• "Simple Joys"

Broadway production

The show opened at the Imperial Theatre on October 23, 1972 and ran for 1944 performances. It was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.

Original cast:

• Eric Berry - Charles
• Jill Clayburgh - Catherine
• Leland Palmer - Fastrada
• Irene Ryan - Berthe
• Ben Vereen - Leading Player
• John Rubinstein - Pippin

London production

The show opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on October 30, 1973 and ran for 85 performances. Bob Fosse again was director and choreographer.

London cast:

• John Turner - Charles
• Patricia Hodge - Catherine
• Diane Langdon - Fastrada
• Elisabeth Welch - Berthe
• Northern J. Calloway - Leading Player
• Paul Jones - Pippin

Other productions

The Melbourne production opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on February 23, 1974.