Erin Adams, the co-director and choreographer of Cricket Theatre’s production of “Pippin,” with the Merriment ensemble.
Courtesy of Sydney Vignocchi
Cricket Theatre announces its production of “Pippin,” the 1972 hit musical full of soaring songs from the composer of “Wicked.” Join young prince Pippin on his search for the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. Influenced by the show’s enigmatic Leading Player, Pippin takes on a quest to discover what makes him extraordinary. He will seek answers in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. The prince falls in love with Catherine, a widow with a young son; but even in his newfound love, Pippin still struggles with the pressures of living an extraordinary life. Part history, part existential quest, part musical comedy, the extremely funny book by Roger O. Hirson offers a contrast to the deep issues in this magical musical.
Cricket Theatre’s production presents Lake Zurich High School students Jack Rough as Pippin, Charli Harding as Berthe, Melodi Magluyan as Fastrada and Keira Holmes as Catherine with middle-schooler Luke Magluyan as her son Theo; and Fremd High School students Madeline Ranieri as the Leading Player, Max Gould as Charlemagne and Emerson Carter as Lewis. These characters will be supported by a “band of players” of more than 50 students from local and surrounding high schools. Jordyn Helvie and Eileen O’Leary are the student choreographers. Pippin is directed and choreographed by Alex Ketcham and Erin Adams, with Riley Cook serving as Music Director.
Over the years Cricket has created a strong community through theater. That is why the productions are brought to life with the help and support of parent volunteers: from the design and creation of sets and costumes, to the ticket sales and publicity promotions, these volunteers are fundamental to the show’s success.
Join Cricket’s senior company for two performances of “Pippin,” at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, at the Lake Zurich Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich.
Tickets are $12 in advance at crickettheatrecompany.seatyourself.biz, and $15 at the door.
Co-founded in 2013 by Mary Beth Euker and Robin Kern, Cricket Theatre Company is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to foster the growth, education and enjoyment of musical theater for children. This summer the Senior Company has students representing eight different high schools in the area: Lake Zurich, Fremd, Mundelein, Barrington, Libertyville, Grayslake Central, Stevenson and Conant.
For more information, visit crickettheatre.org and follow on Instagram crickettheatrecompany.
