This week, the University of Idaho Theatre Arts Department is debuting their production of “Pippin,” opening on Thursday, Oct. 30.
In an interview with The Argonaut, director Jess Hirsh said the story of “Pippin” is “a group of players putting on the story of Pippin, his life and times, which is the story of a young man trying to figure out what to do with his life.” As Pippin goes on this journey of life, he discovers that true happiness comes from everyday experiences, not living an over-the-top life.
Picking “Pippin” as one of this year’s fall productions was something that the department was very excited about. “It’s a title from the ‘70s, and we haven’t done something from that far back in a few years,” said Hirsh. For the students, working on a production like this is a perfect learning opportunity for those in the program who are working on stage and in the design element.
Rehearsals are no joke for the cast and crew. With rehearsals Monday through Thursday and Saturday, it is clear that those involved are highly dedicated to their art.
“The students have just shown up to rehearsals eager to learn and eager to receive notes and cheer each other on,” said Hirsh.
As the cast is now in tech week, they are preparing for their first audiences. Hirsh praised her students by saying, “This cast has been absolutely incredible.” She continued, “We are walking into tech week ready, which is exactly where we want to be.” As tech week is in favor of the technicians of the show, the students are prepared to run the show so the technical aspects can be added efficiently.
As audiences leave the world of “Pippin,” Hirsh hopes that audiences “have conversations about the pressures that they’ve experienced in their own lives and the pressures that they’ve put upon other people and examine if it was worth it.” She said, “And if it was worth it, how did it make you the person you are today?”
With opening night rapidly approaching, this show is one you will want to see. This is a perfect show for any college student. This show is for the people that “[if you] have ever once felt in your life that you are being forced to make a life decision super early and you’re not ready.”
You can see UI’s production of “Pippin” at the Hartung Theatre starting on Oct. 30. Additional performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Nov. 7-8 and matinees at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 9.
Tickets are free for UI students, $6 for 18 and under and $26 for general admission. They can be bought at uitickets.com.
Reese Garcia can be reached at [email protected]