The University of Idaho’s Theatre Arts Department closed out its two-weekend run of “Pippin,” directed by Jess Hirsh. There was a total of seven shows, multiple of them being sold out.
“Pippin” was written by Roger O. Hirson with music by Stephen Schwartz, who famously also wrote the music for “Wicked.”
The story follows a young man named Pippin. Throughout the story, he tries to find his purpose in life. His story is guided by a group of people, the leader being the “Leading Player.” They lead Pippin through the musical, trying to help him reach a “perfect ending.” But finally, Pippin realizes that true happiness can come from the simple aspects of life. Not everything big and glamorous can always bring fulfillment.
In an interview with The Argonaut, Cale Wilponen, a sophomore theatre arts major who played the character of Pippin, was asked about what the rehearsals and preparation looked like. He said, “We do [rehearsals] Monday through Thursday… then Saturday.”
This being Wilponen’s first main lead role, it required lots of preparation vocally and mentally.
“It’s just been a lot of back and forth… a lot of training that I’ve put myself through personally,” he said.
Wilponen trained with music director Kyle Coleman to help build his voice in preparation for the role. “Working with Kyle Coleman has been really helpful in learning how to healthily use my voice in ways that I haven’t before,” Wilponen said.
With hundreds of lines to memorize, Wilponen made sure to get their delivery performance ready. “When I was getting my perm done, I sat there for three hours, just going through the script in my head,” said Wilponen.
Pippin is a role that takes dedication and effort into the act. When asked about playing such a role, Wilponen said, “Pippin as a character, he’s so free willed and so driven that it’s really inspiring to me to see someone who is so determined to find something for himself.”
He continued, “I feel more empowered to find that for myself.”
Elise Von Bargen, a senior theater arts major, played the Leading Player in the production. She described Leading Player as, “almost the director… the ring master of the show. She presents these opportunities to Pippin and then takes them away at the same time.”
When asked about working with director and choreographer Jess Hirsh, she said, “Jess is awesome. I honestly can’t hype her up enough.”
Von Bargen extended her gratitude towards Hirsh by saying, “She was a godsend to anyone in the program who is very musical theatre-like oriented.”
When asked about what words best describe the production, Von Bargen responded with, “whirlwind,” “exciting” and “meaningful.” The plot is thrilling with touches of love and thoughtfulness.
“I thought it was wonderful. Everyone sounded good, it looked really good… it was a great show,” said UI alum Blake Presnell after the closing performance.
He continued with, “It’s definitely giving me a lot to think about. You never know where [life] is going to go and you can only plan so far ahead. I mean, isn’t that life for ya?”
Zanna Miller, senior at UI, said, “The set was beautiful. They kept a very balanced dynamic of being funny and interactive with the crowd as well as being professional.”
She ended with, “I feel like they triggered my emotions well, which is hard to do in theatre arts sometimes.”
Scully Davidson, another attendee of the closing performance, was very fulfilled with the show. “I thought it was beautifully done. It was really well orchestrated.”
“Pippin” is the perfect story for anyone who feels they are searching for their purpose in life. The actors and crew worked hard to execute a performance that was definitely received well by the audience. With sold-out shows, this was one production that made an impact on those who attended.
Reese Garcia can be reached at [email protected]