© 2024 Interlochen
CLASSICAL IPR | 88.7 FM Interlochen | 94.7 FM Traverse City | 88.5 FM Mackinaw City IPR NEWS | 91.5 FM Traverse City | 90.1 FM Harbor Springs/Petoskey | 89.7 FM Manistee/Ludington
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Show Tunes S4, EP 6: Pippin (1972)

Pippin (1972)
Original Album Artwork
Pippin (1972)

Prince Pippin seeks the meaning of life in this Stephen Schwartz musical with Motown grooves

A fantasy story based on a real person, "Pippin" is about the disenchanted son of King Charlemagne seeking meaning in life. Is it power? Glory? Love? Fame? Follow Pippin as he's mentored by a mysterious Leading Player and their Troupe.

Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz

Trivia:

The show was co-produced with Motown records. Phil Ramone produced the soundtrack album - that's partly why it's all so groovy! Diana Ross and the Supremes covered the tune, "I Guess I'll Miss the Man."

The show is rich in irony: the perky instrumental in "Glory" features the "Manson Trio" (named for Charles Manson). Three dancers do synchronized, old-fashioned "happy dances" in front of images of violence and war.

Biggest hits:

Magic to Do
Corner of the Sky
I Guess I'll Miss the Man (also covered by Diana Ross & the Supremes!)

Tony Awards (1973):

  • Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Ben Vereen as Leading Player)
  • Best Direction of a Musical (Bob Fosse)
  • Best Choreography (Bob Fosse)
  • Best Scenic Design (Tony Walton)
  • Best Lighting Design (Jules Fisher)

Musical numbers:

  1. Magic to Do
  2. Corner of the Sky
  3. War is a Science
  4. Glory
  5. Simple Joys
  6. No Time At All
  7. With You
  8. Spread a Little Sunshine
  9. Morning Glow
  10. On the Right Track
  11. Kind of Woman
  12. Extraordinary
  13. Love Song
  14. I Guess I'll Miss the Man
  15. Finale

Here's Louise Quick, assistant to Bob Fosse, talking about the infamous "Manson Trio"

Kate Botello is a host and producer at Classical IPR.