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:
- Magic to Do
- Corner of the Sky
- War is a Science
- Glory
- Simple Joys
- No Time At All
- With You
- Spread a Little Sunshine
- Morning Glow
- On the Right Track
- Kind of Woman
- Extraordinary
- Love Song
- I Guess I'll Miss the Man
- Finale
Here's Louise Quick, assistant to Bob Fosse, talking about the infamous "Manson Trio"
