At its core – Pippin is a story about our lives. This story is about a young boy searching for meaning in a world with endless possibilities. Pippin goes through temptations and experiences that we all can relate to. He is disappointed by the things he imagined he would enjoy the most, and ends up appreciating the things that he never thought he would. In our lives, we all have felt uncertain; whether it’s because we have pushed ourselves outside our comfort zones or it’s because we don’t know what comes next. Our society has put value on always moving to the next best thing, rather than slowing down and seeing what’s right in front of us. Pippin fights his battles with the voices in his head by reminding himself that he doesn’t have to fit into a box that was pre-imagined for him, and he can feel fulfilled by the little things in life.
Throughout this show, I have had the honor of working with an insanely talented cast to portray a powerful story. Backstage we had conversations where we analyzed how Pippin’s story was actually relatable. Some admitted, “I don’t know what I should even do after high school” and others reflected, “I have too much on my plate; I should take a break this weekend.” Bleeding through our different backgrounds, cultures, and struggles, was a community that came together to tell a very important story. As silly as it sounds, Pippin was more than a show for us – it has been a reminder that while we all grow into ourselves, we should remember the importance of the connections we have built, the love we have shared, and the growth we have experienced.
I would like to thank the directors, cast, crew, pit, and everyone that has put their all into this show. It has truly paid off. As for the audience, I hope you will enjoy the show and while doing so, reflect on your own life. This show serves as a cautionary tale that stands the test of time; each character represents something we should carry into our own lives. Berthe reminds us to appreciate the time we have on this earth, Charles’ story explains the age-old adage “walk a mile in my shoes,” Lewis warns against self-obsession, and Fastrada reinforces the belief that we never know one’s real motive. As Leading Player orchestrates this magic, I encourage you to think of a time when the little voice in your head led you astray. For example, when you talk down to yourself, or compare your experiences to others, you are allowing yourself to be led astray. Like all of us, Pippin makes mistakes, but when doing so, he is simply trying his best. Whether Pippin, and each one of us, makes the right choices, is up to us.
So as you watch this story unfolds, I hope you see pieces of yourself in Pippin’s journey—his doubts, his dreams, and his desire for something more. May this show remind you that mistakes are inevitable, but growth is always possible. More importantly, may it encourage you to appreciate the moments, people, and love that make life truly extraordinary. Thank you for being here, for supporting live theater, and for allowing us to share this story with you. Enjoy the show!