FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 28, 2005

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE THEATRE TO PRESENT THE MUSICAL COMEDY 'PIPPIN'

Beginning Thursday, March 10, Drake University Theatre will present the beloved and whimsical musical comedy "Pippin" by Roger O. Hirson with score by Stephen Schwartz.

"Although the story is based on Pippin, the son of Charlemagne, 'Pippin' is the journey of every man," says Director Tony Humrichouser, visiting assistant professor of theatre arts at Drake University. "We all set out to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. Some of us seek it in the glories of the battlefield, some in the temptations of the flesh and some in the intrigues of political power. In the end, no matter where our journey has taken us, what we truly wish and seek can be found in the simple pleasures of home and family."

Originally directed by Bob Fosse, "Pippin" received five Tony Awards in 1972. With an original cast including Ben Vereen, "Pippin" was an instant theatrical favorite because Pippin's story is the story of the American Dream. Schwartz's lyrical and clever score floats over the carnival-like action.

Schwartz has been writing music for Broadway and Hollywood for over 35 years. He has won multiple awards including, three Academy Awards, three Grammies, and the Drama Desk Award for best director. His wok includes such hits as, "Godspell," "Children of Eden," Disney's "Pocahontas," DreamWorks' "Prince of Egypt," and the smash hit "Wicked," which is currently running on Broadway.

"Pippin" may not be appropriate for children under the age of 14, due to adult subject matter.

Performances start at 8 p.m. March 10, 11 and 12 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, in the Performing Arts Hall in the Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Tickets are $6 for the general public and $4 for students and senior citizens. For reservations, call the Drake Fine Arts Box Office at (515) 271-3841.

A TalkAbout dinner and discussion led by Humrichouser will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, March 11, in Levitt Hall in Old Main, 25th Street and University Avenue. Tickets for both the TalkAbout and the March 11 performance are $20. For reservations, call (515) 271-4176.

Humrichouser traveled last winter to Katholieke Universiteit in Leuven, Belgium, where he researched liturgical ceremony and its influence in both theatrical conventions of the medieval era and modern musical theatre.

Humrichouser's research funding and support of this production was made possible by the Drake University Faculty and Student Research Grant Program, the Drake University Humanities Center, the Friends of Drake Arts and Drake University's College of Arts and Sciences.

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