University of Idaho Theatre Arts brings musical adventure ‘Pippin’ to the stage starting Oct. 30

MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts presents “Pippin,” a dazzling musical from the creator of “Wicked.” There will be seven shows, starting with a preview night at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Hartung Theater, 625 Stadium Drive, Moscow.

Additional performances include:

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9

“Pippin,” a genre-defying musical journey with an unforgettable score by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”), follows a young prince’s quest for purpose through war, pleasure and power, only to discover that fulfillment might lie in life’s quiet, everyday moments.

Told by a mysterious troupe of performers, “Pippin” breaks the fourth wall, bends reality and invites the audience to question what truly matters.

“Pippin is a young man who is trying to figure out what to do with his life, and he feels pressured to identify the most perfect, extraordinary choice — but to what end?” said Jess Hirsh, director and choreographer of “Pippin” and assistant professor of musical theatre. “I know that is something that many folks in our campus community can relate to.”

Cale Wilponen, a sophomore theatre performance major, stars in the title role.

“It has been a very surreal and educational experience to have the opportunity to perform as Pippin,” Wilponen said. “This is by far the most physically and mentally demanding role I have ever performed, and I continue to learn more things about this show and myself the further we get into the production.”

Wilponen’s experience comes as the Theatre Arts Department launches its new Bachelor of Fine Arts emphasis in musical theatre.

“This new emphasis will allow students to specialize in one of the largest, most thriving areas of the theatre industry,” Hirsh said. “‘Pippin’ is taking our department’s musical theatre productions to new heights — literally — as we are partnering with the incredible Gem State Flyers to have aerial arts in this production.”

The cast and crew have shown strong dedication and enthusiasm throughout the rehearsal process, Hirsh said.

“A year ago, I don’t think I would have believed that I would be able to perform in a role like this so early on in my time at University of Idaho,” Wilponen said. “But after a year of planting my roots and being constantly lifted up and supported by my amazing professors and peers here at this university, I plan to go onto that stage every night and do everything I can to create the best experience possible for my cast mates, designers, crew, director and audiences.”

Tickets are free for U of I students and $6 to $26 for the public. They are on sale now at uitickets.com.

For information about other upcoming events from the Department of Theatre Arts, visit go.uidaho.edu/theatre-productions.

Media contact

Alisa Volz
Communication specialist
Department of Theatre Arts and Lionel Hampton School of Music
208-885-6465
avolz@uidaho.edu