If you’re anything like me, when you first heard that this year’s spring musical at Blind Brook High School was going to be Pippin, your reaction might have been something like, “Cool! But… what is that?” Originally premiering in 1972 with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), Pippin is a whimsical yet profound musical that tells the story of a young prince on a journey to find passion, purpose, and meaning in life. While set in the era of King Charlemagne, the show has a timeless message and is often staged in imaginative, creative ways—and BBHS has truly made it their own.
In this year’s production, Pippin is presented as a “play within a play.” A mysterious troupe of traveling actors—led by the enigmatic Leading Player—arrives in town to tell Pippin’s story. But here’s the twist: in the BBHS version, the troupe is on a world tour, stopping in Blind Brook for just one night, bringing only what they can fit in their caravan. This minimalist, traveling-theater concept adds a unique energy and urgency to the performance, immersing the audience in the idea that we’re just one stop in Pippin’s larger journey.
Director Christina Colangelo shared insights about the vision behind the production. “We’re treating it like the actors are performing one night only, here in our town. Everything they have, from props to costumes, has to come out of their caravan. It’s raw, it’s creative, and it feels incredibly alive.”
Leading the cast is Pablo Zeitune as Pippin, who portrays the young prince’s internal struggle with sincerity and depth. As Pippin experiments with various paths—war, politics, pleasure—he searches for something that will bring him fulfillment beyond the empty promises of success and glory.
Guiding him and the audience through the tale is the Leading Player, portrayed with electrifying charisma by Abby Meron. Her narration breaks the fourth wall throughout the show, engaging the audience with humor, suspense, and a powerful vocal performance that anchors the production.
Chloe Beal delivers a standout performance as Bertha, Pippin’s witty and wise grandmother, who steals the spotlight with her memorable number encouraging Pippin—and the audience—not to take life so seriously. Another emotional anchor in the show is Catherine, a grounded, independent single mother who helps Pippin see the beauty in a simple, meaningful life. Her character reminds us that fulfillment often comes in unexpected, even “ordinary,” forms.
Every element of the production came together seamlessly—from the dynamic choreography to the striking lighting, inventive costumes, and emotionally resonant musical numbers. Audience members were taken on an unforgettable ride full of laughter, reflection, and heartfelt moments.
The show’s excellence didn’t go unnoticed. The Blind Brook production of Pippin earned an impressive six nominations from the prestigious Metro Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in high school theater across the region. Nominations included; Student Critic, outstanding child performer, outstanding production number, outstanding choreography, outstanding musical direction, outstanding featured actor.
These honors speak not only to the immense talent of the students on stage, but also to the hard work of the directors, choreographers, tech crew, musicians, and everyone behind the scenes. Together, they crafted a performance that not only entertained, but resonated.
In the end, Pippin at BBHS was more than just a musical—it was a moving exploration of identity, purpose, and the choices we make to find happiness. It brought together a community, captivated an audience, and reminded us all that even in the search for something extraordinary, we might find what we’re looking for in the simplest of things.
As the curtain falls on this production, one thing is clear: BBHS theater continues to raise the bar—and Pippin will be remembered not just for its awards, but for the heart, passion, and magic that brought it to life.