Pippin - The Musical August 19 - 29

Pippin is a sort of play within a play within a dream, perhaps.  A story of Pippin, the son of Charlemagne.  Historically accurate?  Probably not. Pippin is pure theatre veiled with gossamer ideals and catchy pop tunes from the 1970’s, by Stephen Schwartz, one of the great American composers, who's most recognizable work is his recent hit, Wicked.

Pippin (Malik Victorian) is the earnest, attractive, stubborn, son of Charles/Charlemagne (Danny Eudy). He struggles with the burden of his father's fame while unable to find his own place in the world.   His life is further complicated by Fastrada (Rita Smith) his step-mother, who is dedicated to advancing the status of her own son, Lewis (Joe Wright). Advised by his grandmother, Berthe (Darrah Mannix) Pippin eventually meets Catherine (Emily Pears) an attractive, young widow and her son Theo (Jackson Robison), who offer a different role for Pippin to consider. The Leading Player, a dynamic, mysterious, magnetic master of ceremonies, portrayed by Julian Anderson, guides the players and the audience as he crafts the storyline.  Other players include Richland Bryant and Sarah Lynn Sharp Upshaw.

Director, Ty Cedars is no stranger to City Park Players.  Ever since his first production of Little Shop of Horrors little more than a decade ago, he’s plunged deep into the waters of the theatrical community.  Lately, he’s been seen working with kids in Family Playhouse, trying to create a good mix of education and theatre.  However, this summer, he’s swimming into some uncharted territory, directing adults for the first time.  Assisting Ty with music and choreography is newcomer, David Dabney, an Ohio native who comes to us as an Americorps VISTA member, stationed at LSUA, for a year.

Performances are to begin August 19 through 29,  Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm – Sundays at 2:30pm.   Reservations are urged. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office before the show in addition to an online site at Ticket Leap (see our links).  Ticket prices:  Adults $12 – Seniors (over 65) $10 - Students $5.  The Hearn Stage is located at 3rd & Johnston in Downtown Alexandria in the Rapides Foundation Bldg.  Discounted group ticket sales are available. For more information contact Jean Holliday at the offices of City Park Players (318) 484-4478 or by email at cityparkplayers@gmail.com

We are pleased to recognize our Community Connection Partners for the 2010 Season:  The Boys & Girls Club of Central Louisiana and Rapides Parish Public Library.  Every day these two agencies address issues important to the lives of the residents of our community.  Help us support their investment in all our lives.

City Park Players, Central Louisiana Community Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to offering quality cultural activities and experiences to the entire Central Louisiana community through live theatre productions, programming, and education.  The 2010 season is supported, in part, by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and Roy O. Martin Foundation as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana.   Additional support comes from our patrons and donors and people like you who believe that community theatre enriches our lives and enhances our quality of life.

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