Write a commentOswego High School is well-known for its ambitious annual musicals and this year’s offering is no different. “Pippin,” written by Stephen Schwartz, the composer of the global phenomenon “Wicked,” runs the gamut of emotions from despair to belly laughs.
The show focuses on prince Pippin (Kyle Osmun), the historical son of King Charlemagne (Mark Forger), though the musical itself does not stick to any specific time period in keeping with the timeless quality of the show. Sets and costumes are inspired by many different eras.
“The musical deals with character ‘types,’” said director Garrett Heater. “Charlemagne is written as an egomaniacal tyrant, so in our production he’s dressed more like Mussolini than a Byzantine king. His wife Fastrada (Olivia Flint) is dressed in the frivolity of Marie Antoinette, the Leading Player (Matt Spaulding) is equal parts gypsy and Voodoo king, while Pippin’s half-brother Lewis (Ryan Smith) dons the ostentatious curls of England’s King Charles.”
Audiences will be able to immediately understand the personality for each character based on their costume, such as love interest Catherine (Kaylee Baldwin) who looks like a girl-next-door from the 1950s. Her son Theo (Matt Oldenburg), however, is more Goth than gracious. The songs pair perfectly with the characters, bringing war, court intrigue, first love, and family life in step with Pippin’s growing self-discovery.
“Audiences will see how all of the visual and musical elements have come together in such an original and arresting way for this production,” said music director Robert Dumas.
“Pippin” runs Feb. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Faust Robinson Auditorium, Oswego High School. Tickets can be purchased by calling 315-341-2270 or by visiting www.ohsmusical.ticketleap.com/pippin.
