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PIPPIN: HIS LIFE AND TIMES (TV)

Summary

Videotaped at the Hamilton Place Theatre in Hamilton, Ontario, this special presentation of a live stage version of "Pippin" features many Tony Award-winning elements of the original 1972 Broadway production, including the choreography and staging of Bob Fosse; Ben Vereen in his memorable role as the Leading Player; and set, lighting, costume and mask design. William Katt plays Pippin, with special guest appearances by Chita Rivera as Fastrada and Martha Raye as Berthe. In a style patterned after the Italian commedia dell'arte, the story unfolds in a series of fast-paced vignettes, songs, and dances, and is guided by the Leading Player, who acts as master of ceremonies and comments on the story with the assistance of his cast of players. Musical highlights include "Magic to Do," "Corner of the Sky," "War Is a Science," "Glory," "Simple Joys," "No Time at All," "With You," "Spread a Little Sunshine," "Morning Glow," "On the Right Track," "Kind of Woman," "Extraordinary," and "Love Song." In the story, Pippin (or Pepin), the first-born son of Emperor Charlemagne, searches to find fulfillment in life. In his journey toward self-discovery, Pippin is impeded by a father who is preoccupied with war, a stepmother who is intent on putting his half-brother Lewis, on the throne, and his own uncertainty about his identity and aspirations. Determined to find a meaningful existence, Pippin tries life as a scholar, a warrior, a pleasure-seeker, and a revolutionary, but becomes disillusioned each time his goals are realized. However, when he meets the widow Catherine and her son, Theo, he is forced to re-evaluate his goals.

Details

  • NETWORK: Showtime
  • DATE: 1981
  • RUNNING TIME: 1:48:53
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:28451
  • GENRE: Music; Dance
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Dance; Musical revues, comedies, etc.
  • SERIES RUN: Showtime - TV, 1981
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Hillard Elkins … Executive Producer
  • Susan Haymer … Co-Executive Producer
  • David Sheehan … Producer, Director
  • Carol Scott … Co-Producer
  • Michael Pataki … Associate Producer
  • Bob Fosse … Choreographer
  • Stephen Schwartz … Composer, Music and lyrics by
  • Roger O. Hirson … Book by
  • Stanley Lebowsky … Music (Misc. Credits), Musical Director
  • Ralph Burns … Music (Misc. Credits), Musical Arrangements by
  • Ben Vereen … Cast, the Leading Player
  • William Katt … Cast, Pippin
  • Leslie Denniston … Cast, Catherine
  • Benjamin Rayson … Cast, Charlemagne
  • Martha Raye … Cast, Berthe
  • Chita Rivera … Cast, Fastrada
  • Christopher Chadman … Cast, Lewis
  • Carmine Rizzo … Cast, Theo
  • Joannie P. Oneill … Cast, Pippin player
  • Debra Phelan … Cast, Pippin player
  • Linda Haberman … Cast, Pippin player
  • Kate Ann Wright … Cast, Pippin player
  • Allison Williams … Cast, Pippin player
  • John Mineo … Cast, Pippin player
  • Charles Lee Ward … Cast, Pippin player
  • Lee Mathis … Cast, Pippin player
  • Frank Mastrocola … Cast, Pippin player
  • Emperor Charlemagne
  • King Pepin