STERLING — “Extraordinary” and “extra ordinary” have opposite meanings. “Extraordinary” means something exceptional and noteworthy whereas “extra ordinary” is simply very ordinary. That difference is the heart of the musical Pippin which will be presented by the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe as part of Sterling’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 1 and 2, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 in the theater at Sterling High School.
The title character of Pippin is a fresh-out-of-college young man on his quest to live an “extraordinary” life but who ends up seeing the exceptional in simply being “extra ordinary.” One of the memorable songs from the show is even titled “Extraordinary.”
The 50-year-old Broadway classic blends a steampunk style circus, a bit of medieval history, and high energy dancing to tell Pippin’s story. The show also boasts an infectiously unforgettable pop music score from musical theater giant Stephen Schwartz of “Godspell” and “Wicked” fame.
“Pippin is about the magic of theater and the magic we find in the ordinary,” said Dennis Dutton, director of the Sterling production. “I love Pippin because it taps into something haunting, beautiful, and unexpected through great music, inventive choreography and staging, and the essence of music theatre – which is storytelling.”
Dutton said, “Sterling is a college town, and half our cast are young college students who completely relate to Pippin. They are asking questions like, ‘What am I doing with my life?’ ‘What is my purpose in life?’ ‘What am I going to be, and who am I?’ Plus, they love the music and the dance which makes this show a favorite.”
Pippin is a show-within-a-show featuring a troupe of Players: actors, acrobats, dancers, magicians, and clowns. They tell the story of Pippin, loosely based on the son of Medieval King Charlemagne. The troupe is led by three mysterious Leading Players who directly address the audience and promise to put on a spectacular show full of magic and adventure.
“Pippin” has had a lasting cultural significance generation after generation, due in large part from the timelessness of the search for self. The show’s enduring popularity around the world is also due to its popular rhythm and blues and pop music score with memorable songs such as “Magic To Do” and “Corner of the Sky.”
With juggling, unicycles, hula-hoops, tumbling, magic tricks, and abundant, energetic dance, “Pippin” bursts with life and energy for all ages. Tickets to the Sterling summer show are $10 for adults and $5 for students and will be available at the door before each performance.
