Tryon Little Theater’s summer youth musical production of  “Pippin” will open tomorrow, Thursday, July 7, at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC).
“Pippin,” by Stephen Schwartz, is the greatly fictionalized story of King Charlemagne’s son, Pippin.  The show follows Pippin on many different pathways as he searches to find meaning in his life.
Directed by Chris Tinkler, with musical direction by Lena Duncan, the show features Tij D’Oyen as Pippin; Matthew Alexander as Pippin’s stepbrother, Lewis; Eli Jenkins as Charlemagne; Olivia Nelson as Fastrada, Pippin’s stepmother, and Catelyn Duncan as Berthe, Pippin’s grandmother. Emily Shanahan plays the Leading Player, who narrates the story while also interacting with the actors, Elizabeth Shanahan plays the widow Catherine and Jack Tinkler plays Theo, Catherine’s son.
The cast, which is made up of young people from 13-21, also includes Caroline and Julien Besnard, Price and Kasey Marshall, SamE Spencer, Malynne Petoya, Emily Costine, Anthony Marino, Alyssa Fiorillo, Graci Moser, Hannah O’Brien, Rachel Vining, Holly Horton, Genevieve Gary, Maren Daniels, Katherine Carruth and Lacey Bryson.
The original Broadway show was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse and starred Tony Award winner Ben Vereen as the Leading Player and John Rubinstein in the title role. Irene Ryan, of “The Beverly Hillbillies” television fame, created the role of Berthe. She was nominated for Broadway’s 1973 Tony award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress for a Musical.
“Pippin” plays at TFAC at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10.
Tickets are available at the TLT box office at 516 S. Trade St., Tryon. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Call 828-859-2466 leave message or email ticket requests to: tryonlittletheater@gmail.com.
Tickets may also be purchased one hour prior to performances at TFAC.