Pippin, from its very beginnings in May of last year, has truly been a collaborative effort. This show would not have existed - in any form - without the efforts of dozens of individuals working in areas of expertise ranging from lighting to publicity. I'd like to personally thank the Virginia Juggler's Guild for their tutorship, expertise, and equipment. Special thanks also goes to Benjamin Kidd for his efforts in engineering the "confetti projectile device" seen in the finale. 

There are far too many people within FYP who made this show possible than can be acknowledged by name. This is truly one of the most successful and functional organizations that can be found on Grounds because of the people within it. But there are some specific heroes who should not go unnoticed. The technical staff has been exceedingly accommodating to the demands of this particular production which were, to say the least, unique. The orchestra has taken huge steps to ensure that this show runs with precision, even if it means "freestyling" music that was somehow missing in some instances. Everyone on this Artistic Staff deserves special recognition for their time and devotion seen personified on stage tonight. The ideas represented in this production come from not one mind, but eight working together day and night to see them come to fruition. Most importantly, this cast of First Year Players has made my life extremely easy. Their talents, enthusiasm, and cooperation have made this show the spectacle it is. I can take no credit for the brilliance they've exuded over the past six weeks, and cannot wait to see what lies in store for them in the future. This was never "my" show. It has always been ours. It belongs to everyone who raised one finger to bring it to life, and I consider it a pleasure to count myself among you.

The show Pippin, itself was originally produced on Broadway in 1972. It was embraced by critics and audiences alike for its avant-garde staging as envisioned by the late Director/Choreographer Bob Fosse. The music, written by Steven Schwartz early in his career, is still considered one of his best works to date which have included Godspell, The Prince of Eqypt, and Wicked. Performances by Ben Vereen and John Rubinstein (among others) entertained audiences and garnered numerous awards. This show examines many of life's questions through the eyes of a young man searching for answers himself. Where do we all fit into the grand scheme of things? Who helps us find the right path to success? How much of ourselves do we sacrifice in order to find a romantic ending? These are just a few of the many quandaries addressed in the play's pages. 

The show we present for you tonight is our best attempt to answer these questions as appropriately as possible. There are aspects of the show that have been taken from the original staging. Others are, as far as we can tell, unique to this production. Great discretion has been used in determining how to present everything you'll see tonight, every decision being made in order better relate the ideas found in the script. Pay close attention the aspects of meta-theater seen within this piece. What appears to be scripted? What is unplanned? Who is a part of this "Magic" being presented to us? These clues will help you understand some of the relationships found onstage. Take to heart what Pippin seems to learn in the end, because we all have something that can be learned from his endeavors. But most importantly, sit back, relax, and enjoy Pippin for what it is - an entertaining musical comedy.

-Jeremy Arthur