Hampton High School students bringing back live theater with 'Pippin'

Hampton High School students are bringing live theater back after last year’s covid-related hiatus.

Students will tell the tale of searching for happiness amid empty promises and lurid temptations in their presentation of “Pippin,” staged for in-person audiences and online.

“It’s both a humorous allegory about growing up and a dark tale of the danger of false appearances,” musical Director Daniel Franklin said.

Told by a traveling troupe of actors led by the cunning and charming Leading Player, “Pippin” is the story of a young prince searching for his own corner of the sky, Franklin said.

“Pippin returns from university certain that he will find a fulfilling purpose in life,” Franklin said. “Encouraged by the Leading Player, Pippin dabbles in bloody battle, licentious entanglements and savvy political maneuvers, only to discover that true happiness is more complicated than he thought.”

The 1972 musical is a Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, as well as for Best Leading Actor.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. May 27-29, and June 3 and 5, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on June 5.

Tickets cost $12 for the live show and are available now.

Social distancing and masks are required.

The show’s livestream can also be purchased for particular dates, including May 27 and 28, and both shows on June 5.

Cost is $20 for a single show or $45 for a viewing pass for all four performances.

Public ticket sales start TODAY for HHS’s upcoming performances of the musical, Pippin! Performances are May 27-June 3 + June 5. Ticket prices are $12 for in-person seats. https://t.co/B2jecWdbYi

— Hampton Twp SD (@Hampton_Talbots) May 11, 2021

Unlike years past, there will be no open performance for senior citizens prior to the show’s opening.

“Like all things during the pandemic, we had to rethink the process and make sure student safety was the focus,” he said.

He said show participants were limited in order to keep a manageable number.

There are 32 students in the cast, 15 in the orchestra and 25 working behind the scenes on the crew.

Brooks Brady, 16, landed the lead role and said there’s no doubt this year has been a challenge.

“We had to incorporate physical distancing and face masks into our rehearsal process, but it hasn’t taken away from the experience,” Brady, a sophomore, said.

“It’s been amazing to get back to the stage and perform alongside my friends.”

Franklin said the creative team was fortunate to have most of the fall semester to develop rigorous protocols for rehearsals and crew meetings.

“Without a doubt, producing live theatre during a pandemic has to be carefully orchestrated and every detail needs to be determined in advance with a backup plan,” he said.

“It is easily twice the amount of work than previous years.”

Franklin lamented all the work that was scrapped, last-minute, on last year’s “Drood” when the pandemic hit.

The show was about a month away from opening night when everything shut down, he said.

“Having it torn out from under the students was devastating for them and the directors,” Franklin said. “This year, we made a promise to the company of “Pippin” that no matter what, they would have a musical.

“At its heart, theatre is about exploring both the strength and the fragility of the human condition, as well as connecting with others. If there was ever a time that that exploration needs to happen, it would be now, when people have been isolating for nearly a year and those human interactions are starting to erode.”

Brady agreed, saying that “Pippin” is special because it showcases the resilience of the directors, cast, crew and others involved.

“It shows that even when life gives you a curveball, everyone still rises to the occasion,” he said.