NewsPippin, Starring Claybourne Elder, Mary Testa and Wallace Smith, Begins Kansas City Run Sept. 14Claybourne Elder stars in the title role of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre production of Pippin, which begins previews Sept. 14 under the direction of Eric Rosen. Wallace Smith and Mary Testa also star.
By
Adam Hetrick
September 14, 2012
Claybourne Elder
Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Pippin, which runs through Oct. 7, is characterized by KC rep artistic director Rosen as a "musically vigorous, genre-shifting explosion of high energy."
The pop-rock musical has a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. KC Rep's production promises "new visual and musical twists to a musical theatre classic."
The cast is led by Elder, last seen on Broadway in Bonnie & Clyde, in the title role, with Tony Award nominee Mary Testa (Queen of the Mist, Xanadu) as Berthe, Smith (American Idiot, Godspell, Hair) as the Leading Player and Katie Gilchrist (regional premiere of Everyday Rapture) as Catherine.
The cast is completed by John Hickok (Parade, Aida) as Charles, Sam Cordes as Lewis, Katie Kalahurka (A Christmas Story, the Musical!) as Fastrada, Jennie Greenberry (A Christmas Story, the Musical!) in the female ensemble and Gil Perez-Abraham Jr. (A Steady Rain) in the male ensemble.
Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark choreographer Chase Brock will choreograph Pippin. The creative team also includes musical director Curtis Moore (Bridge Project's Richard III), Jack Magaw (scenic design), Alison Heryer (costume design), Jason Lyons (lighting design) and Zachary Williamson (sound design).
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Claybourne Elder Celebrates Wedding and Rehearses Pippin in Kansas City
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Claybourne Elder Celebrates Wedding and Rehearses Pippin in Kansas City
Claybourne Elder (Bonnie & Clyde) is currently preparing to play the title role in Kansas City Rep's upcoming production of Pippin. He shares photos from the rehearsal process as well as a "roast and toast" to celebrate his July marriage to the Rep's Artistic Director Eric Rosen. Read the Playbill.com story.
17 PHOTOS
Exhausted from practicing 6 of the 8 instruments I play in the show!
Claybourne Elder
Our awesome rehearsal band, led by Curtis Moore
Claybourne Elder
Bowling with the cast
Claybourne Elder
Katie Kalahurka sends her ball down the lane and relives her favorite Wyeth painting
John Hickok, who plays King Charles, takes a break while “dead” to check his phone.
Claybourne Elder
Chase Brock works with Katie Kalahurka on the accordion.
Claybourne Elder
We celebrated our wedding with a Kansas City roast and toast. The party was hosted by the Rep, the local theatre community and the Living Room Theatre.
Claybourne Elder
Kyle Hatley (KC Rep’s Associate Artistic Director) speaking at the roast and toast.
Claybourne Elder
The "out-of-towners" having dinner.
Claybourne Elder
Cast members perform some Pippin selections at a public art event called “First Friday.”
Claybourne Elder
And here's our Leading Player, Wallace Smith! Check back soon for more pics...
