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The Marquis Players of Lafayette College will stage the musical Pippin to raise money for area charities. Performances will be held at 8 p.m. April 9 and 10 and 2 p.m. on April 11, at the Williams Center for the Arts.
With book by Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Pippin was first presented in October 1972 at the Imperial Theatre, New York, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Set in the ninth century, this coming of age piece centers on Pippin, son of the great emperor Charlemagne, chronicling the son’s struggle to find his own identity and escape his powerful father’s shadow.
Jason Dale, a junior from Franklin Lakes, N.J., is the director of the Lafayette student production.
“I acted for my first two years at Lafayette,” he says. “This year I decided to try directing.” It’s a challenge, he says.
“There’s definitely a big difference between acting and directing,” Dale says. “Acting is, in some ways, more fun, but as a director you get to work with all the people in the production. It’s a very different experience. I’m just trying to do the best of what other directors have done in the past.”
“Casting was tough,” he continues. “You have to be as objective as possible, but the depth of talent here is amazing.”
A government and law major, Dale says he has no plans to continue in musical theater, but is simply enjoying the challenges and camaraderie.
“Marquis Players, in general, is one of the best things that’s happened to me,” he says. “I’ve met some of the best people here. I’ve had some great times and hope there are plenty more to come.”
Chris Secules ’02 of Hughesville, Pa., will play Pippin. Leading Player No. 1 will be played by Brian Shapella ’99 of Collingswood, N.J. Leading Player No. 2 will be Andy Platt ’01 of West Chester, Pa. Philip Haussmann ’02 of Wilmington, Del., will play Charlemagne.
The musical director is Amy Cerato ’99 of Hawley, Pa. The stage managers are Kim Corbett ’01 of Clifton, N.J., and Brad Dull ’01 of Willow Grove, Pa. The vocal director is Shapella. The dance choreographer is Charis Gehret ’01 of Wayne, Pa.
The Marquis Players’ series, formerly called the Chaplain’s Musicals, began 13 years ago. The annual productions have raised nearly $46,000 for local hunger and homelessness causes. Gary R. Miller, College chaplain, serves as an adviser to the production.
“The chaplain’s office helps with publicity, fundraising, and some aspects of promotion,” Miller says.
For tickets and information, call the Williams Center box office at 610-330-5009.