We’ve Got Magic To Do
From the Tony Award winning composer of Wicked and Godspell, Stephen Schwartz, comes a captivating tale that will sweep you off your feet. With its unforgettable music, dynamic choreography, and imaginative storytelling, Pippin is a feast for the senses that will you spellbound. There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love, and war as he finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day. Join us as we embark on a thrilling adventure filled with laughter, spectacle and heart that will leave you inspired and entertained. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the magic.
MEET THE CAST
Coming Soon
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Book Writer
Composer & Lyricist
Director
Costume Designer
Lighting & Sound Designer
Technical Director
ROGER HIRSON Book Writer
Father of David Hirson Awards and nominations: 1973 Tony Award® Best Book of a Musical Pippin [nominee] 1967 Tony Award® Best Musical Walking Happy [nominee] Productions: PIPPIN Book [Original, Musical, Comedy] (Oct 23, 1972 – Jun 12, 1977). WALKING HAPPY Book [Original, Musical] (Nov 26, 1966 – Apr 22, 1967)
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ Composer & Lyricist
Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED, and has also contributed music and/or lyrics to GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE BAKER’S WIFE, WORKING (which he also adapted and directed), RAGS, and CHILDREN OF EDEN. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein’s MASS and wrote the title song for the play and movie BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. For children, he has written songs for two musicals, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON PINOCCHIO. He has also worked in film, collaborating with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s ENCHANTED as well as the animated features POCAHONTAS and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and writing the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature THE PRINCE OF EGYPT. His first opera, SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON, was produced at Opera Santa Barbara and New York City Opera. A book about his career, “Defying Gravity,” has been released by Applause Books. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies.
JEFFREY CASS Director
Jeffrey Cass is a Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee and has successfully directed over 30 Productions for BrightSide Theatre, most recently Chess in Concert, A Little Night Music and Gypsy. He also played “Edna” in BST’s production of Hairspray. He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Performance from Roosevelt University. He previously served as the Producing Director for Circle Theatre where he directed 8 Productions including The Who’s Tommy (6 Joseph Jefferson Nominations including Best Musical and Best Director).
CHERYL NEWMAN Costume Designer
Cheryl has been a theater kid her whole life. She recently quit her day job in special education to do theater stuff and is thrilled to join Brightside for the upcoming season. She also costumes the award-winning BAM children’s theater in Hinsdale, and directs and costumes for Wheaton North High school, the Westmont Park District and Westview Hills Middle School.
KURT OTTINGER Lighting & Sound Designer
Kurt is happy to be working for BrightSide Theatre again. He retired a few years ago after 31 years as theatre technical supervisor/resident lighting and sound designer for the Northbrook Park District. Kurt has designed lighting for Northbrook on Ice, York High School, St. Patrick’s High School, Loyola Academy, Big Noise Theatre, Highland Park Players and many other groups over the years.
JEFF SAND Technical Director
works in IT at Villa Park Public Library and as a technician at COD’s McAninch Arts Center. Excited for another BST season! BrightSide: She Loves Me, Gypsy (TD). Summer Place Theatre: The Secret Garden (sound design), Don’t Dress For Dinner (TD), Joseph…Dreamcoat (co-TD, sound), and Mamma Mia! (producer/sound design). Natural Talent Productions: Urinetown (co-producer, sound), Disney’s Hunchback… (sound – regional premiere). Riverfront Playhouse: Between Riverside and Crazy, Lady Day at Emerson’s… (lighting).