Event Article

The 1970s was an interesting decade, to say the least. Bringing to mind images of a disco-dancing John Travolta and the end of the Vietnam War, it is often difficult for recent generations to really understand what was going on in the American psyche at the time.

Gary Krinke hopes that the upcoming Theatre Arts Department production of the 1972-Broadway musical hit "Pippin" can shed some light on the matter.

Originally directed by the famed choreographer Bob Fosse, the quirky production focuses on the life of Pippin, the son of King Charlemagne.

Following Pippin on his< convoluted quest to find true happiness and lifelong fulfillment is a full troupe of actors and singers who manipulate the storyline as they see fit.

Music and lyrics for the play were all written by Stephen Schwartz for the original production, some of the songs having since been covered by famed artists including Michael Jackson and the Supremes.

"It's very '70s in nature; very episodic. You just jump from one thing to the next via any kind of introduction that he wanted to do," said Krinke in reference to Fosse's original stage directions.

"At that point there was a war raging and Fosse was really against the war, so there are all these political statements that come in to play and you think, 'this really has nothing to do with the life of Pippin whatsoever,' but it has to do with an era and it's great when we can go back to some of those things when there's another war going on," Krinke explained.

"It's kind of fun to watch these old things recycle and rework and think 'Wow, this has some serious contemporary pertinence to it and it works,"' he continued.

Portraying the part of the Leading Player, Jimmy Oronoz is excited for his first opportunity to open a show at Fullerton College.

"When I finally saw the costume and everything, when I saw the lights and staging and everything it all just started coming together Wow. I know this is going to be awesome," said Oronoz.

This is also Courtney Stokes' first production with Fullerton College, she plays the part of Catherine, Pippin's love interest.

"I actually just moved here from the Bay Area in August, so I haven't done a show in this region of California before. It's exciting to meet new people and perform for them," said Stokes.

'"Personally I feel extremely proud of this project. I feel very strongly about this department and I'm very proud to be involved with this department," said Andrew Cloud, who will be playing the part of Lewis.

The Theatre Arts Department will be presenting its version of Broadway's twenty-seventh longest running musical Pippin, starting tomorrow at 8 p.m. and running through March 6.

"I'm so glad that we are doing Pippin - we've got exactly the right people in the right roles for this," said Krinke. "We are thoroughly rehearsed and we are very ready to go."