On Monday, Jan 5, 2026, students gathered in the choir room for the first rehearsal of the musical. They mingled with their friends and greeted the staff: Billye Kubiak, Ashley Krause, Harold Cassidy, Janice Lee, Lauren Donovan, Lisa Rogers, Max Kubiak, and Megan Fry. The musical they chose this year was called “Pippin: His Life and Times”.
This musical, set around 780 A.D. in the Holy Roman Empire, features the young prince Pippin, who is searching for a meaningful, extraordinary life. Guided by a Leading Player and a troupe of performers, Pippin tries war, hedonism, and political power, but only finds disillusionment. Eventually, he discovers that true fulfillment lies in the simple, ordinary moments of life with his wife, Catherine, and her son Theo.
This Tony Award-winning musical has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, who has also produced music for popular musicals Wicked, Godspell, and The Prince of Egypt. The book was produced by Roger O. Hirson and choreographed by Bob Fosse, known for his crazy dancing, in the original 1972 Broadway show.
Pippin is loosely based on the life of Pippin the Hunchback, son of Charlemagne, though the plot is mainly fictional. It is a blend of historical settings with a modern, pop-infused score and Fosse’s stylized and bizarre choreography. It opened on Broadway in 1972, starring Ben Vereen as Leading Player, the person telling the story throughout the musical, and John Rubinstein as Pippin. In 2013, directed by Diane Paules, a very successful revival came about with acrobatics and a circus-like setting, and it soon won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.
The Stroudsburg High School Music Department picked this musical for its highly featured ensemble and intricate dancing. Although it is not as well-known as other musicals, the community is still excited to see what we have to offer. Ticket sales are now open in the main office during school hours! Make sure to buy them so you can support your friends or family. Cash or check only!