Friday, July 19, 2024

"Pippen" at the Towle Theater


Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International


Lets just start this off saying this is a great musical. Everyone should find where it is playing and to go see it.

Now having said that, the casting for this musical at the Towle Theater was spectacular. The cast is spectacular and I fell in love with them. Costume was spectacular. Choreography was even more spectacular. Before I go any further:

CAST

Daniel Rausch (Pippin)

Allison Sokolowski (Leading Player)

Natalie Rae (Catherine / Ensemble)

Cris Moreno (Charles / Ensemble)

Amanda Wilt (Fastrada / Ensemble / Dance Captain)

Jay Torrens (Lewis / Ensemble)

Mara Currens (Berthe / Ensemble)

Lili Galluzzo (Theo / Ensemble)

Autumn Christensen (Ensemble / Dance Captain)

Anthony James (Ensemble)

Sara Beth Lipsman (Ensemble)

Kacey Marovich (Ensemble)

Travis Shanahan (Ensemble)

Carlos Toral (Ensemble)


I had not been a goer to plays / musicals / music improvs until 2012, when Jeff Casey gave me the opportunity to photograph at the Towle Theater. That was very powerful to me, to see a musical up front close and personal like. Since then I have been to well over one-hundred of them. This particular musical beats them all. The one chance in a decade to witness and feel something spectacular. Yes, give credit to the writers and lyricists. As I stated above, for me this particular musical was exceptional because of the casting, the cast, and the choreography.

I have rarely researched before I photograph a show. All of the shows being totally new to me. I do not know particular why other than the photographic challenge. In this case, I did research what Pippen was all about, and I am glad I did. It enhanced my experience, because the song and dance has a purpose. They were very purposeful. So, I would recommend that if you do not know anything about the musical Pippen, that you do some research to understand. Your experience will be enriched for that.

For me this musical was super enjoyable. The dance was cool, vocal harmony very special. Lighting augmented the story along with the dancers and scene. Truly a wonderful performance. I believe I could see this musical, this cast, several times and would still be wanting more. Please go see.

I do take a lot of photographs, which will be turned into the Towle Theater and cast. Here is a fraction of what I photographed for you to enjoy.







































































































Exclusive Show Sponsor

Greg & Beth Zagrocki
(Thank you so much!)


Production Staff

Co-Director – Jeff Casey

Co-Director – Jim LaPietra

Music / Vocal Director – Ron Attreau

Choreographer – Nikki Dizon

Dance Captains  Autumn Christensen & Amanda Wilt

Choreographers of The Bed & Spread a Little Sunshine   
Autumn Christensen & Amanda Wilt

Lighting Designer  Jeff Casey

Sound Designer  Jim LaPietra

Set / Costume Designer – Kevin Bellamy

Leading Player Costume Artwork – Neil Gainer


Orchestra

Piano  Ron Attreau

Woodwind  Kristian Zajac

Guitar  Steven Moeller

Violin  Maddie Edwards-Burrell

Cello  Nick Burrell

Bass  Amanda Kraupner

Trumpet  Benjamin Siff

Percussion  Dan Huston


Staff

Executive Director  Emily Nelson


Towle Theater
5205 Hohman Ave.
Hammond, IN 46320
(219) 937-8780


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