Dear friend of Music Theater Works,

This production of PIPPIN is inspired by my “everyman” story. As artists we always bring ourselves to the art we create – this production has allowed me to live the nostalgia, both positive and traumatic, of a child of the 90s.

I was affected by the push and pull of our generation and the values of our society. As a gay person growing up in the suburbs, as a Catholic school student in a Missouri during the time of the Defense of Marriage Act, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Columbine, Matthew Shephard,  the internet, the OJ Simpson Trial, and the war on drugs amongst many more cultural influence I was affected by the push and pull of our generation and the values of our society.

PIPPIN is set in “the 780s and thereabouts”- the time period remote and mythic,  allowing artists to overlay their own reflections and experiences on the story. Though we approach this historic time period from a distinctly late 80s, early 90s lens, the script and score as well as the themes of religion, sex, sexuality, love, family, violence, self-worth, and power are      unchanged, honoring the original production. I was inspired by my memories of being lost, out of place, suffering through the pressures of religion, sexuality, and family. My experience, like that of many in my generation, resonates with Pippin’s  feelings of suffering, with his anxiety and with his stress of the need for “perfection”, of the need to feel “extraordinary” to prove my worth.  These are stresses that many of us feel throughout our lives. (Click Here for the Link to the Dramaturgical Research for this production)

Even more than many musicals, PIPPIN, as an ensemble-driven work, is especially collaborative in a highly collaborative art form; who you create with highly informs the final product. Our actors, designers, musicians all explored these ideas from their own perspectives and with each other. We looked at absurd pop icons of the time, of physical objects that represent memories (Shadow boxes, toys, pop culture, video games), nostalgic pop references, remembered news and cultural touchstones. We have explored the meaning of war through our movement, iconography and how we as a culture view it. We have looked at what sex means to a generation, the pressures of being a “woman”, of being a “man”.  Through the show, I want our Pippin to lead you as an audience member to reflect on what it means to have a life well lived. What does it mean to want to be loved, to feel valued, to feel special? What does it mean to be “extraordinary” and who decides that.

Finally, this show is dedicated to all of those who have died by suicide, to those who have considered suicide, to those facing mental illness daily, to those who have suicidal ideations, to the families and friends of those who have been affected by suicide.

Together, we can change the way the world perceives and treats people facing suicide.  You matter.

Kyle Dougan
Producing Artistic Director

If you or someone you know has ever contemplated suicide – or have in the past – and would like immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255).

Additional Resources

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

https://www.namichicago.org/resources

https://chicagobehavioralhospital.com/inpatient/mental-health-program-adults/

June 1 - June 25, 2023
43rd Season
148th Production

Music Theater Works in association with Music Theatre International

KYLE A. DOUGAN
Producing Artistic Director

Presents
Pippin

Original Production Directed and Staged by Bob Fosse

PIPPIN
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 
www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

JOYCE SAXON is the 2023 Music Theater Works Season Sponsor.

Director
Kyle A. Dougan

Assistant Director
Patrick Tierney

Music Director
Justin Akira Kono 

Intimacy and Fight Choreographer
Amber Wuttke

Dramaturg
Nathan Lamp

Music Contractor
Linda Madonia

Co-Choreographer
Mollyanne Nunn

Co-Choreographer
Kaitlyn Pasquinelli

Scenic Designer 
Shane Cinal

Costume Designer
Jazmin Aurora Medina

Assistant Costume Designer
Kristen Brinati 

Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer
Alice Salazar

Assistant Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer
Melanie Saso

Props Designer
Ellen Markus

Lighting Designer
Andrew Meyers

Master Electrician/Lighting Programmer
Chelsea Lynn

Lighting Board Operator
Ethan McIntosh

Technical Director
Caleb Woodring

Scene Shop Technical Director
Will Hughes

Sound Designer
Matthew R. Chase

Production Sound Engineer
Forrest Gregor

Media Designer
David Sajewich

Media Operator
Riley Woods

Projections Designer 
Anthony Churchill

Stage Manager
Allison Gonzales

Assistant Stage Manager
Lily Landoch

Wardrobe Crew
Kristin Brinati

Run Crew
Dora Starr Poulos

Production Intern
Allie Walter

Company Manager
Jennifer King Russell

Production Manager
Chris Chase

Producing Artistic Director
Kyle A. Dougan

Conductor/Drums: Justin Akira Kono

Piano 1: Stephen Boyer

Piano 2: Kailey Rockwell  

Reed: Matthew Beck

Cello: Lewis Rawlinson

Trumpet: Amy Nelson 

Bass: Jakob Saleh

Trombone: Stephanie Lebens

(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)