Wright State Theatre explores the search for meaning in ‘Pippin’

Junior musical theatre major Donovan Molloy stars as Pippin, a restless prince chasing an extraordinary life, in Wright State University Theatre’s production of “Pippin,” running Nov. 12–22 in the Festival Playhouse. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Pippin has a royal title, a kingdom waiting for him and a sense that it’s not enough. So he goes searching for something that is.

Wright State University Theatre sends audiences along on that search Nov. 12–22 with “Pippin,” the classic 1972 musical by composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and librettist Roger O. Hirson.

Directed by Ronvé O’Daniel ’06, assistant professor of musical theatre, the production follows Pippin, a young prince who chases an extraordinary life. His guide is the Leading Player, a magnetic ringmaster whose traveling troupe acts out the prince’s journey as a show within a show.

The original Broadway musical ran for more than 1,900 performances. It features a pop-style score that includes “Magic to Do,” “Corner of the Sky,” “Love Song” and “Morning Glow.”

“Pippin” demands a lot from the cast and crew, not only in singing, dancing and acting, but also in its design, O’Daniel said.

“Costumes, scenery, lighting, sound and video projections all play an integral role in bringing the world of the show to life,” he said. “We’ve placed the production in a more contemporary, metropolitan setting, which has made the design process especially exciting and opened up fun creative possibilities.”

The production uses social media, both as a backdrop and through its characters’ behavior, to explore the tension between who we are and the identities we present to others.

What impresses O’Daniel most is how the students handle those demands while balancing their academic responsibilities and personal lives.

“It’s no easy feat, but they consistently rise to the challenge and do an incredible job,” he said.

Scenery, graphics and video projections transform the Festival Playhouse stage into a modern environment for Wright State Theatre’s “Pippin.”

Everyone, from the actors to the stage management team, designers and crew, has brought creativity, energy and fresh perspectives to the production, O’Daniel said.

“Their collective contributions have been vital to the success of this production,” he said, “and it’s been a joy to see their talent, collaboration and creativity come together.”

As for what he hopes audiences take away, O’Daniel said, the goal is simple: “We want audiences to experience a sense of ‘magic’ through the extraordinary way our students bring this story to life. It’s about the power of storytelling and the ability of these performers and artists to create something truly special together.”

Onstage, “Pippin” features Nia Buchannon as the Leading Player, Donovan Molloy as Pippin, Joshua Ziegler as Charles, Landon Gleeson as Lewis, Palyce Berrian as Fastrada, Nika Marwood as Berthe, Ellie Sassano as Catherine and Charlie MacPherson as Theo.

The ensemble includes Edward Boackle, Paulina Bradley, Ally Jo Buck, Emma Cole, Issiah Current, Colin Drayer, Rogerick Fields, Hunter Gee, Sierra Jobman, Jake Jonesco, Payton Lutz, Baylee Simone Mallin, Darius Ragland, Kenzie Rees, Evelyn Vordtriede, Peyton Mae Wheeler and Mac Zeller.

The production team includes musical direction by F. Wade Russo, choreography by Ashley Pabst, lighting design by Jacob Brown, puppetry design by Lauren Crane, costume design by Zoe Still, properties by Sarah Gomes, set design by Brian C. Seckfort, sound design by James Dunlap and stage management by Megan Todd.

Ensemble members train their phones on Donovan Molloy, center, in a scene from Wright State Theatre’s “Pippin” that puts social media on stage.

Performances:

• Nov. 12 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 15, 21 and 22 at 2 p.m.

Location: Festival Playhouse, Creative Arts Center

Tickets:

• $25 for adults
• $23 for people 60 and older
• $15 for students, faculty, staff and alumni

Purchase online at wrightliberalarts.universitytickets.com or at the Creative Arts Center box office weekdays from noon to 4 p.m.

Remaining 2026–27 theatre season schedule:

• “The Humans,” Feb. 12–21, Festival Playhouse
• “Ride the Cyclone,” Feb. 19–28, Herbst Theatre
• “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” March 25–April 11, Festival Playhouse