{"id":170362,"date":"2026-11-12T15:02:21","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T20:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/?p=170362"},"modified":"2026-11-12T15:17:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T20:17:37","slug":"wright-state-theatre-explores-the-search-for-meaning-in-pippin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/2026\/11\/12\/wright-state-theatre-explores-the-search-for-meaning-in-pippin\/","title":{"rendered":"Wright State Theatre explores the search for meaning in \u2018Pippin\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Junior musical theatre major Donovan Molloy stars as Pippin, a restless prince chasing an extraordinary life, in Wright State University Theatre\u2019s production of \u201cPippin,\u201d running Nov. 12\u201322 in the Festival Playhouse. (Photos by Erin Pence)<\/p><\/div>\n

Pippin has a royal title, a kingdom waiting for him and a sense that it\u2019s not enough. So he goes searching for something that is.<\/p>\n

Wright State University Theatre sends audiences along on that search Nov. 12\u201322 with \u201cPippin,\u201d<\/a> the classic 1972 musical by composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and librettist Roger O. Hirson.<\/p>\n

Directed by Ronv\u00e9 O\u2019Daniel \u201906, 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\u2019s journey as a show within a show.<\/p>\n

The original Broadway musical ran for more than 1,900 performances. It features a pop-style score that includes \u201cMagic to Do,\u201d \u201cCorner of the Sky,\u201d \u201cLove Song\u201d and \u201cMorning Glow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPippin\u201d demands a lot from the cast and crew, not only in singing, dancing and acting, but also in its design, O\u2019Daniel said.<\/p>\n

\u201cCostumes, scenery, lighting, sound and video projections all play an integral role in bringing the world of the show to life,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve placed the production in a more contemporary, metropolitan setting, which has made the design process especially exciting and opened up fun creative possibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The production uses social media, both as a backdrop and through its characters\u2019 behavior, to explore the tension between who we are and the identities we present to others.<\/p>\n

What impresses O\u2019Daniel most is how the students handle those demands while balancing their academic responsibilities and personal lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no easy feat, but they consistently rise to the challenge and do an incredible job,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Scenery, graphics and video projections transform the Festival Playhouse stage into a modern environment for Wright State Theatre\u2019s \u201cPippin.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

Everyone, from the actors to the stage management team, designers and crew, has brought creativity, energy and fresh perspectives to the production, O\u2019Daniel said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir collective contributions have been vital to the success of this production,\u201d he said, \u201cand it\u2019s been a joy to see their talent, collaboration and creativity come together.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for what he hopes audiences take away, O\u2019Daniel said, the goal is simple: \u201cWe want audiences to experience a sense of \u2018magic\u2019 through the extraordinary way our students bring this story to life. It\u2019s about the power of storytelling and the ability of these performers and artists to create something truly special together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Onstage, \u201cPippin\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Ensemble members train their phones on Donovan Molloy, center, in a scene from Wright State Theatre\u2019s \u201cPippin\u201d that puts social media on stage.<\/p><\/div>\n

Performances:<\/strong><\/h3>\n