NRHS Presents: Pippin

By Brooke Lanser

This March, the New Rochelle High School drama department put on an extraordinary performance of the musical Pippin, directed by Anthony Stirpe. The musical followed the young prince, Pippin, (played in the evening cast by Alan Dimond and the matinee cast by Mike Arreaga.) and his bumpy journey finding his meaning in life. He is guided throughout the show by an ensemble of performers and a Leading Player, played by Bex Tamrat and Juliette Lewis in the evening and matinee casts respectively. Along the way, Pippin meets a plethora of new characters and encounters all sorts of unique problems that each make a lasting impact on his quest for discovery and on the hearts of the audience.

The show began production in December, the journey from the first rehearsal to opening night “long but fulfilling” according to Juliette Lewis. Although the road was rough, it was also the beginning of many new friendships. Juliette Lewis says this about her experience, “The relationships I built I am going to cherish forever. Every person I met and got close with in that cast is somebody that means a lot to me. We came together to make a really amazing show and I’m going to cherish that experience forever.” 

Overall, the show was truly exhilarating from start to finish, with every cast member playing their part as if it were an extension of themselves. The effects and the inclusion of the audience throughout the play were top tier, adding another dramatic element to the already hilarious story. Incredible job to all of the actors, actresses, backstage crew, set builders, and everyone that made this unforgettable production possible.