PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 3/9/2020

Contact: Andrew Rothman
From: Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

40 River Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44122
Phone: 440-247-8955
E-mail: cvlt@cvlt.org
Website: www.CVLT.org
PRESS PHOTOS: www.CVLT.org/promo

Put spring in your step and a song in your heart with Chagrin Valley Little Theatre’s playful production of ‘PIPPIN’ March 20-April 11

CHAGRIN FALLS, OH - For those who have considered running away to join the circus or have simply wished for a more exciting life, catching a performance of the musical PIPPIN could help get you “on the right track.”

CVLT presents 10 performances of the beloved Tony-award winning show at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 20 - April 11 with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays March 22 and 29.

With catchy pop-styled music and witty lyrics by Steven Schwartz of Wicked, Godspell, and Hunchback of Notre Dame fame and book by Roger O. Hirson, the story follows King Charlemagne’s wayward son as he seeks an extraordinary life. The son, Pippin, is led on by a troupe of beguiling performers along with their “Leading Player,” who interacts directly with the audience as she pushes and teases Pippin onward. Loyalties are tested as Pippin struggles to decide if he should settle for a peaceful, ordinary life or follow his bigger aspirations. With dazzling performances, infectious melodies, and plenty of humor, PIPPIN connects with the pragmatic dreamer in each of us.

CVLT’s production is directed by Jacqi Loewy with musical direction by Anthony Trifiletti and choreography by Jen Justice. The performers include Emma L. Murphy as the Leading Player, Eric Mortensen as Pippin, Steve Brofman as Charlemagne, Jessica Hirsh as the scheming queen Fastrada, Kim Bixenstine as Pippin's grandmother Berthe, and Jonathan Orosz as Pippin's half-witted half-brother Lewis. Erin Heisey appears as homemaker and love-interest Catherine with Macon Taylor as her son Theo. The ensemble of Players include Mo Basista, Andrew Cotton, Katie Hintze, LaShawnna Hunter, Paige Johnson, Taylor Mortensen, Bekah Neubecker, Raleigh Orosz, Josh Roney, Jen Salkin, and Carson Strnisa.

For Loewy, the musical has the distinction of being the first show she saw on Broadway.

“It was in the 1970s and I paid $7.50 for a seat in the third balcony,” she said. “I had the album from the show and wore it out in college. I kept playing “Corner of the Sky” over and over. The universal theme of struggling to find our inner joy really resonated with me, as it does with so many people who love the show. And I just love the music because it really soars.”

Good seats are available. Tickets are $21 for adults and $17 for seniors and students. Group discounts are available. Purchase online at CVLT.org or call 440-247-8955. The Box Office, located at 40 River St. in Chagrin Falls, is open 1-6 p.m. Monday – Saturday.

CVLT is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture as well as support from the Ohio Arts Council and the contributions of companies and individuals.

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