Ashland University Theatre presents *PIPPIN* Book by Roger O. Hirson Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Directed by Robert Sean Parker February 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. February 12 at 2 p.m. Hugo Young Theatre Pre-Show Talk: Fri., Feb. 17, 6:45 p.m. *WARNING: Contains Adult Content* *Ashland University Box Office* 419-289-5125 (Noon-6 p.m., Monday-Friday) Online at www.ashland.edu/tickets <https://red.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=a79a533a2409ff266ac1f821bad7edca> (additional fees apply) *Single Tickets <https://red.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=a79a533a2409ff266ac1f821bad7edca>:* $12 Adults $10 Senior Citizens, AU Alumni & Faculty/Staff $8 Groups of 10 or more* $5 Non-AU Students* $2 Ashland University Students w/ ID* *For REDUCED TICKETS - AU STUDENT ($2), CHILDREN ($5) and GROUP of 10 or more ($8) - Call Box Office, 419.289.5125. *ASHLAND.EDU/THEATRE <http://www.ashland.edu/theatre>* Ashland University Department of Theatre continues its 2016-2017 season in "Pursuit of Happiness" with the hard-driving musical fable *Pippin*. Assistant Professor of Theatre Robert Sean Parker makes his Ashland directorial debut with Dr. Rowland Blackley as the music director and Katie Zareki, the choreographer. *Pippin* is about a prince in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. With the help of a mysterious troupe of players, Prince Pippin dreams of finding his “Corner of the Sky.” However, he fails in battle, sexual entanglements, revolution, political empowerment, and pastoral life, but the players keep him “On the Right Track.” *Pippin* opened on Broadway in 1972 under the direction and choreography of award winning risk taker, Bob Fosse with a Commedia dell’Arte concept. The revival directed by Diane Paulus kept the style of Fosse’s original choreography, but placed Pippen’s journey in a circus tent with high flying acrobatics. The revival went on to win the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Parker explains his connection with the musical saying, "I love this show for many reasons, but I mostly love it for its powerful message. It is funny, bold, dark, and mysterious. It lavishly satirizes our fanaticisms and at the same time exposes our vices. It ridicules our obsessions with sex, war, religion, and politics. It also encourages us to look at our own lives." The role of Prince Pippin will be played by Jacob Ellis (Bellevue) as he is manipulated by the lead player portrayed by Logan Anne Baker (Reynoldsburg). Deric Dove (Newark) is Pippin's father, King Charles, while Hannah Wise (Hartville) and Jake Riley (Wooster) are Queen Fastrada (Pippin's stepmother) and her son Lewis, respectively; and Andrea Disch (East Liverpool) plays Pippin's Grandmother Berthe. Maya Rickard (Wooster) plays Catherine, Pippin's love interest, and Daylie Rickard, a Northwestern Middle School student, is Theo, Catherine's son. The cast for the show's ensemble comprised of the King’s army, monks, nobility, peasants, and the Players include Drew Berlin (Barberton), Nik Demers (Shelby), Sami Eron (Brighton, Michigan), Rachel Parfitt Kelly (Columbus), Alli Lange (Mansfield), Waylon H. O'Donnell (West Sunbury, Pennsylvania), Kathleen Thompson Parker (Ashland), Laramie Roush (Gallipolis), Megan Saupé (Fairfield), Ceyanna Stasick (Sullivan), Morgan Tinnirello (Middleburg Heights) and Rebecca Young (Sherwood, Oregon). The production staff includes J. Michael Desper as the scenic and sound designer and technical director while students Elizabeth Grace Davis (Solon) and Seth Morrison (Millersburg) are the costume and lighting designers, respectively. Patricia E. Lanious is the show's production manager; Justin Bilewicz, costume studio manager; Jessica Dupee (Wellington), stage manager; and Ivey Buffenmyer (Ashland), assistant stage manager.