This past weekend, the Ellis Theatre Guild performed their version of Pippin, a musical about a prince finding his place in the world. Pippin starred Gus Kellerman ‘19 as Pippin, Carly Lange ’18 as Leading Player Voodou, and Celeste Owusu ’18 as Leading Player Hoodoo. The play was directed by Isabelle Schlick ’11. This marks Burt Merriam’s final musical at Hill. The musical is based on the real story of Prince Pepin and his father, King Charlemagne.
“My experience with Pippin this year was interesting because it was such an old show. It was great to put a modern twist on it.” Lange said. “My role was originally one person, but we had it split up because it is such a big part. I think that really helps with the modern twist.”
The week leading up to the play is affectionately called ‘Hell Week’, where student-thespians go through rigorous rehearsals in order to create the best performance. Most nights, students are practicing late into the evening.
“Every night we’d go to rehearsal right after class, do our homework, eat food, and run the play,” Max Pollak ’19, who plays Lewis, Pippin’s brother, said. “It’s stressful, to say the least. But we know that, and it’s what we signed up for.”
Wei Jei Delucia, Jennifer Maccarella, Morgana Schlick and Yoon Soo Lim worked behind the scenes as Wardrobe, Costumes, Choreographer and Music Director respectively. The play is also supported by the theater tech crew, led by the technical director Michael McKibben, sound designer Gene Krumenacker ’18, lighting designer Chloe Garton ’18, and the stage manager, Alice Nguyen ’18.
“My job involved meeting with the director and stage manager to decide what sound effects needs to be played when as well as to amplifying certain voices,” Krumenacker said “During the run of the show, it was my job to mix all of the microphones to make sure that everyone could be heard, but no one was too loud.”
The cast performed three shows in total, from February 23-25. An Afternoon Arts Exhibit by Eric Li ’18 and Ashley Delgado ’19 was in the Lobby for all of the performances.