GMVS blends theater and circus arts in ‘Pippin’ Oct. 24-26

October 18, 2024  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Cast of "Pippin" at GMVS, Oct. 24-26. Courtesy photo.

Green Mountain Valley School presents the classic musical “Pippin” Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 24-26. 

This 1972 Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of one young person’s pursuit of doing something extraordinary with their life. Performances each night are at 7:30 p.m. in the Dave Gavett Theater.

This production is based on the 2013 Broadway Revival version which sets “Pippin” under a traveling circus top where a group of circus players tell the story of historical figure King Charlemagne’s son, Pippin, as he explores the meaning of life in the Middle Ages. 

Directed by Vermont native Nick Caycedo, who brings a wealth of experience and creative imagination to campus each fall, “Pippin” features Stephen Schwartz’s iconic, folk-inspired score (Schwartz also having composed “Godspell” and “Wicked”) and integrates heightened theatricality, Fosse-style dance, and circus artistry to enchant and inspire audiences. 

Eric Bates at rehearsal for 'Pippin' at Green Mountain Valley School. Courtesy photo

To prepare for “Pippin,” GMVS hosted a three-day circus camp led by another Vermont native, Eric Bates, a world-renowned circus artist and Guinness World Record holder. The son of Jen Robillard, assistant academic director and GMVS language teacher, Bates is recognized as the world’s top cigar-box juggler. His dynamic teaching style energized the student group, has he encouraged them to embrace the physical and creative challenges of circus arts. His visit added an exciting new dimension to the students’ ability to bring the story of “Pippin” to life.

“We are immensely proud of the hard work and passion our students have shown during the preparation for this year’s production,” said Head of School Tracy Keller. “Theater has always been a vital part of the GMVS experience, beginning with Dave Gavett’s inaugural production of ‘Godspell.’ This year’s performance of ‘Pippin’ will showcase the creativity and dedication that we aim to achieve across all of our programs.”

GMVS first presented “Pippin” in 1980 when it featured GMVS alumnus Doug Lewis ’82 as the lead. Lewis went on to find his “extraordinary” as a two-time Olympian (1984 and 1988) and two-time U.S. downhill champion. 

The Dave Gavett Theater is at Green Mountain Valley School, 271 Moulton Road, Waitsfield. 

Tickets: $15 for students and seniors, $25 adults online here or at the box office on the performance nights. 

Director Nick Caycedo and circus artist Eric Bates with the GMVS cast of 'Pippin." Courtesy photo