Pippin finds his ‘corner of the sky’ in Hoboken

The Hoboken Children’s Theater Company will present the musical, “Pippin,” the Tony Award-winning, rock/pop sensation of ‘70s Broadway, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Performances will take place in Hoboken at the Monroe Center’s Theatre Space on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. “Pippin” is under the direction of Chase Leyner.
The HCTC production of “Pippin” features students, ages 14-17, from three Hudson County area high schools. The role of Pippin will be played by St. Peter’s Prep freshman, Marc Wright of Bayonne.
Featured High Tech High School students are Julia Small and Georgia Sebesky (leading players), Frankie Alicandri (Berthe), Nevada Koenig (Catherine) and Michael Prussack (Charles). Senior company performers from Hoboken High School are brother and sister Jaemison Yoon-Hendricks (Louis) and Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks (Fastrada).
“In this production of ‘Pippin’,” Director Chase Leyner says, “we took on a standard Broadway musical and turned it on it’s ear, making it timely and accessible to the teens embodying these characters and a brand new experience for the audience. These kids have an enormous joy for performing and an innate sense of professionalism…they are not to be missed!”
Acceptance into the HCT Senior Company and its productions is by invitation/audition, and is for students who are experienced and advanced in all aspects of musical theater.
“Pippin” tells the story of a young man who longs to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the sports battlefields, the intrigues of political power and the complications of relationships. In the end, he finds it in the simplicity of home and family. PG rated and suitable for ages 10 through Adult.
Tickets for “Pippin” can be purchased on-line at hobokenchildrenstheater.com. For more information, you can call HCTC at (646) 339-8485. Tickets are $15 and will be held at the door at the time of the performance.
The Monroe Center Theater Space is located at 720 Monroe St., Hoboken, 2nd Floor. Parking is free.
The Hoboken Children’s Theater has been a viable training ground for Hudson County’s young, musical theater performers for 10 years and averages 10-12 musical offerings a year. The HCT is a production-based school that gives serious students an opportunity to work and perform at a very high level, but also offers classes for those who just have a passion to perform and want to grow.
Hundreds of students have participated in HCT classes over the years, in an environment that fosters a sense of family amongst young and old, as well as between those who aspire to be professionals and those who just want to join HCT to build self confidence through performance. HCT students have appeared on Broadway and in television and film, been accepted to Paper Mill Playhouse and NJPAC’s audition conservatories and to top rated high school and college theater arts programs/curriculums.
HCT Director Chase Leyner received the 2009 Park Performing Arts Center Showtime Award for her work with young performers. Classes for ages 4 and up, and all levels of experience, are available from September through July. For 2011-12 enrolment, contact the Hoboken Children’s Theater at (646) 339-8485 or at www.hobokenchildrenstheater.com.