NEPA Scene Staff

Wilkes University presents musical comedy ‘Pippin’ in Wilkes-Barre Nov. 10-19

Wilkes University presents musical comedy ‘Pippin’ in Wilkes-Barre Nov. 10-19
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From a press release:

Wilkes University Theatre presents the iconic musical comedy “Pippin” on Nov. 10-11 and Nov. 17-18 at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinee performances on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19 at 2 p.m., at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre.

This is the story of the French Prince Pippin, son of King Charlemagne (Charles the Great), the medieval emperor who ruled much of Western Europe from 768 to 814. After graduating from college, Pippin is in search of real meaning in his life. Wanting to prove his loyalty, Pippin joins in bloody battle with his father. Becoming entangled in sexual exploits and savvy political maneuvers against the throne, Pippin discovers that true happiness is more complicated than he imagined.

With an infectious and unforgettable score from the four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner, and musical theatre giant Stephen Schwartz, “Pippin” has been successfully produced on stages ranging from high school to Broadway.

The production at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center (239 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre) is directed by Wilkes University’s Director of Theatre, Teresa Fallon, with musical direction by Ken McGraw, adjunct professor of music. Choreography is by Sean T. Harris, adjunct dance instructor at Wilkes. The student cast includes Joshua Shepard as leading player, Justin Gaskill as Pippin, Michael Rogers as Pippin’s father Charles, Kris Tjornhom as Pippin’s half brother Lewis, Melissa Berardelli as Lewis’ mother Fastrada, Maddison Black as Pippin’s grandmother Berthe, Michaela Catapano as the widow Catherine, and Alex Booth as Theo, Catherine’s son.

Select audience members will have the opportunity to sit onstage. General admission is $10, $5 for students and seniors, and free for all Wilkes students, faculty, and staff with ID. For a reserved ticket or for more information, call the box office at 570-408-4540 and specify seating onstage or in the house. Parking is available at the Henry Student Center, along with handicapped accessible options.

Wilkes University (84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre) is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. Founded in 1933, the university is on a mission to create one of the great small universities, offering all of the programs, activities, and opportunities of a large research university in the intimate, caring, and mentoring environment of a small liberal arts college, at a cost that is increasingly competitive with public universities. The Economist named Wilkes 25th in the nation for the value of its education for graduates.

In addition to 42 bachelor degree programs, Wilkes offers 25 master’s degree programs and four doctoral/terminal degree programs, including the doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education, doctor of pharmacy, and master of fine arts in creative writing.