Though the

musical "Pippin" is set in 780 A.D. and is about the son of

Emperor Charlemagne, it is one of the most modern musicals in recent history.

Perhaps that is why the Fayette County High School drama department, performing

"Pippin" at Sams Auditorium tomorrow and Friday, is so excited.

The show is filled with vibrant costumes, a 12-piece orchestra creating

a rock and roll style sound, black lights, comedy and more dancing than

you can shake a stick at. "Pippin" is a high energy show and

it appears the energy is contagious.

"The kids

are really having a blast," said director Fred Bobbitt, who has teamed

up with Kelly Butler, as the musical director and assistant director,

choreographer Annette Tomasi and band director Kenneth Beard to bring

the show to life. "Pippin" was written by Roger Hirson with

music by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the musical "Godspell."

The character

of Pippin is looking for ultimate fulfillment and he becomes bored with

every approach he tries including school, war, sex, drugs and rock and

roll, and domesticity. Bobbitt states that the show celebrates the theatrical

and make-believe but also reality and life, which may not always be as

alluring as the fantastic.

"I have

always loved this show," said Bobbitt. "It is very loose and

very fun and I love the music." 'Pippin' is an ensemble piece with

a large chorus that is on the stage for over three-quarters of the production.

Bobbitt explains that while there are main characters in the show, every

role is important. The role of Pippin has been double cast with senior

Reuben Bidez and junior Sean Cox sharing the role. Senior Lacey Clark

plays the role of Leading Player while Tia Bittner plays Pippin's manipulative

stepmother Fastrada, Greg Roseberry plays Emperor Charlemagne, Megan Free

plays Pippin's love interest Katherine and senior Adam Wolfe as Berthe,

Pippin's grandmother.

Fayette County

High School's production will incorporate some of the original choreography

Outlaw. The orchestra will feature an electric guitar, an electric bass

and a full drum kit, among others giving the show a full sound. With all

of the dance, music, color and comedy, "Pippin" is sure to be

a crowd-pleaser.

"Pippin"

will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 24 and 25

at Sams Auditorium. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door as

well as at the Fayette County Public Library.

"Pippin"

7:30 p.m.,

Oct. 24 and 25

Sams Auditorium

$7

770-460-3540.

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