​Nabilah Sherman
 
We’ve got magic to do! This December 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the Hillgrove Musical Theater class is putting on Pippin! Hillgrove’s musical theater director, Adam Sechelski, colloquially known as Mr. S, is the music director for the show. This coming-of-age esq. story can be relatable to many high schoolers. The story can bring comfort to those who are struggling to bring meaning to their lives.
 
“…he’s just graduated from college and he’s trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life… so it’s basically his journey through his life, trying all these different things trying to figure out the thing that will help him make a big mark.” says Sechelski, “And what he discovers is, that really in the end, it’s not so much about being extraordinary and you know, making a huge slash but it’s about finding love and finding a home.” With this being a classic show that many schools have put on, and its style being comparable to Chicago due to their mutual author, many may wonder how the theater department will help this show be seen as distinctive. “We’re going to come together we are going to decide, what the look should be, what it should feel like, how can it best tell the story, because that’s really what it’s about. How do you tell a story that’s compelling and interesting, but at the same time is not going to break the bank?” He joked.
 
Enough about what the audience wants to see, according to Sechelski; it’s important for those who are putting on the show to enjoy what they are doing. This show’s stage manager, Emely Soto, is in charge of keeping the show organized and providing the music director with ideas and information. With this being her first time stage managing, she is very passionate about the show.
 
“I like the circus vibe, the sensual vibe, everything. Like the characters, they all have a powerful, devoted role” she expressed passionately. The show, written by Bob Fosse features similar artistic aspects to Chicago, one of Hillgrove’s most successful shows. One specific scene, The Manson Trio, fully utilizes the Fosse style and its unique storytelling aesthetic. Emely voiced she was most eager to see “the grand finale and the dances.” and “How all that excitement is going to be pulled off.”
 
Adam Sechelski also expressed his love for the “anti-ending” of the show. “It has a very minimalistic and stripped-down message at the end, and I really like to see how audiences take that cause it’s definitely a different kind of feel.”
 
As said by Sechelski, Pippin’s story is “pretty dynamic… it’s relatable as far as like journey of life kind of stuff” Its relatability can allow people that are casted as Pippin to naturally flow into the role. Let’s hear from the man himself; Luke Williams, who is playing Pippin.
 
“I can relate to Pippin’s unsureness in his future. It’s mainly because I’m a senior, and I don’t know exactly where my future is headed, but I do my best to stay hopeful and encouraged.” Luke revealed. Becoming a senior and being exposed to the adult lifestyle is the exact conflict Pippin struggles with during the show. “I would just like to portray Pippin as an unsure guy whose goal is to find his way. This character has a sense of confusion towards his future, but his energy is always up and radiant, which makes him enjoyable to be around. That’s the character I would like to portray.”
 
For other members of the crew, their goal is to improve their leadership skills and ensure the show (and shows in the future) benefit from their skills. “I’m going to act as a professional… I want this to be an easy experience for everyone,” said Emely. “I hope to continue with this in the next shows that we have here in Hillgrove.”
 
With preparations for the show beginning soon, the cast and crew must keep a confident mentality. The Hillgrove Theater cast and crew ensure that they’ll put on a high-quality show. One that is entertaining to both those who are theater fanatics and individuals who have never seen a show in their life. “When we put something onstage, we are striving to make it the best it can possibly be.” declared Sechelski “So, I would say if nothing else, come see the show because, we do good work and we try to promote that high level.” Viewings begin December 1st and ends December 3rd.