FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2002
CONTACT: Roland Ruiz, St. Philip's College Dir. of Community and Public Relations
210.531.4851

ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE TO STAGE PRODUCTION OF 'PIPPIN' FEB. 13-16

The St. Philip's College Department of Fine Arts will present a production of the musical 'Pippin' Feb. 13-16, 2003, at the Watson Fine Arts Theatre (1801 Martin Luther King Drive). Admission is $10 for general public and $5 for San Antonio Theatre Coalition (SATCO) members, seniors and students. For information or to reserve seating, contact the St. Philip's College Department of Fine Arts at 531-3323.

'Pippin' is a musical based loosely on the life of Charlemagne's eldest son, an idealist trying to find himself amid the pomp of his fathers' court, among the ruin and desolation of the battlefield, as king of the Holy Roman Empire, and finally as a common laborer on the estate of a rich widow named Catherine. Ably supported (and sometimes slowed down) by a leading player and a troupe of actors, Pippin does find himself, which in his own words, "isn't too bad for the end of a musical comedy." Performances are scheduled Feb. 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

'Pippin' incorporates major elements of dance, music and comedy into a two-act play that emanates a verve, drive, charm and joy that captures the imagination, according to director Charles R. Jeffries. "'Pippin' is the kind of play that comes along only once in a great while. It lives through the magic it generates," Jeffries said.

'Pippin,' based on the book by Roger O. Hirson, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, served as a breakthrough show on Broadway for noted performers such as Ben Vereen, Jil Clayburg, and the late Irene Ryan (best-known for her role as Granny Clampet in the popular television series, 'The Beverly Hillbillies').

The St. Philip's production of 'Pippin' will feature a local cast, including: leading player Vincent Contrell, Jeremiah K. Maldonado as Pippin, Patrick T. Gonzales as Charles, Adam E. Salyer as Lewis, Rita Duggan as Fastrada, Evelyn Gee as Berthe, Julie Patterson as Catherine, and Gilbert Hernandez as Theo. The play also will include an ensemble consisting of Mario Hernandez, Michael Duggan, Courtney L. Clark, Aaron Rindeikis, Justin Keown, Lisa Kostelnik, Marisol Romero, Svea Moore, Jennifer Minor, Susan Hamilton, Lynzi Estrada, Leslie E. DeCarlo, Erica Warthen, Alexis Rico, DeAndrea B. Herron and Ginger Kurulak.

Originally choreographed by the renowned Bob Fosse, the St. Philip's production of 'Pippin' will feature the choreography of highly acclaimed local dance director Gloria Liu. Musical direction will be provided by Gregory Gonzales, vocal direction by Henry Washington, lighting and set design by William J. Stewart, and show direction by Charles R. Jeffries, all of whom are members of the St. Philip's College faculty and staff. Producer is Dr. Elizabeth C. Ramirez, St. Philip's College director of Fine Arts.