The Not-So-Simple Joys of Pippin

Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

"Join us, leave your fields to flower
Join us, leave your cheese to sour
Join us, come and waste an hour or two
Doodle-ee-doo"

In this episode of Settling Scores, we discuss the not-so-simple joys, the seriously strange (...left-handed fleas and balding griffins, anyone??), and the existential angst of Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s medieval musical, Pippin. Along the way, Forrest coins the word, “orgy-ness,” we stand in awe of the Marvelous Mrs. Patina Miller, and revel in the classic “Bob Fosse-ness” of the original 1972 production, directed by Fosse himself, who left future productions with some very large stylistic shoes to fill. Cue the ever-inventive Diane Paulus, whose 2013 Broadway revival of Pippin brought a fresh, circus-inspired approach to the show, which earned widespread acclaim and several Tony Awards.

Which cast recording did Lenny and Forrest choose for their Desert Island Disc dilemma? Does Music Man or Pippin get the “Glory” in our Battle Royale? You’ll have to journey with us “through our anecdotic revue” to find out.

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Content Warning: This episode contains frank discussions of sexuality, depression, and suicide. Please take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Listeners in the US can reach a 24/7, toll-free crisis hotline by dialing or texting 988.