Pippin Flies into Providence

Pippin, the smash Broadway musical, is making the latest stop on its national tour at Providence Performing Arts Center, from February 16 through the 21st. With music and lyrics from famed composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), the show promises to thrill audiences with dazzling acrobatics and spectacular choreography.

The show premiered on October 23, 1972, and ran for 1,944 performances before closing on June 12, 1977. It was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, and won several Tony awards. The Broadway revival opened in March 2013 and closed in 2015. The show has been performed all over the world.

Brian Flores plays Pippin and took some time recently to talk with Motif about the show. “The role is very close to me,” Flores said, noting how like Pippin, he is at a similar point in his life. “(Pippin) is ready to conquer the world,” Flores explained. “He wants to find fulfillment and the meaning in life.”

Flores recently graduated from the University of Michigan, where he obtained a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater. Pippin is his first big role on the stage and he is savoring every moment of the experience. “It’s a dream come true,” Flores said. “(Performing) is such a rush.”

Flores developed a love of theater while growing up in Boulder, Colorado. He appeared in many college productions, including Spring Awakening, Crazy for You and Cabaret.

Flores said Pippin has been a physically challenging show for the cast due to all the acrobatics and choreography. However, he has no complaints. “It’s incredibly fulfilling in the end because as a piece of theater it’s a beautiful work of art,” Flores noted. “(Pippin) has an amazing story and amazing songs.”

The cast also includes Sabrina Harper as Fastrada. Harper was a part of the Broadway production of Pippin, and  said the story of a young man coming of age was appealing, along with the chance to practice Fosse’s choreography. “It’s a dream come true to be dancing in his style,” Harper said. “It’s been an exciting journey and I love being a part of it.”

Harper also enjoys the music of Pippin. “(One of my favorites) is a love song sung as a duet by Katherine and Pippin in the second act,” Harper said. “It’s just raw, pure and beautiful.”

“Acting has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl,” said Harper, a native of Laguna Beach, California.
Harper performed as Roxie Hart in the Swiss production of Chicago at the Konzert & Theater St. Gallen in Switzerland and worked with Mitzi Hamillton on the role of Cassie in A Chorus Line at the Stockerau Sommer Festspiele, Austria.

Harper believes Pippin will continue to appeal to audiences for a very long time. “It’s a never-ending story,” Harper said. “It’s timeless.”

Pippin runs from February 16-21 at Providence Performing Arts Center. For information on tickets or to purchase call the PPAC Box Office at 401-421-2787