by Paula Kaplan-Reiss
The quest for purpose and meaning in life is universal. Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz used this theme in their musical, Pippin, premiering on Broadway in 1972. Pippin made a Tony winning star out of Ben Vereen under the direction of Tony winner director and choreographer, Bob Fosse. The revival in 2013 also received a Tony and featured Tony winner Andrea Martin as Berthe. Enthusiasm for this musical has never waned and is currently brought to the stage by The Two of Us Productions & RARE Inc., a community theater in Copake, New York.
Prince Pippin, son of King Charlemagne the Great and heir to the Frankish throne during the Holy Roman Empire, is desperately seeking happiness and fulfillment. Under the guidance of the Leading Player, he goes into battle, explores desires of the flesh, deposes his father and tries political power, and makes an attempt at being a partner and parental figure. He is desperate to find his “Corner of the Sky,” a place where he belongs.
This 12-member cast of Players under the direction of Stephen Sanborn eagerly tries to engage the opening night audience. Together they sing beautifully. Opening night jitters and some lapses in timing are understandable and will likely improve over the show’s run. Both the Leading Player (choreographer Constance Lopez) and Pippin (vocal director Zachary Nayer) are missing some critical elements to carry this show. Lopez is obviously a dancer. She is lithe and has the Fosse moves. However, her steps, at times, seem tentative. Opening the show with “Magic to Do” her voice needs to sell this song and lead the cast. Strength and power are inconsistent.
Left to Right: Matt Leinung, Mason Lowe, Zach Nayer, Kitt LaPaix, Jeff Jene, Debra Hughes, Karissa Payson, Cyndi Miller in The Two of Us Productions’ “Pippin” directed by Stephen Sanborn. 
Constance Lopez as The Leading Players in The Two of Us Productions’ “Pippin” directed by Stephen Sanborn. 
Left to Right: Zach Nayer as Pippin, Kitt LaPaix as Berthe, Matt Leinung, Sherri Lewis, Mason Lowe, Cyndi Miller, Constance Lopez as Leading Player in The Two of Us Productions’ “Pippin” directed by Stephen Sanborn. 
Debra Hughes as Fastrada in The Two of Us Productions’ “Pippin” directed by Stephen Sanborn. 
Left to Right: Cyndi Miller, Sharri Lewis, Constance Lopez as Leading Player, Zachary Nayer as Pippin, Kitt Lapaix, Debra Hughes as Fastrada, Mason Lowe as Lewis in The Two of Us Productions’ “Pippin” directed by Stephen Sanborn. 
Zachary Nayer as Pippin in The Two of Us Productions’ “Pippin” directed by Stephen Sanborn. 
Lily Troche as Thea, Zachary Nayer as Pippin, Karissa Payson as Catherine in The Two of Us Productions’ “Pippin” directed by Stephen Sanborn. 
We need to identify with Pippin’s struggles, yet be attracted to his youth and vulnerability. Nayer has a lovely voice and seems comfortable with choreography. Unfortunately, his helmet-like wig is distracting. His ability to show emotional and physical attraction to the other players while being seduced, or in his relationship with Catherine (Karissa Payson) is strained.
On a positive note, Christine LaPaix as grandmother to Pippin is a delight. She expresses joy and humor, especially in “No Time at All” where she jokes about getting old and the need to savor every moment. Similarly, Jeffrey Jene as King Charlemagne enjoys his power and confidently sings “War Is a Science.”
Karissa Payson, as Catherine, a widowed mother of one, sincerely connects with Pippin in “Love Song,” hoping to become his partner. We are drawn to her and wish her voice were stronger in “I Guess I’ll Miss the Man.”
Director Sanborn makes good use of the actors on an ample stage, but I question the lack of set. While there are some platforms, a throne, and an occasional cloth backdrop, we wish for more visual interest. Given that Sanborn and Lopez are responsible for costumes, set, sound and lighting, in addition to direction and choreography, they have more than enough to do. While the Players are all dressed in white scrubs while Lopez is in black, the quality and fit of the attire does not flatter the Players.
Kudos to Lopez for recreating Fosse’s choreography with Sherri Lewis and Debra Hughes during “Glory.” I very well remember this dance during the ad for Pippin in the early 70s.
In yet another role, Sanborn conducts the 10-piece Pippin orchestra situated behind a wall on the left side of the auditorium. They do a marvelous job with this lush score and follow the singers perfectly.
The cast of Pippin is devoted to telling this timeless story. We want Pippin to find his reason for being. With continued performances we hope this Two of Us Productions will find itself “On the Right Track.”
The Two of Us Productions presents Pippin, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson, direction and musical direction by Stephen Sanborn, choreography by Constance Lopez, vocal direction by Zachary Nayer. CAST: Constance Lopez as the Leading Player, Zachary Nayer as Pippin, Jeffrey Jene as Charlemagne, Debra Hughes as Fastrada, Mason Lowe as Lewis, Kitt LaPaix as Berthe, Karissa Payson as Catherine, Lily Troche (1st weekend) and Edie Parillo (2nd weekend) as Thea. The Players: Constance Lopez, Matthew Leinung, Cyndi Miller, Sherri Lewis, Jeffrey Jene, Debra Hughes, Mason Lowe, Karissa Payson, Lily Troche, Edie Parillo, and Kitt LaPaix. .
Pippin is playing November 7th, 8th, 9th, and the following weekend of November 14th, 15th & 16th, 2025 at the Copake Grange in Copake NY. The Theater at the Copake Grange is located at the Copake Grange Hall, 628 Empire Road in Copake NY, right around the corner from the clocktower in the center of town. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees are at 3pm. Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 Students/Seniors. To buy tickets, click the link below or call 518-329-6293. https://www.thetwoofusproductions.org/