Ellis Upper School Performs Pippin
There was magic in the Ellis auditorium last weekend as Upper School students hit the stage for the winter musical, Pippin. The colorful and comedic performance packed the auditorium Friday and Saturday and ended to a roaring applause from students, parents, friends, and the Ellis community.
Pippin is a Tony Award-winning musical about a mysterious performance troupe that tells the story of Pippin, a young prince searching for his meaning in life. As Pippin longs to find his one true passion, he proves his loyalty and admiration to his absent father by joining him at war. But when he is convinced to revolt instead, Pippin kills his father and becomes king. From there, Pippin struggles to grapple with his mistakes and wonders if he should settle down and live a normal life or continue on with the boisterous theater troupe.
Nyjah Cephas, Class of 2017, was the first on stage as “The Leading Player” and narrated both acts as she ushered the theater troupe (and the audience) through the show. With a booming voice and irresistible stage presence, Nyjah led the ensemble through the first number, the infectious and upbeat “Magic to Do”. In the leading role of Pippin, Jordyn Tomlin, Class of 2017, exercised her gentle yet powerful voice with memorable solo performances of “Corner of the Sky” and “With You”. On stage for most scenes, Jordyn’s stamina and strength shined as she played the titular character. Transitioning into the second act, Pallavi Muluk, Class of 2017, was introduced as Catherine, Pippin’s love interest, and blew the audience away with her range and hypnotizing, feminine voice with the duet “Love Song” and the solo “I Guess I’ll Miss this Man”.
Students have been preparing for the musical since November under the direction of stellar faculty and staff members: Sara Studevant, Director of Production and Choreography, Elisa Hill, Conductor and Director of Music and Choreography, Yoanna Akis, Musical Director, Brian Krugle, Technical Director, and Zachery Calloway, Lighting Designer. With all hands on deck for the production, students were not only singing and dancing center stage, but an integral part of the behind-the-scenes preparation, planning, and direction. Students built sets, designed costumes, collected stage props, and even controlled the stage lighting.
“Pippin was such a good choice for Ellis because the main story is about self discovery and determination. At this point in Upper School students’ lives, they are also trying to figure out who they are and can relate to the story in that respect. The theater is about exploration, taking risks and trying something new. The stage is a space for the girls to be totally engaged and come together as a cast for a common purpose,” said Ms. Sturdevant.
The Upper School musical allows students to get involved outside of the school day and gives them the chance to interact and form relationships with girls in different grades. Over the course of the production, the cast formed strong relationships from months of after-school rehearsals and preparation. Students come together as a cast and realize it’s not just about one person, but the whole production, telling the story, and committing to their roles.
Senior, Pallavi (Catherine) has been performing in Ellis productions since the eighth grade operetta and has been in three Upper School musicals. Pippin is Pallavi’s final production and she has been fondly reflecting on her Ellis stage memories and castmates.
“My favorite part of the musical was getting to see my friends step out of their comfort zones and really dedicate themselves to the show. Some of them had never been on the stage before, and yet, they put themselves out there with a smile and had an amazing time. I also liked stepping out of my own comfort zone––I've always been comfortable singing on stage, but the idea of acting and dancing in front of people has terrified me. This show gave me a chance to truly embrace that challenge and overcome my fears,” said Pallavi.
While this year’s musical has come and gone, planning for next year has already begun. Choosing a musical that captures the hearts of the Ellis community, and one that can be performed by a female cast, takes time and planning. One thing is for sure though, this year’s musical will be hard to top.
“I felt joy, elation, and satisfaction after the curtain call, it was truly a job well done. I was really proud of the consistency of the performances and the girls’ ability to always find something fresh. There’s always a place for them to develop and grow on the stage,” said Ms. Sturdevant.
Congratulations to the entire cast of Pippin! Read more about Performing Arts in the Upper School here.
The Company List:
Addie Gardner
Adylade Krimmel
Andreana Hardin
Calista Martin-Singer
Fiona Kivuva
Grace Coffelt
Hunter Kloss
Isi Hammer
Jessica Jones
Jordyn Tomlin
Lauren Jasper
Leah Berman Kress
Leela Canuelas-Puri
Mady Denko
Meredith Scherer
Nesta Collins
Nyjah Cephas
Olivia Strickland
Pallavi Muluk
Payton Ferris
Phoebe Brown
Samantha Silk
Sara Ardale
Taylor Brown
Tristan Matthews
Sarah Good-Lang
Abby Stubenhofer
Emma Trimbur
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