A LETTER FROM THE CAST: PIPPIN

Hello, friends! My name is Jessica Martens and I couldn’t be more excited to share the story of Pippin with you at Springfield Little Theatre this month. I play the role of Catherine, Pippin’s sweet love interest. This story and experience has been meaningful for me in so many ways and it’s the first time I’ve been onstage since the pandemic. What a joyful return!

I grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, and loved to sing and dance and be dramatic from a young age. Thanks for bearing with me, mom and dad. My very first musical was The Sound of Music. I knew I had caught the theatre bug when I cried for hours after we closed. What has continued to draw me to theatre is the people; there is something so electric about a group of artists coming together to collectively tell a story. Show after show, I have continued to find and form families, and Pippin is no different!

I received my Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University (alma mater of Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara). So much of who I am as a person and artist was formed during those years! One of my favorite theatrical experiences was with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma in 2016. I played Chava in a production of Fiddler on the Roof directed by Michael Baron which incorporated two deaf actors, Sandra Mae Frank (Hodel) and Christopher Tester (Perchik). Sandra had just played Wendla in the Broadway revival of Spring Awakening…to say my 19-year-old self was starstruck would have been an understatement. Our show integrated American Sign Language into songs, scenes, and dances in a way I had never seen before.

Since then, I have had the privilege of doing other incredible shows! Some of my favorites have been Sophie in Mamma Mia, Ariel in Disney’s When You Wish, and Bright Star. It has been a gift to tell so many beautiful stories and Pippin ranks high on the list. For me, this story continues to point to our need for something greater than ourselves. The things we’re looking for to satisfy and bring us fulfillment often fall flat, but there are things that outlast us. Love, faith, hope. I’m so thankful Catherine gets to be a part of changing that narrative within this show. It has been a dream to share the stage with such an all-star cast every night and we are so eager to have people fill the seats! Springfield Little Theatre is one-in-a-million.

If you want to follow my journey as a performer and person, follow me on Instagram – @jess.martens. I love new friends and would be thrilled to connect!

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. With familiar songs such as “Magic to Do”, “Glory”, and “Corner of the Sky” you’ll be dazzled by these powerful lyrics and powerhouse voices!

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippinis in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

The revival version of Pippin is a circus inspired version full of dazzling performance acts such as hoops, silks, jugglers, and aerialists. We are thrilled to be producing this show in conjunction with 417 Aerial, which is a Circus Arts Studio. This show is for mature audiences due to language and sexual content.

 

TICKET INFORMATION

Come see this circus inspired spectacular live on the Landers stage April 14  through April 30.

Platinum seating:

Adult: $37.00

Senior (62+)/Student/Military $34.00

Children (ages 12 and under) $25.00

 

Gold seating:

Adult: $35.00

Senior (62+)/Student/Military $32.00

Children (ages 12 and under) $23.00

 

Special Pricing:

Value Seating: $17.00

Rush: $15.00 (available at the door only – 30 minutes prior to the show to students /adults/ seniors)

 

For tickets call the box office at 417-869-1334 or visithttp://SpringfieldLittleTheatre.org

 

Photography in the blog is courtesy of Tonya Forbes and Shannon Sherrow