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Pippin
This is a musical fable very loosely inspired by the life of Pepin, the son of the emperor Charlemagne.
The title character, here called Pippin, is a naive, inexperienced young man looking to make his mark in the world. He seeks glory and personal fulfillment first as a soldier, then as a lover, and finally as a revolutionary leader promoting progressive social ideas. After every attempt at success has left him disappointed and frustrated, until he is on the brink of utter despair, Pippin finds himself attracted to the widow Catherine and her young son.
Ultimately, he is given a choice between either performing a single great deed that will bring him instant fame and glory but just as instantly cut short his young life, or settling for a long, comfortable, but mediocre existence as a domestic non-entity taking care of his sweet but completely unremarkable family.
The title character, here called Pippin, is a naive, inexperienced young man looking to make his mark in the world. He seeks glory and personal fulfillment first as a soldier, then as a lover, and finally as a revolutionary leader promoting progressive social ideas. After every attempt at success has left him disappointed and frustrated, until he is on the brink of utter despair, Pippin finds himself attracted to the widow Catherine and her young son.
Ultimately, he is given a choice between either performing a single great deed that will bring him instant fame and glory but just as instantly cut short his young life, or settling for a long, comfortable, but mediocre existence as a domestic non-entity taking care of his sweet but completely unremarkable family.
83 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
3 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Schwartz
257 books42 followersStephen Schwartz was born in New York City on March 6, 1948. He studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while in high school and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a B.F.A. in Drama. Upon coming back to live in New York City, he went to work as a producer for RCA Records, but shortly thereafter began to work in the Broadway theatre.
His first major credit was the title song for the play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well.
In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, for which he won several awards including two Grammys. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, for Bernstein's MASS, which opened the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for PIPPIN and two years later, THE MAGIC SHOW. At one point, GODSPELL, PIPPIN, and THE MAGIC SHOW were all running on Broadway simultaneously.
He next wrote the music and lyrics for THE BAKER'S WIFE, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel's WORKING, to which he contributed four songs, and which he also adapted and directed, winning the Drama Desk Award as best director. He also co-directed the television production, which was presented as part of the PBS "American Playhouse" series.
Next came songs for a one-act musical for children, CAPTAIN LOUIE, and a children's book, THE PERFECT PEACH. He then wrote music for three of the songs in the Off-Broadway revue, PERSONALS, lyrics to Charles Strouse's music for RAGS, and music and lyrics for CHILDREN OF EDEN.
He then began working in film, collaborating with composer Alan Menken on the scores for the Disney animated features POCAHONTAS, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. He also provided songs for DreamWorks' first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for which he won another Academy Award for the song "When You Believe".
Mr. Schwartz provided music and lyrics for the original television musical, GEPPETTO, seen on The Wonderful World of Disney. Recently, he released two CDs on which he sings new songs, entitled RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY.
Mr. Schwartz's most recent musical, WICKED, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway.
Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he runs musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles, and serves on the ASCAP board; he is also a member of the Council of the Dramatists' Guild.
His first major credit was the title song for the play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well.
In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, for which he won several awards including two Grammys. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, for Bernstein's MASS, which opened the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for PIPPIN and two years later, THE MAGIC SHOW. At one point, GODSPELL, PIPPIN, and THE MAGIC SHOW were all running on Broadway simultaneously.
He next wrote the music and lyrics for THE BAKER'S WIFE, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel's WORKING, to which he contributed four songs, and which he also adapted and directed, winning the Drama Desk Award as best director. He also co-directed the television production, which was presented as part of the PBS "American Playhouse" series.
Next came songs for a one-act musical for children, CAPTAIN LOUIE, and a children's book, THE PERFECT PEACH. He then wrote music for three of the songs in the Off-Broadway revue, PERSONALS, lyrics to Charles Strouse's music for RAGS, and music and lyrics for CHILDREN OF EDEN.
He then began working in film, collaborating with composer Alan Menken on the scores for the Disney animated features POCAHONTAS, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. He also provided songs for DreamWorks' first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for which he won another Academy Award for the song "When You Believe".
Mr. Schwartz provided music and lyrics for the original television musical, GEPPETTO, seen on The Wonderful World of Disney. Recently, he released two CDs on which he sings new songs, entitled RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY.
Mr. Schwartz's most recent musical, WICKED, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway.
Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he runs musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles, and serves on the ASCAP board; he is also a member of the Council of the Dramatists' Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 15, 2018
So many thoughts going thru my mind with this one. It may be more relevant now than it was nearly 50 years ago.
March 3, 2017
Pippin is narrated by a character entitled the leading player. He is described by Bob Fosse, the co-writer of pippin as Pippin’s best friend, worst enemy, and the puppet master that is able to manipulate pippin by any means. The plot describes Pippin, a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. He attempts to satisfy himself by going to war, finding love, and eventually going to such means to kill his bloodthirsty tyrant father and take his place upon the throne. Everything fails. Pippin couldn't be happy with all the women, riches, or power in the world. Pippin then meets a widow, Catherine. They fall madly in love, but Pippin doesn't want to settle. The leading players plan is falling into place, but will Pippin give in to his inner Demons?
The playwright of Pippin wanted the audience to see themselves in pippin.
The leading player in a way symbolizes the voices in your head telling you you're not good enough. At the end of the show in fact, the leading player turns to the audience and states “we'll be [here...] waiting...anytime you want us...why, we're right inside your heads...and we promise you Sets! Lights! Costumes! and a short...but spectacular career!
Another thing very interesting about the writing was how it 100% showed that it IS a play. The only one who didn't throw was pippin. The leading player continuously had to remind Pippin’s love interest, Catherine, that she was saying the lines wrong. Catherine even at points said “what's the next line, God I forgot the line.”
Also in one point Catherine sweetly asks pippin to live with her and says “You're supposed to say it naggingly” she responds “But he touched my hand, they don't usually do that.” That Sentence not only proves that Pippin's entire life's staged and that the only person who ever loved him was Catherine, but that this scenario has been done before. These characters take hold of any person they can find. These thoughts cross many’s minds. All these characters are portraying roles inside of someone's head. They are all pushing him to the breaking point on purpose.
Common themes included:
Suicide. Pippin and the leading player (who represents Pippin's innermost thoughts and feelings) are constantly debating. This is because Pippin is debating with himself whether or not he should end his life.
Fulfillment. The premise of the story was Pippin's search for satisfaction and fulfillment. He is looking for the missing piece that will make him complete. But what if no price fits?
This script is filled with motifs of religion and resentment and even the Sun. This script sheds light on pressing issues while dropping comedic hints. It borders the line of satire, while just barely making it to the point where it can be considered a serious, insightful show.
The playwright of Pippin wanted the audience to see themselves in pippin.
The leading player in a way symbolizes the voices in your head telling you you're not good enough. At the end of the show in fact, the leading player turns to the audience and states “we'll be [here...] waiting...anytime you want us...why, we're right inside your heads...and we promise you Sets! Lights! Costumes! and a short...but spectacular career!
Another thing very interesting about the writing was how it 100% showed that it IS a play. The only one who didn't throw was pippin. The leading player continuously had to remind Pippin’s love interest, Catherine, that she was saying the lines wrong. Catherine even at points said “what's the next line, God I forgot the line.”
Also in one point Catherine sweetly asks pippin to live with her and says “You're supposed to say it naggingly” she responds “But he touched my hand, they don't usually do that.” That Sentence not only proves that Pippin's entire life's staged and that the only person who ever loved him was Catherine, but that this scenario has been done before. These characters take hold of any person they can find. These thoughts cross many’s minds. All these characters are portraying roles inside of someone's head. They are all pushing him to the breaking point on purpose.
Common themes included:
Suicide. Pippin and the leading player (who represents Pippin's innermost thoughts and feelings) are constantly debating. This is because Pippin is debating with himself whether or not he should end his life.
Fulfillment. The premise of the story was Pippin's search for satisfaction and fulfillment. He is looking for the missing piece that will make him complete. But what if no price fits?
This script is filled with motifs of religion and resentment and even the Sun. This script sheds light on pressing issues while dropping comedic hints. It borders the line of satire, while just barely making it to the point where it can be considered a serious, insightful show.
November 11, 2021
One of the greatest musicals of all time.
February 5, 2025
dammit, I'm in rehearsal enough for this, I am claiming it on my reading challenge
June 13, 2025
Interesting musical retelling of Charlemagne’s son told through a carnival/festival/performance lens. Themes of family, self-discovery, exploration, rebellion, and challenging authority. Can have gender neutral casting.
October 31, 2019
I'm hoping the ending of the actual musical will be more entertaining than the reading of it.
December 16, 2019
My school is doing this and I love it!
June 4, 2022
I was not prepared for the ending. Thank god the revival changed it.
Read
July 26, 2022fastrada, Catherine
January 14, 2024
Love this as much as when I saw it in 1974 with Ben Vereen.
Could still hear the melody of the songs in my head.
Could still hear the melody of the songs in my head.
March 11, 2025
Starting to realize that I love theatricality and hate realism in theatre.
March 22, 2012
Pippin is slightly based on the son of Charlemagne; Pepin. In this story, we go on a journey that we all must take in life. Pippin takes on his quest for fulfillment. We follow him on his journey as he tries to fulfill his life as a soldier, a lover, a ruler and more. When he thinks he's hit a dead end, he then meets a young widow named Catherine. At first he does not take a liking to the regular, mundane, household tasks that come with the sort of family life he acquires, but he falls in love with Catherine. Then as Catherine tries to make his stay official, he remembers his quest and seems sure that there must be more. He then leaves and must make a crucial final decision. He must complete the perfect act, the finale; and attain fame and glory, but also death. Or he must choose the sweet but sometimes mundane life of family.
Pippin is a wonderful tale that can be applied to all of us. It is a very good story and can teach us many things. The thing that stands out in this book is it's atmosphere. It is created to be a modern morality play. Like those that were performed in the middle ages to educate the masses. I would recommend this book to anyone who's not sure about where they want to go. Or even someone who thinks they have it all figured out. One should be cautious however when reading about Pippin's "love endeavors." They can be a little specific.
Pippin is a wonderful tale that can be applied to all of us. It is a very good story and can teach us many things. The thing that stands out in this book is it's atmosphere. It is created to be a modern morality play. Like those that were performed in the middle ages to educate the masses. I would recommend this book to anyone who's not sure about where they want to go. Or even someone who thinks they have it all figured out. One should be cautious however when reading about Pippin's "love endeavors." They can be a little specific.
October 14, 2013
Well, for the Spring Production of my Intermediate Musical Theater class we will be producing PIPPIN, and I re-read it today because I think the last time I read this was in, maybe, middle school, and I don't think I understood it then...which isn't a great sign because I will be producing it with middle and high school students, but...we'll see...
So...this follows the eldest son of Charlemagne (or Charles the Great), Pippin in his search for meaning. It is told through a circus theme, or the excitement that, I think, we look for in our teens and twenties, and then discover that meaning is simpler than the excitement that chaos brings to us.
I'm excited to produce this with the young students because we will have battle scenes with toy soldiers and love scenes with Barbie and Ken, so...I think it's going to be a fun interpretation.
So...this follows the eldest son of Charlemagne (or Charles the Great), Pippin in his search for meaning. It is told through a circus theme, or the excitement that, I think, we look for in our teens and twenties, and then discover that meaning is simpler than the excitement that chaos brings to us.
I'm excited to produce this with the young students because we will have battle scenes with toy soldiers and love scenes with Barbie and Ken, so...I think it's going to be a fun interpretation.
May 24, 2017
Pippin is the tale of a prince as he learns about the difficulties of war, leadership and love as narrated by a travelling circus. Sounds like a fun, lighthearted show, right? Wrong.
Pippin is one of the worst musicals ever written. There are a few good songs and the opening number is a lot of fun but other than that, the show is incredibly poorly executed. I have performed in this show, auditioned without knowing much about it, then as rehearsals were in full swing I realized that despite how much fun I was having with my amazing castmates, the show is truly awful. Even though the show is easy to follow, you will still find yourself confused about what is happening because of how dumb it is.
Do yourself a favour and never go see it. It is a waste of time.
Pippin is one of the worst musicals ever written. There are a few good songs and the opening number is a lot of fun but other than that, the show is incredibly poorly executed. I have performed in this show, auditioned without knowing much about it, then as rehearsals were in full swing I realized that despite how much fun I was having with my amazing castmates, the show is truly awful. Even though the show is easy to follow, you will still find yourself confused about what is happening because of how dumb it is.
Do yourself a favour and never go see it. It is a waste of time.
January 19, 2024
This was such a fun show to do. Personally, I always log the plays or musicals I'm doing if they're on Goodreads, but this is my first time writing a review for one. During this production, I was in the ensemble, but also Understudying/Swing for Fastrada and Catherine. The music is amazing, especially the time signatures in Love Song and how they change based on who's singing and when the two characters (Pippin and Catherine) are singing together. I think my favorite character out of the whole play is Berthe, she is just so lovable in her lines and in her song. Her song in particular (In Just No Time At All) Seems like a good lesson to live your life and take chances.
All in all if I was asked to do this show again, I would, No hesitation about it!
All in all if I was asked to do this show again, I would, No hesitation about it!
May 20, 2009
Although I do have this book, the ranking applies mainly to the Broadway production which I saw around this time with most of the original cast intact. We had great seats and although the cast was terrific and the book and music were edgy and strong, it was clearly Bob Fosse's show. Only regret was that Irene Ryan died just the week before.
February 22, 2025
In his quest to find his life's purpose, the title character faces a difficult choice, whether to make a brief, brilliant flash and go down in a blaze of glory or whether to instead settle into a seemingly mundane existence. Will Pippin find his joy in some heroic far off corner of the sky, or is joy a simple thing that's been staring him in the face all along?
February 23, 2015
A wonderfully fun blend of Charlemagne, the medieval theatre troop, and the contemporary, with the message that every life -- and every day of YOUR life -- holds value that you must use to your advantage.
March 6, 2011
I didn't read it but I saw the musical. LOVED IT! Rivers belong where they can ramble, eagles belong where they can fly. I got to be where my spirit can run free. Gotta find my corner of the sky!
August 31, 2013
Really like this score.
Especially the opening two numbers.
Especially the opening two numbers.
July 29, 2016
Fun performance and good story but not my thing.
July 8, 2014
I like musicals, starring charming boy/men who don't want to go on to take up adult responsibilities. As long as they have catchy songs.
April 9, 2017
Read multiple times.
Saw HS production - Stillwater
Saw HS production - Stillwater
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews