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Magic To Do: Pippin's Fantastic, Fraught Journey to Broadway and Beyond
In Magic to Do, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pippin's opening, two-time Pulitzer Prize jury member Elysa Gardner turns her attention to this innovative show, the musical retelling of the story of Prince Pippin, son of Charlemagne, and his quest for an "extraordinary life." Magic to Do dives deep into the legendary clashes, backstage drama, and incredible artistic synergy that produced one of Broadway's most influential musicals, a show that paved the way for the pop-informed musicals that we know and love today. Full of big personalities, brilliant creative minds, and never-before-told stories, Magic to Do is an intimate look at a moment in history, a time and a place in which popular culture was as defined by conflict--between the young and the old, idealism and cynicism, creation and destruction--as anything else. Gardner draws out this friction through her examination of the creative struggles between Pippin's director/choreographer, the iconic Bob Fosse, for whom the show would mark a massive career resurgence, and its young composer/lyricist, Stephen Schwartz (of Wicked fame), who was making his Broadway debut.
Magic to Do, named for the opening song of the musical, clearly marks the lasting cultural significance of Pippin, which derives in large part from the timelessness of the search for self, one that presents itself anew to each succeeding generation, accounting for the show's enduring popularity around the world. Infused with R&B sounds and a universal message, it is fair to say that, without Pippin, there is no Spring Awakening, Dear Evan Hansen, or even Hamilton.
Magic to Do, named for the opening song of the musical, clearly marks the lasting cultural significance of Pippin, which derives in large part from the timelessness of the search for self, one that presents itself anew to each succeeding generation, accounting for the show's enduring popularity around the world. Infused with R&B sounds and a universal message, it is fair to say that, without Pippin, there is no Spring Awakening, Dear Evan Hansen, or even Hamilton.
250 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2022
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183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 6, 2023
Well-researched book that conveys a lot of information but never quite soars as literature, hence 3 stars. The author conducted a lot of interviews with surviving cast and crew, and it's interesting to hear their relatively undistilled take on events.
I would perhaps have preferred if the book were closer to 60% fraught journey, and 40% beyond, but the beyond section is about a chapter at the end (at the 85% mark we were recording the original cast album). I'm a stickler for title truth-telling ... if they'd left off the "and beyond" I'd have no quibble, but it barely featured.
Good to know that Stephen Schwartz (a nice fellow whom I've met and who was kind to me) has come around to appreciating much of the Fosse alteration to his original vision. I hadn't liked thinking every time Pippin came up he'd be inwardly shuddering.
So this isn't a "three stars, don't bother reading, you can do better" (especially since it's the only book on the subject), no, this is a "three stars, it's fine and informative, don't expect Stephen Suskin" (or whomever your favourite non-fiction writer might be).
(Note: I'm a writer myself, so suffer pangs of guilt every time I offer less than five stars. These aren't ratings of quality, just my subjective account of how much I liked them: 5* = one of my all-time favourites, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
I would perhaps have preferred if the book were closer to 60% fraught journey, and 40% beyond, but the beyond section is about a chapter at the end (at the 85% mark we were recording the original cast album). I'm a stickler for title truth-telling ... if they'd left off the "and beyond" I'd have no quibble, but it barely featured.
Good to know that Stephen Schwartz (a nice fellow whom I've met and who was kind to me) has come around to appreciating much of the Fosse alteration to his original vision. I hadn't liked thinking every time Pippin came up he'd be inwardly shuddering.
So this isn't a "three stars, don't bother reading, you can do better" (especially since it's the only book on the subject), no, this is a "three stars, it's fine and informative, don't expect Stephen Suskin" (or whomever your favourite non-fiction writer might be).
(Note: I'm a writer myself, so suffer pangs of guilt every time I offer less than five stars. These aren't ratings of quality, just my subjective account of how much I liked them: 5* = one of my all-time favourites, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
October 31, 2022
This is a book for Broadway musical nerds of a certain age. I am both.
Pippin has never been a favorite musical of mine, but after reading the book, I’m planning both to watch the 1982 production filmed for Showtime, and listen to the original cast album for the first time in decades, so Gardner has definitely done something right.
At times I was bogged down by the level of detail about each performer/creative involved in not only the first, but subsequent productions of this ground-breaking musical, but then, there isn’t a test on what information I retain, so no harm done.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free digital copy in exchange for this review.
Pippin has never been a favorite musical of mine, but after reading the book, I’m planning both to watch the 1982 production filmed for Showtime, and listen to the original cast album for the first time in decades, so Gardner has definitely done something right.
At times I was bogged down by the level of detail about each performer/creative involved in not only the first, but subsequent productions of this ground-breaking musical, but then, there isn’t a test on what information I retain, so no harm done.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free digital copy in exchange for this review.
June 19, 2023
I have been a fan of the musical Pippin ever since I saw the original Broadway production. In the last 50+ years, I’ve seen it performed four or five times, each production very different. I have to thank author Elysa Gardner for her filling me on so much I didn’t know about the musical with her book Magic to Do. The book is a meticulous account of the creation of the show, the production decisions, the performers, the recording of the cast album, and subsequent productions over the years. Gardner did copious research, much of it gleaned from interviews from “those who were there.” Bob Fosse, the director and choreographer, is, out of necessity, spoken of to great lengths here, for the original production was a success most probably because of his creative genius. And, too, his feud with the composer Stephen Schwartz—and to some extent the librettist Roger O. Hirson—makes for some interesting reading, especially as we learn about the conflict and get Schwartz’s take on it now fifty years later. But, aye—here’s the rub—I’ve read many, many “making of” books about the creations of musical plays and films. They have all been enjoyable because it is so entertaining to peek behind the curtain, dish the dirt, and revel in the successes. I did not get that feeling from reading this book. I found it dense, dry, and a bit tedious, even though it is a slim volume—much shorter than most books I’ve read of its kind. For me, Magic to Do reads more like a dissertation than a book for mass market consumption. Yes, I learned a lot, but I wasn’t entertained a lot by this dense account. It was as if I experienced every hip wiggle, sly glance, and finger waggle in Fosse’s choreography, all of which were some of his signature moves—moves I’ve read about many times before. I was not looking for a backstage expose. But I did want to feel this amazingly heavy book for its barely 200 pages was worth the effort of holding it up to read.
September 7, 2022
Stephen Schwartz has won many awards for his musical theater creations including "Pippin", "Godspell", "Wicked" and many more.
In 1964/5 Stephen Schwartz was a freshman and I was a sophomore in the Drama Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he spent time in the practice rooms playing music while I was next door sewing in the costume shop for the next main stage production.
My 'so-called' career skirted the edges of many of the memories in Elysa Gardner's fascinating insight into musical theater and the complexity of getting to what is hoped will be a successful Broadway run. There were so many recognizable names and places. I stayed at a famous old hotel in New York City that was mentioned. My drama teacher was quoted. I saw the production of "Godspell" at the Ford Theater. And on and on.
Learning about the problems of a young Stephen Schwartz, who wanted to stress the singing, battling the legendary Bob Fosse's emphasis on dance, led to a discussion of how Broadway shows have changed over the years. Today we have triple threats: performers who can sing, dance, and act. "Pippin" and "Godspell" pointed the way to a less traditional musical theater eventually leading to the rock musicals offered today.
A lot of information one might never seek, turns out to be surprisingly interesting. The author has included the people who work behind the scenes and how they create the magic eventually seen onstage.
On YouTube you can check out some of the performances. My favorite is the original "Pippin" opening number with Ben Vereen, the black background, and the white gloved hands hanging in space.
I have always felt a close connection to "Pippin" since a community production used my duck (a puppet) as THE duck. He has a place of honor in my office.
One of my top ten books of 2022.
"Pippin" includes an index, brief reading list, and photographs.
Thank you, #NetGalley/#Rowman & Littlefield, Applause for an honest review! It was a pleasure to read and review!
In 1964/5 Stephen Schwartz was a freshman and I was a sophomore in the Drama Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he spent time in the practice rooms playing music while I was next door sewing in the costume shop for the next main stage production.
My 'so-called' career skirted the edges of many of the memories in Elysa Gardner's fascinating insight into musical theater and the complexity of getting to what is hoped will be a successful Broadway run. There were so many recognizable names and places. I stayed at a famous old hotel in New York City that was mentioned. My drama teacher was quoted. I saw the production of "Godspell" at the Ford Theater. And on and on.
Learning about the problems of a young Stephen Schwartz, who wanted to stress the singing, battling the legendary Bob Fosse's emphasis on dance, led to a discussion of how Broadway shows have changed over the years. Today we have triple threats: performers who can sing, dance, and act. "Pippin" and "Godspell" pointed the way to a less traditional musical theater eventually leading to the rock musicals offered today.
A lot of information one might never seek, turns out to be surprisingly interesting. The author has included the people who work behind the scenes and how they create the magic eventually seen onstage.
On YouTube you can check out some of the performances. My favorite is the original "Pippin" opening number with Ben Vereen, the black background, and the white gloved hands hanging in space.
I have always felt a close connection to "Pippin" since a community production used my duck (a puppet) as THE duck. He has a place of honor in my office.
One of my top ten books of 2022.
"Pippin" includes an index, brief reading list, and photographs.
Thank you, #NetGalley/#Rowman & Littlefield, Applause for an honest review! It was a pleasure to read and review!
March 28, 2023
When I was a junior in high school I was in a production of Pippin. I was a Player, and it was one of my best theater experiences. I’ve been a Pippin fan ever since. There is something ineffable about that show that spoke to that 16 year old, and resonants still over 20 years later. Magic to Do: Pippin’s Fantastic, Fraught Journey to Broadway and Beyond by Elysa Gardner traces the journey of the show, from inception to Broadway and beyond. Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz was still a student at what is now Carnegie Mellon University in 1967 when he wrote the first iteration of the show (based on an original idea by a fellow student). Schwartz continued to refine the show, with a new book written by Roger O. Hirson, adding a contemporary and anachronistic bent, and new songs that melded (70’s) pop sensibilities to the Broadway sound. It was when Bob Fosse agreed to direct and choreograph the Broadway production, with his darker, sexier, more insidious ideas that Pippin started to morph into his version. Schwartz and Fosse clashed, with Fosse banning Schwartz from rehearsals. Still the show became a hit when it opened in 1972. If at the time Fosse’s contributions overshadowed Schwartz’s, the indelible score and the story about finding meaning in one’s life has become evergreen, and why it’s still a beloved show 50 years later. Gardner interviewed many of the original and surviving creatives involved, and shows how the behind the scenes dramatics shaped the show (and how Schwartz wrested dramaturgical control back). It’s juicy but still polite. Pippin is a magical show that hasn’t lost an ounce of its power. It found its corner of the sky.
September 6, 2022
As a Bob Fosse fan, this book was informative and made me wish for a time machine. I’ve seen Pippin on stage only once, the Diane Paulus revival, so I wasn’t overly familiar with it. The author, herself a fan, does a great job of explaining its history and creative process. There is information about the team that brought it to life, their fights, struggles and successes, and talks about not only Fosse and Stephen Schwartz, but the producers and cast. Since time travel is not an option, at least it’s lucky that we have the internet. Watching the original numbers available on Youtube worked wonders to understand everything that Gardner explored. She also delves a little into other famous shows that the team created, including Godspell, Cabaret and, my favorite musical ever, Chicago. The author explores the cultural and political background that made the show possible, the state of Broadway at the time, and really drives home how innovative Pippin was. To other readers, I recommend watching the original “Magic to do” number just after reading the hard work, ingenuity and fairy dust that made it possible. Five jazz hands to this book!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Rowman & Littlefield, Applause!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Rowman & Littlefield, Applause!
August 7, 2024
I think if you really, really love Pippin and already have an interest in the different people involved in it, then this will be a pretty good read for you. Coming into this having seen the film and a community theatre production as well as obsessing over the revival Tony performance, it worked fine, but it's not one I'm going to reread or rave over. For the most part, it just reads pretty dryly. It's a short book with short chapters, but it felt like it was about twice its size. That being said, very little space is given to the revival, and what is given is largely dedicated to the creatives. It would have been nice to have heard from the cast and learned about their experiences with the show and their takes on the characters.
I did like learning about the different endings over the years. The strife between Fosse and Schwartz was not something I was aware of. It's documented here but not in a particularly gripping manner.
Still, this book did make me anxious to see the show again.
I did like learning about the different endings over the years. The strife between Fosse and Schwartz was not something I was aware of. It's documented here but not in a particularly gripping manner.
Still, this book did make me anxious to see the show again.
October 27, 2022
"No costumes? No makeup? No colored lights? And... and no magic?"
With a threat and an apology to the audience, the Leading Player of Pippin (eternally Ben Vereen in my mind) addresses the crowd looking for someone to perform The Finale. That Leading Player has always been Fosse's devilish take on Stephen Schwartz's musical through his original direction and choreography. Elysa Gardner's "Magic To Do" documents the life of this piece, which as much as I sometimes wish was not seared line for line in my brain, exists in its entirety. From its original life as "Pippin Pippin" to the inclusion of Fosse's writers braintrust to punch up the book, "Magic To Do" invites you to come and waste an hour or two as well as the show itself does.
Come for the discussion of the war over "but happy", stay for the anecdote involving David Copperfield (pre name change!) literally teaching Ben Vereen some new tricks.
With a threat and an apology to the audience, the Leading Player of Pippin (eternally Ben Vereen in my mind) addresses the crowd looking for someone to perform The Finale. That Leading Player has always been Fosse's devilish take on Stephen Schwartz's musical through his original direction and choreography. Elysa Gardner's "Magic To Do" documents the life of this piece, which as much as I sometimes wish was not seared line for line in my brain, exists in its entirety. From its original life as "Pippin Pippin" to the inclusion of Fosse's writers braintrust to punch up the book, "Magic To Do" invites you to come and waste an hour or two as well as the show itself does.
Come for the discussion of the war over "but happy", stay for the anecdote involving David Copperfield (pre name change!) literally teaching Ben Vereen some new tricks.
October 18, 2024
I was one of those blessed to see the original production with Ben Vereen and John Rubinstein in the early 70s. Stephen Schwartz created the music that was the soundtrack of my life. I was Pippin every step of the way. And oh how I longed to move like Fosse's dancers. When Paulus brought Pippin back to Broadway I was right there with my daughter.
That same daughter bought me this book! What a journey this book took me on! All those people, all those names, all those productions... I was mesmerized by everything that followed Pippin from first inception to the creatively reworked versions of today. This was a whole lot of reminiscing and "oh wow" moments for me.
Now I've finished the book, I'm singing the entire score just for me sans recording.
I know a couple of folks who need to read this book. I know there are other Pippin devotees out there. You need this book.
That same daughter bought me this book! What a journey this book took me on! All those people, all those names, all those productions... I was mesmerized by everything that followed Pippin from first inception to the creatively reworked versions of today. This was a whole lot of reminiscing and "oh wow" moments for me.
Now I've finished the book, I'm singing the entire score just for me sans recording.
I know a couple of folks who need to read this book. I know there are other Pippin devotees out there. You need this book.
June 5, 2024
This was....fine. I think you have to really love theatre history and/or Pippin to get into it. Some chapters went on for too long. I felt like, after all the build up and the drama to mount the show, there wasn't a lot about how the production actually ran or how it closed. Even with successful shows, closings are emotional, and they glossed over this. A lot of time spent on Pippin's legacy and the 2013 revival. (In fairness, part of the title is "....and Beyond.")
I feel like overall, they crammed in all the details they could, and it makes for dense reading. At times it feels like reading a dissertation on Pippin. It's meticulously researched, and it's probably not for the casual theatre fan. It's well written, but I felt like much could've been left out.
I feel like overall, they crammed in all the details they could, and it makes for dense reading. At times it feels like reading a dissertation on Pippin. It's meticulously researched, and it's probably not for the casual theatre fan. It's well written, but I felt like much could've been left out.
February 19, 2023
If you are a fan of musical theatre and particularly Pippin, you will love this book. It’s insightful and just fun to read. It almost saddened me at times to learn of some of the behind the scenes squabbles between Schwartz and Fosse, but then it would turn around and make me smile with nostalgia or chuckle from an anecdote about the show. Having been a baby when it first ran on Broadway, I didn’t see it of course, but this book almost made me feel I was there. And that moved me greatly since this show has been a favorite since my high school theatre days. It was just an engaging read.
August 25, 2023
I learned a lot of information from this book but I do wish it told a more cohesive story. I also feel like - and this is no fault of the book - not being able to have the retroactive perspective of Fosse on Pippin is a devastating blow. His take would have added so much more insight. I’m still marveled by the fact that two creators who didn’t get along were able to produce such an enduring and perfectly balanced work of theatre. Pippin, with all its messiness, is an emblem of the kinds of theatre I’d love to make.
January 27, 2023
Elysa Gardner’s book is an extraordinary look into extraordinary artists and their journey to create a legendary theatre piece that has spanned the last half a century. “Magic to Do” is history and great storytelling all rolled into one. Elysa brings out the humanity in Fosse, Schwartz, the dancers, actors and designers. Read this and share it. It demystifies the process and creates an exciting backdrop of the process of achieving greatness. I want to produce a production of Pippin after reading this. Who knows? Perhaps I will.
March 10, 2023
Always had an interest in this show since it was the first show I saw on Broadway, as a teenager visiting from Michigan. After I got home, I bought the cast album and listened to it off and on for years. Then saw the 2013 circus-themed revival with Patina Miller and Andrea Martin. If you have any interest in a top-of-his-game Bob Fosse or a very young Stephen Schwartz and how the cast, songs, staging, and story of Pippin, in all its variations, came together, this is the book for you!
December 15, 2023
Pretty good behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a Broadway classic. Gardner digs deep here and gets plenty of good material with stories about the feuding between Fosse and Schwartz, the numerous changes to the musical's book and interviews with several of the actors who are still alive. The last third of the book, however, drags a bit and the entire Motown chapter doesn't add much at all. Still, for Broadway and theatre lovers, this is a decent read.
July 12, 2024
My enduring fascination with "Pippin" began in high school, when I was cast in this Stephen Schwartz musical, and hasn't let go of me since.
Gardner digs into the entire process of putting this show on Broadway, most notably the colorful clashes with director/choreographer Bob Fosse. She paints a detailed and loving depiction of how "Pippin" - on its 50th anniversary - continues to resonate with theatregoers all these years later.
Gardner digs into the entire process of putting this show on Broadway, most notably the colorful clashes with director/choreographer Bob Fosse. She paints a detailed and loving depiction of how "Pippin" - on its 50th anniversary - continues to resonate with theatregoers all these years later.
November 20, 2022
Deeply researched with so many extensive and incisive interviews it could have been done as an oral history, MAGIC TO DO is everything a PIPPIN fan could want, from the battles between Fosse and Schwartz to, and I found this very interesting, what later directors have tried to do with something so well stamped by Fosse. A real joy to read.
September 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book about the turbulent creation and legacy of Pippin, though it wasn't enormously long it gave a fun whistle-stop tour with quotes from key players and some great photos provided by original cast members. You'll enjoy this if you like theatre history with a twist of gossip...
January 23, 2023
I was privileged to see the original production of Pippin and have loved it ever since. This is an extremely well-researched into the collaboration that brought the show to Broadway. The clashing viewpoints among the participants and other backstage tidbits were fascinating.
July 11, 2024
As much as I wanted to like this book, it was a disappointment. Not enough conflict was drawn up to make it a compelling read and instead the book gets bogged down in details about the lives of chorus members. Gardner tries to pack too much info and too many quotations into a compact work.
January 5, 2023
If you're not intensely interested in theatre history this book isn't for you
January 5, 2023
If you like learning every detail about musicals, and you're a fan of Broadway history, this is the book for you.
January 17, 2023
Hard cover.
September 10, 2023
Utterly delightful read. Thorough and readable with great sources and anecdotes.
April 20, 2023
I found this very interesting but I love these shows, this time and Pippin. Not a book for people who aren't really, really into some aspect of this show.
January 6, 2023
Truly engaging story about the making of “Pippin” along with the more recent revival. Stephen Schwartz and Bob Fosse come across as talented passionate men both trying to create great commercial art with conflicting ideas. “Pippin” has long been a favorite show of mine so learning of its creation and the people behind it was a fascinating insight. I alternated chapters with clips of the sequences discussed on YouTube or else playing either the original Motown-produced album or the revival recording in the background.
May 30, 2023
Well written and enjoyable
The author did a mountain of research, and this excellent history of a much loved musical. She deals clearly and even handedly with some major theatrical icons and the inevitable clashes that took place as Pippin made its way to Broadway and beyond. Theater geeks will love this book, which goes into great detail. Highly recommended!
The author did a mountain of research, and this excellent history of a much loved musical. She deals clearly and even handedly with some major theatrical icons and the inevitable clashes that took place as Pippin made its way to Broadway and beyond. Theater geeks will love this book, which goes into great detail. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews