They have magic to do… if COVID-19 doesn’t stand in their way
With the level of uncertainty around COVID-19 in Australia, especially when it comes to the performing arts sector, this news comes as a big surprise. Producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones, together with Foundation Theatres (Who run the Lyric and Capitol theatres in Sydney) have confirmed that the Sydney Lyric Theatre will be opening back up on 24 November 2020 with an exclusive season of the circus-arts musical Pippin.
Pippin is an iconic musical from the early 1970s, with music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. The show tells the story of a young man at a crossroads in his life. Does he follow in thefootsteps of his father, one of the most powerful men in the land? Or does he strike out onhis own, to find his own ‘corner of the sky’?
The interesting element of Pippin is that it can in some ways be considered a ‘play within a play’. The story is told by a travelling troupe of actors and acrobats (called ‘Players’), directed by the mysterious Leading Player. Like a vaudeville act, the Players both act out the roles of the story and speak directly to the audience.
The version of Pippin being performed in Australia is directed by Diane Paulus (Hair, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess), with choreography by Chet Walker and circus work by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main. The show also features music supervision and arrangements by Nadia DiGiallonardo, orchestrations by Larry Hochman, scenic design by Scott Pask, costume designs by Dominique Lemieux, lighting designs by Kenneth Posner, and sound design by both Jonathan Deans and Garth Helm. Australian
The season is due to commence at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 24 November 2020 until an unspecified date. Tickets will be priced from $69.90, with higher price points indicating a better view of the stage. Below is what both producers and venue have provided around certain COVID-19 provisions:
FLEXIBLE TICKETING OPTIONS
We know things can change, so in the event that patrons can no longer attend the performance of PIPPIN on their chosen date, processes have been implemented to provide a stress free exchange experience. Tickets can be easily exchanged up to 72 hours before your scheduled performance date, simply by emailing the request to [email protected].
COVID-19 MEASURES
During the season of PIPPIN, the Sydney Lyric will operate in accordance with its Covid Safe Plan with the goal of ensuring that each patron’s experience at the theatre is made as safe as reasonably possible. The Covid Safe Plan applicable when performances occur will be made available on the theatre’s website.
Want to read what representatives from the producers and Foundation Theatres have to say? Jump over to the next page!
