Salisbury Community Players: Pepin's production this week

"Pippin," a 1972 musical set in France during the Middle Ages, is the newest offering from Community Players of Salisbury.

"Pippin," with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, ran on Broadway for about five years, with 1944 performances. Based loosely on King Charlemagne (also known as Charles I), who later became the first emperor of what would later become known as the Holy Roman Empire, and his eldest son, the theme of this story may be familiar to many - the eternal search for fulfillment and meaning in life. Although loosely based on historical characters, this story is specifically not historically accurate; it is a work of fiction.

This is especially important for director Pete Cuesta. "It's really been a 40-year journey for me," Cuesta said, adding that when he was in high school, it was his first time performing on stage. "I played the part of Pippin," he said. The script, he said, has evolved over the years. Cuesta described how he once wrote a letter to a playwright requesting permission to restore a certain phrase to its original wording. To his surprise, the playwright replied. "He gave me permission to make the change," Cuesta said. "I never expected this. "

The production tells the story of a traveling troupe of actors, or players. The lead actress (played by Raquel "Rocky" Ndirangu) follows Pippin's journey in search of meaning and fulfillment, guiding him throughout the performance. "I narrate, interact with the audience and guide Pippin in his quest to find a sense of fulfillment," Ndirangu said. "I'm guiding him through this process." The role of Ndirangu requires some stamina as the Lead Actress character is on stage almost all the time. "I'm always looking for an opportunity to breathe," she said. She admires her character. "She is very sassy," Ndirangu said with a laugh, "and I have it easy. It may sound crazy, but being a Lead Actress has given me a sense of confidence. She's sassy, sassy and bold. "

Mark Tyler plays the role of Charlemagne. "The biggest surprise about Charlemagne is its vulnerability," Tyler said. "You would think that the Holy Roman Emperor would be aware of the threats to him.

"Pippin has a tendency to keep trying," said Kyle Hayes, who plays Pippin. "When something doesn't work out, he tries some more. I think that's something we can all strive for." Pippin has a younger half-brother in the play, Lewis, played by Connor Stever. "It surprised me how easily I was able to get into this character," Stever said. "who is the opposite of me in real life." But the character of Lewis and the young actor share one characterization that Stever can connect with naturally. "Lewis has a close relationship with his mother," Stever said, "and so do I. "

The cast of 24 actors of varying ages, backgrounds and experiences created a real sense of community. In addition to the cast, Cuesta is assisted by Jeffrey Baer, music director; Kathy Oakley, choreographer; Dori Heyman, music director, vocal coach and assistant director; Kate Adkins, costume designer; Sharon Benchoff, lighting designer; Judy Hearn, set and set designer; Cass Dasher, in charge of props; and Madison, makeup and special effects designer. Cuesta's wife, Kimberly, is a member of the play. "There's a lot of music, war, politics and passion in 'Pippin' in search of Pippin,'" Cuesta said. "But his life isn't fulfilled until he meets Katherine. The production is also full of dancing, singing, talented actors and beautiful faces. "

"Don't give up on finding what you're looking for," Hayes said, "sometimes what you're looking for is closer than you think. "