Program:
- About the Play
- Director's Note
- Cast (listed in order of appearance)
- Production Staff
- Run Crew
- Cast Bios
- Creative Team Bios
About the Play
The beloved musical with an allegorical story of a young prince’s search for meaning, magic and his corner of the sky. Director is Assistant Professor Ronve O’Daniel (Festival Playhouse directorial debut) with Music Director Wade Russo and Choreographer Ashley Pabst (last year’s choreographer of “The Wedding Singer”).
Book by: Roger O. Hirson
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
Time and Place: A metropolitan, contemporary, unnamed city in the present day.
Intermission Duration: 15 minutes
Special Circumstances: Explicit Content
Please silence all cell phones, pagers and any other electronic devices. Texting during productions will result in removal from the theater.
The use of any recording device (photo, sound or video) by audience members is not permitted.
Director's Note
There is a reason “Pippin” continues to be so widely produced. Its universal themes stand the test of time, its production possibilities are remarkable and its score is undeniable. In conceptualizing this production, it was important for me to answer one question: Why now?
Why is the story of “Pippin” important to tell today, in 2026? For me, the answer lies in the questions the show asks of us: Who are we living for? Are we living for ourselves or performing for everyone else? What does fulfillment look like? Is identity a permanent destination? Can a mundane life, or even ordinary love, be radical?
These questions led me to consider how, in 2026, we grapple with these same questions through social media. In today’s world, we use social media to curate and project extraordinary lives, performing fulfillment, importance, hypermasculinity, sexuality, political identity and success. Yet beneath these performances often lies emptiness — a hollow pursuit that can leave us isolated, dissatisfied and searching for meaning when the illusion no longer sustains us. Much like Pippin, we can find ourselves searching for something more, only to discover that what we thought we wanted may not fulfill us.
This production explores these ideas through a contemporary lens, using social media both literally and behaviorally to examine the tension between who we are and who we perform ourselves to be.
This production asks: What defines an extraordinary life? How far are we willing to transform ourselves in pursuit of it? What lengths will we go to attain it?
Cast (listed in order of appearance)
|
Actor |
Character |
|---|---|
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Leading Player |
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Pippin |
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Charles |
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Lewis, Ensemble |
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Fastrada |
|
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Berthe, Ensemble |
|
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Catherine, Ensemble |
|
|
Theo |
|
|
Ensemble, u/s Charles |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble, u/s Lewis |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble, u/s Berthe |
|
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Ensemble, u/s Fastrada |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble, u/s Pippin |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
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Ensemble, u/s Catherine |
|
|
Ensemble |
|
|
Ensemble, u/s Leading Player |
|
|
Swing |
|
| Raya Taylor | Swing |
Production Staff
Technical Director: Kevin Nedberg
Assistant Technical Director: Maggie Slauenwhite
Choreographer: Ashley Pabst
Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain: Sierra Jobman
Fight Choreographer: Charlie Cromer
Fight Captain: Ivy Speight
Intimacy Director: Andrea Chenoweth Wells
Music Director: F. Wade Russo
Stage Manager: Megan Todd
Assistant Stage Manager: Alanna Engler
Production Assistant: Nik Coleson
Set Designer: Brian C. Seckfort
Assistant Set Designer: Hanna Baker, Devin Perlow
Lighting Designer: Jacob Brown
Assistant Lighting Designer: Jennifer E. Dillard
Production Electrician: Robbie Crissman
Assistant Production Electrician: Keb C. Stevens
Electricians: Levi T. Fravel, Connor Veal, Raya Smith, Charlie Hamm, Reagan Cope, Mary Beverley, Sue Pham, Jennifer E. Dillard
Sound Designer: James Dunlap
Audio Coordinator: James Dunlap
Audio Technician: Hunter Davis, Andrew Creamer
Head Carpenter: Elena Kallenberg
Carpenters: Kat Walkup, Vexere Sargent, Brandy Carr, Jayla Berry, Adele Daab, Violet Dill, Alex Ewing, Esther Moshood, Megan Todd, Keaton Messmer, Kenna Seng
Scenic Supervisor: Brian C. Seckfort
Scenic Charge Artist: Devin Perlow
Scenic Artists: Cassie Dranshack, Scout Smith, Mary Carlson, Jaden Reed
Properties Manager: Sarah Gomes
Properties Artisans: Keaton Messmer, Hanna Baker, Esther Moshood, Hayden Stewart
Costume Shop Manager: Carly Kimmins
Costume Shop Assistant: Ori Gifford
Costume Designer: Zoe Still
Assistant Costume Designers: Katie Schwabe, Kate Hahn
Projection Designer: Brian Staton
Puppetry Designer: Lauren Crane
Stitchers: Kate Hahn, Arthur Billups, Katie Schwabe, Jillian Price-Hall, VonTashia Hinton, Ashlyn Steinbrink
Run Crew
Head Deck: Vexere Sargent
Deck Crew: Cheyenne Maher, Joi White, Charlie Hamm
Head Fly: Elena Kallenberg
Fly Crew: Keith Board
Head Props: Kenna Seng
Props Assistants: Cassie Dranschak, Jayla Berry
Light Board Operator: Robbie Crissman
Sound Board Operator: James Dunlap/Hunter Davis
A2: Andrew Creamer, Finn Connolly
Spotlight Operators: Keb Stevens, Reagan Cope, Jaden Reed
AV/Deck Electrician: Sue Pham
Wardrobe Head: Gillian Jenkins
Wardrobe Crew: AJ Billups, Leah Israeli, Isabella Gomez, Lauren Crane, Ashlyn Steinbrink
Cast Bios
Nia Buchannon (she/her) is a senior musical theatre major from Cincinnati, Ohio. Previous credits at Wright State include “Only in New York,” “The Game’s Afoot” and “The Apple Tree.” Regional credits include “The Color Purple” at The Carnegie, “POTUS” at CASA and productions with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Nia would like to dedicate this performance to Lee Merrill-Hapner and David Hapner. Thank you, Mommy, for everything.
Donovan Molloy is a junior musical theatre major from York, Pennsylvania. He is excited to make his Festival Playhouse debut. Some of his favorite credits include “Hair” (Tribe) at Gretna Playhouse, “Newsies” (Finch) and “Assassins” (Zangara). He would like to thank his family, friends and girlfriend for their unlimited support.
Joshua Ziegler is a senior musical theater major who is delighted to return to the Festival Playhouse stage. Joshua could previously be seen as William Gillette in “The Game’s Afoot” and Wright State’s production of “Carrie: The Musical.” Thank you to mentors, friends, and family for their love and support. To the cast and crew, let’s all spread a little sunshine!
Landon Gleeson is a junior musical theatre major and has been in past productions at Wright State including “The Wedding Singer” (Ensemble) and “The History Boys” (Irwin u/s). He would like to thank his family and friends for all the love and support. He is grateful and excited to slay some Visigoths in “Pippin.” He hopes you are just as excited!
Palyce Evelyn Berrian, a senior musical theatre major and dance minor, is thrilled to be part of this production of “Pippin.” It’s been a dream show since childhood, and she can’t think of a better way to end her college career. She thanks her amazing cast and crew, as well as her friends and family. First down!
Nika Marwood is a junior acting major. She has been a part of past productions at Wright State including “Everybody” and “1776.” She is excited to continue her work as Berthe in “Pippin.” She sends a huge thanks to her family in Michigan; none of this is possible without them!
Ellie Sassano is a senior musical theatre major and dance minor. She has performed in “South Pacific” with the Dayton Opera. Her favorite Wright State credits include being a swing for “The Wedding Singer,” playing Robert Livingston in “1776” and serving as assistant choreographer for “Alice by Heart.” She sends her appreciation to the faculty and this incredible cast!
Charlie MacPherson, a sixth grader at Smith Elementary, is excited to be returning to the Wright State stage. Recently, he had the opportunity to play Les in “Newsies” and Ralphie in “A Christmas Story.” When he’s not on a stage, Charlie enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with his friends.
Edward Boackle is a junior musical theatre major, and he is so excited to be part of this new take on “Pippin.” His previous credits include Jack Kelly in “Newsies,” ensemble in “Only in New York,” and Jason in “Ordinary Days.” He thanks his mom and dad for their endless love and support as well as his friends for all the laughs! We’ve got MAGIC to do. Breathe.
Paulina Bradley is a junior acting major and dance minor. She is thrilled to be performing in “Pippin.” Her other Wright State credits include “1776” (James Wilson), “Concord Floral” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” Other credits: “Athena” (Mary Wallace), “Ordinary Days” (Claire) and “Katie and Frank” (Katie). Always grateful for the love and support of all my family and friends! A huge thanks to the entire cast, crew and production team of “Pippin.” @_paulina_332_
Ally Jo Buck is a senior dance major. She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she studied dance at Broadway Bound Dance Academy. Her most recent experiences include Wright State’s production of “The Wedding Singer” and serving as co-choreographer for the world premiere of “Only in New York.”
Issiah Current can’t wait to join Wright State’s cast of “Pippin.” Favorite roles of his include Poindexter (King’s Island Winterfest), Ethan (“HOMEschool of Rock”) and Billy Flynn (“Chicago”). He wants to show gratitude to everyone who’s supported him over the last decade on AND offstage. Enjoy the magic!
Colin Drayer is excited to be taking part in his first Wright State musical. A graduate of Sinclair’s theatre performance and technology program, he is a junior acting and musical theatre major. Some of his favorite roles include Plankton (“SpongeBob the Musical”), Hector MacQueen (“Murder on the Orient Express”), Mrs. T/ Bad Idea Bear (“Avenue Q”) and Grandmaster Chad (“Legally Blonde: The Musical”). Colin would like to thank his friends and family (especially his parents) for their constant love and support and for always encouraging him to achieve new heights. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Rogerick Fields Jr. is so excited to be in his second mainstage production and to be able to work with this cast. You may have seen him in “Hot Wing Kings” at the Human Race Theatre and as u/s Lockwood in “The History Boys.” He hopes you enjoy the show.
Hunter Gee is thrilled to return to the Festival Playhouse. Recently, you may have seen him as Baby John in “West Side Story” with the Dayton Opera. Additional credits include “Spring Awakening” (Ernst), “9 to 5” (Josh), and “The History Boys” (Posner u/s). Many thanks to mentors, family and friends for their unyielding support!
Sierra Jobman is from Orlando, Florida and is a senior musical theatre major and dance minor. Previous credits include “West Side Story” (Dayton Opera), “Cabaret” (CCT, Lulu), “The Wedding Singer” (Wright State, Ensemble) and Disney Live Entertainment. She would like to thank her parents for their endless support. @sierrajobman
Jake Jonesco is a senior musical theatre major at Wright State University and a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy. Previous roles include Mark in Short North Stage’s production of “A Chorus Line” as well as Posner in “The History Boys,” ensemble for “The Wedding Singer,” male swing in “Carrie: The Musical” and Howie in “Speech and Debate” at Wright State University. They also worked on costumes for the Interlochen Arts 2024 summer season including “A Comedy of Errors,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Wonderful Town.” They would like to thank their friends, roommate, family and teachers for all of their help and support throughout the years. And a special thanks to the entire cast and crew of “Pippin.” Enjoy the show!
Payton Lutz is so excited to be making her Festival Playhouse debut in “Pippin” during her senior year. Her previous credits include some children’s theater at Gretna Theater, and she recently appeared in “Athena” with Magnolia Theater Company.
Baylee Simone Mallin, a senior musical theatre major, is excited to be back on the mainstage in this innovative production of “Pippin.” Previous credits include: “The Wedding Singer” (Holly, Wright State), “Only In New York” (Ensemble, Wright State) and “Hair” (Chrissy, Jubilee Directing Lab). Big thanks to Mom, Dad, Danni, Sammie, Kevin, Brooks, Bucky, Sage and all of my friends!
Darius Ragland is a junior musical theatre major. Past credits include George u/s and Ensemble in “The Wedding Singer” (Wright State), Hud in “Hair” (Wright State Directing Lab) and Kenickie Murdoch in “Grease” (Weathervane Playhouse). Enjoy yourselves. We Got Magic To Do!
Kenzie Rees is a sophomore acting major. This is her first production at Wright State, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to share this story. Her favorite credit is Duffy (“Annie” national tour). She would like to thank her family, friends and mentors for their support. @kenziereesofficial
Raya Taylor is a junior dance major from Cambridge, Ohio. She is so excited to be a part of her first Wright State theater production.
Evelyn Vordtriede is a senior musical theatre major. Some of Evelyn’s other Wright State credits include “Carrie,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Only in New York.” This past year, Evelyn was in “Dracula” and “Hay Fever” at Human Race Theatre Company. She would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support!
Peyton Mae Wheeler is senior musical theatre major, and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to tell this story. She was most recently seen in Theatre Lab Dayton’s “Amour” (Newsvendor), Wright State's production of “1776” and the student-directed production of “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (Sally). Peyton would like to thank her family and teachers for their education and support. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Mac Elliot Zeller is thrilled to be a part of “Pippin.” Previous roles at Wright State include Leather Apron (Richard Henry Lee u/s) in “1776” and swing for “The Wedding Singer.” A never-ending thank you to family, friends and this wonderful production team for making “Pippin” such a magical process.
Emma Faith Cole is a senior dance major from Toledo, Ohio. Most recently, she performed in “West Side Story” with the Dayton Opera. Emma feels blessed to be participating in her second Wright State musical, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Ivy Speight is a sophomore musical theatre major. Ivy previously played Snowboy in “West Side Story” (Dayton Performing Arts Alliance), Akthar in “The History Boys” (Wright State) and was in the ensemble of “Cinderella,” “Newsies” and “Mary Poppins” (Summer Stock Austin). They would like to thank the cast and crew for an incredible rehearsal experience and their family for supporting them in their journey.
Creative Team Bios
Ronvé O’Daniel (Director) is excited to make his directorial debut at the Festival Playhouse! A proud alumnus and professor of musical theatre at Wright State University, Ronvé is an award-winning songwriter, playwright, director and hip-hop recording artist whose work has been produced Off-Broadway and developed at leading institutions including TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Eugene O’Neill National Music Theater Conference, Johnny Mercer Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals, and NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
His albums include “I’m Not 20 Anymore,” “Motivation Music” and “He Speaks So Well.” His composer/lyricist credits include “Only in New York” (Wright State Herbst Theatre), “Duke & Roya” (Off-Broadway), “Superhero” (Off-Broadway), “Greenwood: The Black Wallstreet Musical” (Bristol Riverside Theatre Company), “The Earth Remembers” (Virginia Stage Company), “What’s Going On – Songs of Change” (92NY Lyrics & Lyricists), “Once Upon a Rhyme” (NYU Tisch, Uproar Theatrics), “Beautiful Hair”(City Springs Theatre Company) and “The New Gir”l” (Concord Theatricals).
Huge shout out to Sallyann, Amari and Nova! You can follow Ronvé on Instagram @ronveodaniel and ronveodaniel.com.
Ashley Pabst (Choreographer) is a Dayton, Ohio native, award-winning choreographer, educator and former professional dancer. Her choreography has been presented nationally and recognized with nine National Choreographic Recognition Awards and numerous honors. A former dancer with Atlanta Ballet and Dayton Ballet, she performed works by internationally acclaimed choreographers and received the Northeast Performer of the Year award at The Kennedy Center. Pabst has taught nationally at institutions and festivals, including Regional Dance America, International Ballet Competition and National Choreography Intensive. She holds a B.F.A. from Point Park University and serves as an instructor of dance at Wright State University.
A heartfelt shout-out to my wonderful assistant choreographer, Sierra Jobman, and the fabulous cast, crew, and artistic team! I’m incredibly grateful for this process and for the work we created together. A special thank you to my husband, our bright light Charlotte, and my parents for their endless love, encouragement and support. I couldn’t do it without you!
F. Wade Russo (Music Director) is the faculty musical director/voice instructor and has conducted 12 productions in the Festival Playhouse Theatre. Broadway/film credits include “By Jeeves” (associate conductor), directed by Sir Alan Ayckbourn. He conducted the national tour of “The Boyfriend,” directed by Julie Andrews. Regional credits: Goodspeed Musicals (27 productions), Pittsburgh Public Theatre, St. Louis Rep, Huntington Theatre, Asolo Repertory, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Manhattan Theatre Club, Barrington Stage, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, Dayton Opera and the O’Neill Theatre Center. He has taught at Boston Conservatory, Point Park University, Emerson College, Circle in the Square Theatre School and the Juillard School.
Megan Todd (Stage Manager) is a senior design technology major, concentrating in stage management. Previous credits include “The Game’s Afoot,” “Everybody,” Interlochen Intermediate Acting Showcase (stage manager), “1776” (assistant stage manager) and “Aida” (production assistant). She loved working on “Pippin” and hopes that you enjoy it as well!
Alanna Engler (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman musical theatre major. They are beyond excited to be involved in their first mainstage production as the assistant stage manager. This opportunity to learn from and observe the amazing performers onstage has been a fantastic experience. They would like to thank Megan for her guidance throughout the process and the rest of the technical team for staying on top of everything. Enjoy the show!
Nik Coleson (Production Assistant) is a sophomore acting major. They are so thankful to Megan and Kevin for this opportunity to work behind the scenes, as he jumped from the cast of “The Crucible” to teaching “Pippin.” They are overjoyed to be able to support all of their wonderful classmates and upperclassmen, and he hopes that you have as much fun watching as he had producing it!
Brian C. Seckfort (Set Designer) is instructor of scenic design, theatre studies coordinator and the area head for design and technology. His previous Wright State design credits include: “The Wedding Singer,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and “The History Boys.” He holds a dual B.F.A. from Florida Southern College and an M.F.A. from Kent State University in scenic design and technology. Professional design credits include “The Glass Menagerie” and “A Bright New Boise” (Iowa Stage Theatre Company), “Life Sucks” (Dobama Theatre), “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Des Moines Playhouse), “Murder for Two” and “Million-Dollar Quartet” (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre), and “Next to Normal,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Hairspray” (Forestburgh Playhouse), among others. Additionally, Brian has professional experience as a technical director, carpenter, scenic painter, and artistic administrator for companies such as STAGES St. Louis, Rubber City Theatre and Lexington Theatre Company. He has also worked with academic institutions such as Miami University, University of Akron, Ohio Northern University, Denison University and Iowa State University. To view more of Brian’s designs and artistic work, please visit www.brianseckfort.com.
Jacob Brown (Lighting Designer), a resident of Versailles, Ohio, has worked for the City of Fairfield as the resident lighting designer at the Community Arts Center for almost a decade. He is also the lighting designer for the Fairfield Footlighters and the Miami Valley Ballet Theatre in the Hamilton/Fairfield area. He serves as the designer and technical director for the Towne & Country Players in Versailles. He has won a number of ACT Cincinnati Orchid Awards with the Fairfield Footlighters for Excellence in Lighting Design. Jacob has held many other positions including set designer, technical director, stage manager and performer. Jacob graduated in 2016 from Wright State University. He has a B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology with a degree in lighting design.
Lauren Crane (Puppetry Designer) is thrilled to be a part of the production team for “Pippin.” Some of her recent work includes serving as properties designer for “The Crucible” and “Concord Floral,” as well as costume designing “Only in New York.” Outside of Wright State, Lauren enjoys working on special effects puppetry and costumes, as well as performing and volunteering as fantasy characters and superheroes.
Brian Staton (Projection Designer) is thrilled to collaborate with Wright State University! Design credits: “Dear Evan Hansen” (Forestburg Playhouse), “Gotta Dance” (Stage 42), “Becoming Doctor Ruth” (Jewish Heritage Museum), “Cockeyed Optimist” (92nd Street Y), “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Matilda” (Theatre Three), “Ragtime,” “Windfall,” “20,000,” “My Witch,” “The Romeo & Juliet Project” and “The Great Gatsby” (Bay Street Theater). briancstaton.com @briancstaton