NCC's 'Pippin' borrows a page from Lady Gaga
Ga ga ooo la la, North Central College's senior theater majors want your love during this weekend's performances of their musical, "Pippin."
The hip fairy tale about finding true happiness borrows a page from pop star Lady Gaga when it opens at 7:30 p.m. today at Pfeiffer Hall near downtown Naperville.
Flamboyant costumes and make up will help accentuate the evils of fame and fortune in the dark-humored musical directed entirely by theater students.
"So the costumes are really colorful and fun; a little out there and a little weird," said Mandy Nousain of Muskegon, Mich. "The same with hair and makeup. The faces are painted in some cool creative way."
Nine seniors majoring in theater have led the production in every aspect: they've directed, choreographed, staged and coordinated what audiences will see.
The musical is a show within a show and follows an acting troupe whose main character, young prince Pippin, searches for happiness through fame and fortune.
"Our Lady Gaga take on it is all about fame and spectacle. We find in the end that Pippin finds joy in the simple life," Nousain said. "True happiness is found in the simple things in life and not the other things like fame and fortune."
The production is put on with 16 cast members, 20 crew members and 20 students in the orchestra pit.
"Definitely the energy of everyone in the cast is so palpable at all times," said Maggie Scott of Downers Grove, a director. "They just really love what they do. They're extraordinarily talented people."
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. The show takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 4, 5 and 6 and at 2 p.m. March 7 at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.
For information, call (630) 637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
If you goWhat: "Pippin," staged by North Central College studentsWhen: 7:30 p.m. March 4-6; 2 p.m. March 7Where: Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., NapervilleTickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniorsInfo: (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu/showCast Pippin: Taylor Martin, Madison, Wis.Catherine: Stephanie Rudakas, Valparaiso, Ind.Fastrada: Heidi Buyck, WoodridgeBerthe: Charlitha Charleston, ChicagoTheo: Kara Jones, San Antonio, TexasEnsemble members: Sean Driscoll, Lemont; Garrett Lutz, Aurora; Dave Musselman, Woodridge; Tanner Smale, Elkhart, Ind.; Lauren Smith, Byron; Angie Snodgrass, Naperville; Emma Van Ommeron, Lake Mills, Wis.; Colleen Beyler, Madison, Wis.Crew Co-director: Mandy Nousain, Muskegon, Mich.Co-director: Maggie Scott, Downers GroveChoreographer: Wesley Tucker, Mason CityChoreographer: Meghan Mitchell, Warrenville Music director: Andrea Larson, Stillman ValleyStage manager: Jake Dewar, Downers GroveActing coach: Antonia Jankowski, Oak ForestPit orchestra director: Nico Nepomuceno, BolingbrookAssistant stage manager: Heather Motz, Bartlett