Riverview students return to the musical stage with 'Pippin'
Apr. 15—A little more than a year after their production was canceled due to covid, Riverview School District students return to the musical stage with a new show.
"Pippin," the story of a young prince pursuing passion, adventure and in search of a glorious life, will be performed April 22-25 at Tenth Street Elementary in Oakmont.
Shows will be livestreamed and have a limited in-person audience of cast family members.
"We pick a show to meet the talent of the kids that are coming," said longtime musical director John Paul Bertucci. "That way it makes it more fun."
Practice began about three months ago. Everyone is in masks, causing the performers to really push themselves.
"This has been a real unique learning curve," Bertucci said. "How much more does an actor have to do for you to understand if they're in love? If they're angry? It's almost like they're on radio. ... I give them a lot of credit.
"A mask hinders you, but in another way it makes you a stronger actor. You have to sell your voice, your body, your eyes, which are the key to your soul. This has taught the kids how to breathe stronger. How to speak clearer. Covid has been a curse and a blessing."
In the musical, Pippin is heavily influenced by Leading Player, akin to the devil, played by Julia Slagle.
The bubbly freshman is in her third district musical. She said it has been an interesting change of pace to play one so evil.
"I don't necessarily see myself as the devil," Julia said. "This has been a little bit of a challenging role for me because of how commanding she is, and how aggressive and how she's trying to influence every little thing. I'm typically the type of person who lets everything happen. If it happens it happens.
"I've had a lot of fun trying to understand what her motives are and why she does what she does. ... The story is just crazy. Everything combined makes it such a good musical."
Social distancing and hand sanitizing are among the various safety protocols in place both for practices and shows.
Students are expected to be allowed to wear clear face shields at the time of performance.
"I'm grateful for them," Julia said of the safety measures. "We've just been so starved of live theater. It's so great that we're able to do something in this time. Everyone here is just really talented. We're all working together to put on an amazing performance, and it's looking really great so far."
Riverview intended to show "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" last year.
Practice was stopped just a few weeks prior to opening night as a result of the pandemic.
It was to be the big break for junior Alexio Ciorra, who landed the role of Pierrepont Finch. At least five seniors were also a part of that 40-plus member cast and crew.
"It was soul-crushing," said Alexio, now a senior. "That was my first big lead role in a musical. It was such a fun show. We were doing great, and then we got the bad news. ... That was definitely a bummer.
"As soon as I heard that we're doing a musical this year, I was completely thrilled. I'm going to try and finish as strong as I can. We've worked harder and faster than any other year. I'm very proud of the entire crew."
Alexio sees a lot of similarities to Pippin in his own life.
"He keeps talking about how he wants to find his corner of the sky, something fulfilling to do with his life," Alexio said. "Before this year, I had all my plans set. They were really high. I really relate to this character because I keep saying, 'I want to find that future. I want to find that goal.'
"With covid, after reality struck, I've been thinking about everything in terms of steps and steps, instead of the long-term goal. I can relate to Pippin more than any other character I've done."
"Pippin" is based on a book by Roger O. Hirson with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Bertucci promises his team will strongly deliver with some darker twists than fans might expect.
"We're going to entertain you from the top billing name of 'Pippin' clear down to the smallest ensemble number," he said. "We have talent that deep in this show. This is going to be a very high-impact, high-energy, high-emotion spectacle of lights. ... This show will open the eyes, and I think we need a show like this at this time."
The district has partnered with the Riverview Educational Foundation to accept donations and help offset production costs due to a loss of normal ticket sales revenue.
Anyone interested in donating can make checks payable to Riverview Educational Foundation with RHS Musical in the memo line. Mail checks to Riverview Educational Foundation, PO Box 186, Oakmont, PA 15139.
Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@triblive.com or via Twitter .
