“Pippin” is City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret’s inaugural musical production. Performances by the nonprofit Aurora company will run July 24–27 at Aurora University’s Perry Theatre, 349 S. Gladstone Avenue in Aurora.
The public is invited. Parking is free. Tickets are $25-$30 plus fees. Visit cityoflightstheatre.org.
After four years of sold-out cabarets and more than $17,000 raised by and for the community, City of Lights is taking a bold leap into full musical theatre production—and inviting the Fox Valley to witness the magic.
Performances will be Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m.; Friday, July 25, 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 26, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 27, 2 p.m..
Music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, three-time Oscar winner and four-time Grammy winner. Book by Roger D. Hirson. The production won four 2013 Tony awards including best musical revival.
Starring in the title role is Dan Keller, a 2018 West Aurora High School graduate, returning to his hometown stage to portray the restless prince in search of fulfillment. Alina Dukala of Lombard takes on the role of the Leading Player, guiding the audience and Pippin alike through a dazzling, seductive journey of choices and consequences. Rowan Currie of Aurora brings depth and charm to the role of Catherine, the widow who helps Pippin discover where true happiness may lie.
The cast features an array of area performers:
•Luke Rahtjen of Aurora as Charles, Pippin’s authoritative father and king
•Liz Hutchinson, Warrenville, former West Aurora High School choir director, as the scheming Fastrada
•Sharon Lindemann, Arlington Heights, as the irreverent and wise grandmother Berthe
•Michael Holstine, Aurora. a 2019 West High graduate, as the proud and dim-witted half-brother Lewis
•Kellen Ferris, Wheaton, as Theo, Catherine’s lovable son
— City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret