50th Anniversary Concert Of PIPPIN Arrives On BroadwayHD

It’s not every day that a beloved musical hits the half-century mark. PIPPIN first dazzled Broadway audiences in the early 1970s, echoing the era’s youthful rebellion and existential wanderings. Five decades on, the show still speaks to anyone searching for purpose—a young prince, a restless spirit, and a stageful of Players gently nudging him (and us) to ponder what truly matters. But here’s the twist that makes this 50th anniversary concert so intriguing: the team behind it isn’t just presenting a nostalgia piece. With Director Jonathan O’Boyle at the helm and musical direction by Chris Ma, they’ve breathed fresh vitality into each note and lyric.

This limited engagement performance, captured live on 29–30 April 2024 at the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, unites a top-tier cast who seem genuinely thrilled to be celebrating half a century of PIPPIN’s theatrical magic. According to BroadwayHD co-founders Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, those who saw it live have joined an exclusive club. But their aim (and indeed the entire reason BroadwayHD exists) is to bring one-of-a-kind performances to a global audience. In an era where streaming has become a vital part of our cultural fabric, this is a vivid example of how the theatre world can expand its reach well beyond London or New York.

The Stellar Cast That Brings New Dimensions

Let’s start with the revolutionary casting choice: Alex Newell as the Leading Player. Fresh from earning a Tony Award (the first openly non-binary performer to win in an acting category) for their role in SHUCKED, Newell brings a vocal dexterity and commanding stage presence that lifts numbers like Magic To Do and Glory to spellbinding heights. Part narrator, part puppet master, the Leading Player in PIPPIN demands a performer who can tease an audience with wit one moment and leave them breathless with a final, show-stopping note the next. Newell delivers on all fronts, sliding from mischievous banter into high-voltage vocals faster than you can say “ta-da.”

Joining them as the wide-eyed, curious prince is Jac Yarrow, best known for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT . At just the right age to capture Pippin’s youthful longing, Yarrow’s boyish charm makes his performance in Corner of the Sky feel undeniably authentic. He projects an air of genuine wonder, which is precisely what the role of Pippin requires. If you recall the original concept of the musical—young Pippin, fresh out of university, hungry for adventure and meaning—Yarrow’s performance will ring true in every note.

But the real gem of historical resonance comes from Patricia Hodge, who plays Berthe. Why the extra bit of sparkle? She created the role of Catherine in the original 1973 West End premiere of PIPPIN. That’s right: she’s returning to this musical 50 years on, no longer the ingénue but now the cheeky grandmother figure who urges Pippin to seize the day in the upbeat No Time At All. Seeing her on stage again is like theatre fate weaving a perfect full-circle moment. It’s the kind of insider tidbit that should make your spine tingle—particularly when you realise how rarely the West End’s early cast members revisit their old shows in this manner.

The Supporting Cast And Why They Matter

Beyond the principal players, the ensemble boasts a line-up of performers revered across the UK theatre circuit. Lucie Jones (WICKED, WAITRESS) steps into the role of Catherine, delivering tender vulnerability in songs like Love Song. There’s also the commanding presence of Cedric Neal (a GUYS AND DOLLS Olivier Award nominee) as Charlemagne. Meanwhile, the sly and cunning Fastrada is portrayed by Zizi Strallen, best known for her stint as Mary Poppins. Each of these roles is crucial in shaping Pippin’s journey, embodying the voices and influences that prod him toward a so-called extraordinary destiny.

Let’s not forget the 50-member choir who add an almost cathedral-like resonance to certain ensemble numbers. When you pair that many voices with the robust instrumentation of the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, the effect is nothing short of majestic. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about hearing so many voices rise in unison during the final sequences of the show, leaving the theatre thrumming with energy. According to the production team, the synergy between choir and orchestra was carefully designed to emphasise the communal feel at the heart of PIPPIN—a story about one young man’s journey, but also about the universal quest for meaning.

The London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s Expanding Influence

Whilst we’re talking about synergy, there’s a fascinating point here that might slip under the radar: the London Musical Theatre Orchestra has been on a mission to demonstrate how fully orchestrated, concert-style performances can rejuvenate classic shows. In the last few years, concert productions have multiplied across major venues, offering audiences a richer musical experience. Data from the Society of London Theatre indicates that concert performances often draw in not only the hardcore fans but also newcomers who might find an informal concert staging less intimidating than a traditional musical. For PIPPIN, the presence of a robust orchestra underscores the score’s brilliance. Stephen Schwartz’s compositions leap off the stage in vibrant colour, weaving elements of pop, rock, and a bit of circus flair all at once.

The big surprise for many theatre enthusiasts? Concerts are not just about standing at microphones in evening wear. Under Jonathan O’Boyle’s direction, this production retains staging, choreography, and dynamic ensemble work, making it far more than a simple “stand-and-sing” affair. According to sources close to the creative team, choreographic nods to Bob Fosse (who directed and choreographed the original Broadway production) have been subtly threaded into the show, ensuring that certain trademark gestures remain. For those who revere Fosse’s style—the jazzy angles, the playful sensuality—this fresh nod to the master is reason enough to queue up the stream come March.

What Sets PIPPIN Apart From Other Musicals

For the uninitiated, you might be thinking, “I’ve seen musicals about self-discovery before—what makes PIPPIN so special?” The uniqueness lies in its meta-theatrical framing: a troupe of Players, led by the seductive Leading Player, ushers you through Pippin’s life story while often breaking the fourth wall. This element was quite revolutionary back in the early ’70s, bringing a cabaret-like intimacy to mainstream musical theatre. Add to that the philosophical undercurrents—questions about war, happiness, free will, and destiny—and you have a show that’s as playful as it is reflective.

Moreover, the approach to storytelling in PIPPIN is steeped in ambiguity. If you’ve ever watched a production of this musical, you may have left pondering whether the “happy ending” is truly happy or whether it’s simply a mid-tune resolution before a darker curtain call. That interpretative space is precisely why directors, from Bob Fosse to Diane Paulus, have reimagined PIPPIN to mirror contemporary issues. The 50th anniversary concert cleverly updates certain sensibilities for a modern audience—without losing the original’s whimsical edge.

When And Where To Watch

So, how can you experience this milestone if you weren’t among the fortunate few to nab tickets last April? Fortunately, technology has your back. From 13 March, BroadwayHD will begin streaming the 50th anniversary London concert production, meaning that theatre devotees from Sydney to Perth—and everywhere in between—can revel in the spectacle from the comfort of home. For Australians, this is particularly marvellous news. Let’s be honest: hopping over to the West End for a single weekend can strain even the most flexible bank account. But a subscription to BroadwayHD (or even a simple trial period) might just do the trick.

It’s worth noting that musicals, especially big ensemble pieces, have been thriving on streaming platforms recently. According to digital analytics from the last two years, there’s been a significant uptick in viewers seeking theatrical content online. This means that such concert productions aren’t merely niche events but viable entertainment for a broad swath of fans who appreciate the immediacy and intimacy that recorded theatre can offer. Plus, with the chance to pause and replay your favourite bits—like that show-stopping belt from Alex Newell—you can savour the best moments to your heart’s content.

Seizing Your Own ‘Extraordinary’ Opportunity

The tapestry of PIPPIN is woven from a shared belief that life should be lived with gusto, curiosity, and the courage to veer off the beaten path. Fittingly, this 50th anniversary concert embodies that spirit. A star-studded cast, a massive choir, and a full orchestra come together to honour a piece of theatre that has held onto its spark for half a century. And now, thanks to digital streaming, the circle widens even further.

A dear friend once likened PIPPIN to a kaleidoscope: every time you angle it differently, you see new colours, shapes, and patterns. That sentiment feels particularly apt for this concert production. Through the lens of modern artistry, PIPPIN’s timeless questions shine bright for a new generation. So go on, gather your fellow theatre enthusiasts, tune in to BroadwayHD from 13 March, and experience the heartbeat of a musical that refuses to fade into history. Let it remind you that sometimes, to find our own “corner of the sky,” we need only open our eyes to the magic already unfolding before us. And if you catch yourself humming Morning Glow in the shower for days afterward—well, consider that the sweetest souvenir of all.