Bloomfield High to present the musical ‘Pippin’

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield High School will present “Pippin” as its winter musical next week, in four performances scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 22 to 25. It will be staged in the high school auditorium.

The show has a cast of 32 students including four freshmen, according to Brandon Doemling, the BHS theater instructor directing the show.
BHS musical productions are chosen for various reasons including the number of roles they offer students — theoretically, the more the merrier — and their ability to attract a paying audience. But a distinguishing feature of the current show is that it will be first BHS theater work produced with funding from the school district. Until now, BHS theater productions relied on box office sales and stipends, but the school district budgeted $15,000 for BHS shows beginning this year.

“It’s the first time ever,” Doemling said of the new funding source at a recent rehearsal. “We use to work off the box office and sometimes we had to do a big show to attract an audience. But last year we lost money. Superintendent Sal Goncalves was very supportive. If you don’t include stipends, ‘Pippin’ cost $22,000.”

“Pippin” may have been chosen for sentimental reasons, too.
“This one is near and dear to my heart,” Doemling said. “This is the show, in college, where my wife and I met. My best friend played Pippin and four years later, he was dead. So personally, this show is important to me.”

“Pippin” has been a perennial favorite since it opened on Broadway Oct. 23, 1972, playing 1,944 performances. It tells the story of a young prince who yearns for a life of adventure and passion. Doemling will be directing “Pippin” for the second time. In 2010, he directed it for the Talent Time Players.

Other considerations for Doemling in selecting a show is whether or not he has the talent to produce it successfully and whether or not the students will grow from the experience. And then there are some things that cannot be forecast.

“We had some issues,” he said. “Our accompanist fell and broke her wrist. But remarkably, a transfer from Paramus Catholic stepped in. Her name is Brenna Flynn. She’s a tremendous talent and a remarkable pianist. We didn’t miss a beat.”

Doemling also said the mother of Tracy Turner, the choreographer, became ill and died about two weeks ago. Turner is married to the set designer for the show, Ralph Turano.

“We lost both of them for a period of time,” he said.
The flu also played a part.
“We had some kids out with the flu,” Doemling said. “Some had stomach viruses. We’ve yet to have a rehearsal with everyone here.”
But at rehearsal on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 19, with district schools closed, Doemling shouted directions from the rear of the auditorium.

His student cast and technicians responded, determined to mount their own memorable “Pippin,” notwithstanding sentiments, funding or flu.
The curtain goes up for “Pippin,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22, 23, and 24; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25. A admission fee will be charged, but a splendid time is guaranteed for all.

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