Heavy hangs the head that might wear the crown

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Going off to war, womanizing, assassinating one’s father. So many choices. What’s a poor spoiled prince to do?

While it sounds like a Shakespearian plot, it’s actually the Broadway musical “Pippin,” on stage through Oct. 22 at Western Washington Center for the Arts in Port Orchard, directed by Jan Ewen.

The musical by Stephen Schwartz tells the story of Pippin, the son of eighth century French ruler, King Charlemagne, who is experiencing Crusade-era teen angst over what to do with his royal life now that he’s graduated from university.

The story follows Pippin, played by Kenneth Miller, as he searches for the meaning of life, considering and then rejecting one career idea after another.

A group of roving actors known as players constantly whisper — or sing — in his ear, suggesting different career paths and encouraging him to find his passion. Those hedonistic suggestions are not always in his best interest.

Pippin is feeling lost as he returns to the castle after completing university. His father welcomes him home and Pippin announces he wants to go to war with him — that’s “with” him, not “against” him. That comes later.

His father agrees and Pippin sets about learning the art of war, or as the song says, “War is a Science.”

The Leading Player sings of “Simple Joys,” and that people need a small amount of happiness in life that wealth and fame can’t provide. Pippin decides that being a war hero is not what he wants to do after all.

He seeks advice from his grandmother, Berthe, who councils him to live life to the fullest and enjoy his fleeting youth. She sings “No Time At All.”

Pippin’s search takes a downward turn when he first experiments (symbolically) with sex and then decides to lead a revolution against his father.

Pippin succeeds in assassinating his father and then imagines a peaceful time without war and slavery, but when he realizes the monarchy is not the job for him after all, he prays to have his father return.

The Leading Player magically restores Charlemagne to life and the throne but Pippin is still no closer to finding his life’s work.

After collapsing from the weight of his decision, Pippin is rescued by a pretty but “average” woman, Catherine. Pippin takes up residence with this single mother, but resents being treated like a commoner and runs away.

The Leading Player takes this opportunity to advise Pippin that he will only be remembered if he kills himself. All the players join in urging Pippin to go out in a blaze of glory.

But this is community theater suitable for all audiences — you can guess how it ends.

This may be swan song for Miller, who also played the emcee in the WWCA production of “Cabaret.” He plans on attending Cornish Institute of the Arts next year to study theater arts, after cutting his teeth in local theater.

“He’s been with us since he was a little kid,” Ewen said. “It’s been fun to see him grow up with us.”

Miller’s theatrical credits include “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at Central Stage Theatre of County Kitsap, “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Bremerton Community Theatre and “Forever Plaid” at the Jewel Box Theatre.

Sharing the stage with Miller are Lesley Niemi as the satanic Leading Player, Chris Ward as King Charlemagne, Reagan Johnson as Fastrada, Nathan Henderson as Lewis, Beka Ewen as Catherine and Bree Armentrout as Berthe.

The Players are Daniel Ferguson, Kayla Lundgaard, Chelsea Elkins, Krista Curry, Rachel Ewen, Emma Johnson and Shane Hall.

Bruce Ewen provides live musical accompaniment.

The musical was a hit on Broadway in 1972, with choreography by the flamboyant Bob Fosse.

“Pippin” opened Sept. 22 and plays weekends through Oct. 22 at the WWCA theater, 521 Bay St., Port Orchard. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m Sundays.

Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $10 youth and active duty military, available at (360) 769-7469.