Salisbury High School Theatre will present "Pippin," a Tony Award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson, 7 p.m. March 5, 6 and 7 and 3 p.m. March 8.

The musical features a young prince named Pippin and follows his journey to find the meaning of his life.

Pippin, a funny, energetic and thought-provoking musical is a coming of age scenario; searching for a purpose and the meaning of life.

The setting is a time period of around A.D. 780 but the storyline is timeless. Pippin is looking for existential fulfillment.

With a Leading Player "narrating" scenes, guiding and orchestrating Pippin through his life adventures along with a performance troupe, the audience is brought into Pippin's magical journey.

Dane Galbraith is very excited to have the lead role of Pippin. He is also excited to pursue his passion of graphic design and photography and shared those talents as the graphic designer for the production and photographer for the cast.

Galbraith describes Pippin as "being lost" and just trying to find his place in life. Galbraith likes that his character is very ambitious and willing to try new things– anything, to find "his corner of the sky" quoting one of the musical selections performed in the play. It happens to be the first song Galbraith sings and his favorite.

"A high school student can definitely relate to the storyline– not knowing what they want to do with their life; it's a tough choice," Galbraith said.

Galbraith describes being a part of Salisbury High School Theatre as "absolutely so amazing; these are the best friends– my best friends. We are one huge family."

Along with close friendships, Galbraith praises Will Windsor Erwin, director and Nina Elias, musical director, for incorporating fun and a learning experience and feels those planning on majoring in theatre are really learning the process. They have been a great support to him.

"I'm having so much fun. It's a lot of work but it comes out to be something awesome," Galbraith said. He hopes the play encourages the audience to "follow their dreams like Pippin; keep trying new things. Hopefully everyone sees it as a fun experience and follows their passion to do what they like to do."

Hali Letlow has the role of Leading Player and loves singing the song "Magic To Do."

"I've loved the song for a long time; that's why I was so excited to do the show. I love singing directly to the audience and getting them excited for the show," Letlow said.

Although it is definitely a challenge playing a character who interacts with the audience, Letlow said that's what makes this show unique.

Describing Pippin as "a show within a show" since her character narrates, Letlow is excited to perform and interact with a crowded audience and hopes "they are responsive to the fact we're addressing them the whole time. This is definitely a show dependent on the audience, so I'm just really excited."

Letlow said she enjoys being a part of the theater and likes that it's a small group. "We get so close we just hang out with each other and it's really fun."

Letlow believes being part of the theater is a great environment to learn how to come out of your comfort zone.

Marissa Butillo plays the part of Fastrata, Lewis' mother and describes Pippin as "one of our better shows." Along with a role in the play, Butillo is costume designer. She recently became interested in being involved with the costumes beginning with sketching and the process that goes into that part of the production.

Although she has participated in sports and other extracurricular activities, she likes theater because she thinks it is kind of cool to be able to forget about worries, homework and real life for a little while and immerse into a character. She enjoys being part of theater and said everyone is always really supportive.

"It's a tight group of people and we try to embrace younger students so the theater continues," Butillo said.

She hopes the audience connects with the performance in their personal life, even though this is an exaggerated version. "People will make the connection at any age. It's a show about growing up and going through changes and finding yourself."

This is the third year and sixth show at Salisbury for Erwin which he describes as "a wonderful experience."

Erwin said he tries to create a safe place, free of judgment for students to explore their characters. Pippin was chosen because it can be produced with a small cast and staging area but can still be very powerful.

Erwin found his "corner of the sky" when he started college and took an introduction to theater course and has been creating ever since.

What is his hope for the audience?

"Obviously I'd love for the audience to be entertained. But on a deeper level, I hope they can acknowledge and appreciate Pippin's desire to find his purpose. I feel many people have struggled with this at one time or other. The message is a powerful one that can resonate with people of every age.

Music is under the direction of Nina Elias. CJ Matz is set designer with lighting by Chris West.

Tickets can be purchased at salisburytheatres@salisburysd.org or by calling 610-797-4107, ext. 2508.

Erwin said if the March 5 show is cancelled due to weather, an additional show will be performed 7 p.m March 8. Cancellations will be announced on the school website at www.stsd.org.