By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

It’s about music. It’s about optimism. It’s about dance.

When ‘Pippin’ premieres on the Northwestern stage on Feb. 27, all three will be on full display.

The story follows Pippin, a young prince searching for adventure.

After meeting with several setbacks, he develops a relationship with Catherine, a widow with an 11-year-old son named Theo.

Anja Bisignani, who plays Catherine, summarized the play while describing her character.

“Catherine has a very big character arc,” she said. “Her husband is dead, and she wants what’s best for her son Theo.

“[Then] she starts courting Pippin.

“Over time he starts falling in love with her, as well.”

Sophie Freund plays Theo.

“He’s Catherine’s son but he really doesn’t like Pippin and Pippin doesn’t like him either,” she said. “He’s just trying to make his mom happy but he’s a child and a little petulant.”

Though the plot is fictional, both Pippin and his father, Charlemagne, are based on two historical figures of the early Middle Ages.

Ben Smith, who plays Charlemagne, describes his character as “very pompous and arrogant, a stereotypical king.”

Justine Gross, who plays the title lead, describes Pippin as “very young and spunky.

“He’s very emotional and has a big personality,” Gross said.

The play tracks Pippin’s journey.

“He’s trying to find something in life that truly satisfies him,” Gross said. “But, he feels like he’s constantly running out of time and won’t be able to fulfill his goal.”

The cast is determined to bring the play to life.

“Choreographer Adam Newborn and I are working together to choreograph and block the songs to portray the beauty of this show,” said Zane Bachert, who directs the play.

Dance captain Kayla Kinney is in most of the numbers and helps everyone out when he’s not there.

“We also have a new music director who is Michelle Woodland,” Bachert said. “She has been amazing working with the students on the very difficult music.”

Stage Manager Lauchlan Hanna worked with his father, Scott Hanna, on building the sets.

“Mr. Storch actually has a degree in set building, so he was very, very helpful,” he said.

The play typifies what Bob Fosse is known for.

“The music is really fun,” Gross said, who calculates she has about eight songs. “I enjoy all the songs I do.”

“I think it’s a pretty interesting play,” Hanna added. “There is no 4th wall. It reminds me of the Truman Show. It gives me those vibes.”

The cast is making the most of every rehearsal.

“It’s a really fun and creative play,” Gross said. “I’ve had the best time in drama doing this play.”

“Pippin is a great play for people who want to see a story about discovering yourself and coming into your own,” Smith said.

“Pippin is a play that looks at the true meaning of life, with Pippin trying to find that,” Bachert said.

“I truly believe that the overall message is to strive for and be satisfied with the simple things of life instead of having illusions of grandeur and promises of something extraordinary that may not ever happen,” Freund said.

“I think this play is so fun,” Assistant Director Sarah Danner said. “It’s written for actors but a lot of nontheater folks will enjoy the ride because it’s so theatrical.”

“Pippin” tickets are on sale at https://www.northwesterntigers.org/main/otherad.

“Pippin” premieres 7 p.m. Feb. 27 with additional performances 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1; and an afternoon performance at 2 p.m. March 2.

The play is recommended for ages 14 and older.